Hello! I'm new to fencing and fencing.net.

[alltimerebel]

HELLO EVERYBODY! My name is Hydie and I am new to this site. I am very interested in fencing and I would like to learn this year in college. As you know, Olympic has just started and as I was looking at the Olympic site yesterday, where they show you how every sport's basic rules and stuffs, I found fencing very interesting and was thinking to learn it this fall when I become a freshman in college. I am 18 now and knew nothing about the sport. I notice that a lot of people have been starting fencing since an early age (i.e. 11, 12). Do you think 18 is a little too old to learn? Would it be too tough for a 18-year-old? I am just wondering because I might be taking quite a lot of other classes as well this fall and yet I really cannot resist the fascination of fencing.

Please comment and tell me what you think. I hope to know you all a little better soon.

- Hydie

[gulebukser]

Welcome, welcome.

Here are three threads that discuss age:

• http://www.fencing101.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11167
• http://www.fencing101.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9132
• http://www.fencing101.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7950

Basically, it is never too late to start. I started at 18 and in college, so it is not a problem.

[alltimerebel]

Thanks gulebukser. Now I'm sure I would try in college.

Oh i have another question though. How much does one usually spend for this sports a year?

[Taomagicdragon]

Welcome, I posted in your other thread how much I spent. Hope you enjoy fencing!!!

[Tigerlily86]

Hi Hydie. As far as cost, i believe the estimate in the other thread was a bit high. For a beginner class you can probably get by with just a mask, foil, and jacket(most people use a glove too, but i dont like to). and that would probably be somewhere around $150. I get all my stuff from blue gauntlet, so you might check their website to see how much things are. After that if you decide you want to continue in the sport and compete in tournaments, you'll need electric equipment. Im just now getting electric equipment myself, and for just basic stuff I believe its around $200. Most people end up getting knickers, extra weapons, an extra body cord,etc... but Im hoping i can get by without them for now. I think thats it. Anyway, welcome to fencing, Hydie.

[alltimerebel]

Originally Posted by Tigerlily86

Hi Hydie. As far as cost, i believe the estimate in the other thread was a bit high. For a beginner class you can probably get by with just a mask, foil, and jacket(most people use a glove too, but i dont like to). and that would probably be somewhere around $150. I get all my stuff from blue gauntlet, so you might check their website to see how much things are. After that if you decide you want to continue in the sport and compete in tournaments, you'll need electric equipment. Im just now getting electric equipment myself, and for just basic stuff I believe its around $200. Most people end up getting knickers, extra weapons, an extra body cord,etc... but Im hoping i can get by without them for now. I think thats it. Anyway, welcome to fencing, Hydie.

Thank you for the info, Tigerlily!! That certainly helps a lot for me to decided whether I can afford the sport or not. Two weeks until school starts. I can't wait to join that class!!! I hope I can get it though, because the fencing class is full for now.

- Hydie

[Tigerlily86]

you'll most likely be able to get in. If not, you can probably take it next semester or something. Ive heard that there are a lot of ppl in college who take the class only long enough to realize its not the type of fencing you see in the movies. best of luck.