New to Fencing have a few questions

[GuitarKid]

Hi,
I am starting up fencing in a bout 2 months but i have a few questions. 1, should i just rent clothes and wepons or get my own 2. is it good to start at age 13. 3. how do i choose a wepon right for me

thanks in advance.


OH and any other general info would be greatly appreciated

[Phaeton]

Welcome to the forums!

1. There is essentialy no place where you can rent equipment. Equipment usage usually comes complentary with most clubs. Club equipment isn't always up to the highest quality. I woudln't reccomend buying anything until you know you're going to stick with the sport (which I hope you do, but fencing isn't for everyone) and know which weapon you are going to fence.

I'd say the rule in general is buy equipment when you begin to compete and you need it yourself. Don't buy it all in one chunk, but be prepared to have a full set of what you need by then.

2. Age 13 is the perfect age to start fencing.

3. This'll sound a bit cheesy, but get your baisics down however you club does it, and see what just clicks with you. Something may, and something might not, but in the end it's not about anything other that what's most fun for you. I love both epee and sabre, but like sabre more. I fence sabre competatively, and epee just for fun every once in a while during some of the lighter parts of my season or fi I just want to chill.

It's really all about what you like. There's no "You must do this this way at this peroid of time" although in the end I'd reccomend focusing on one weapon.

Just in terms of general advice, the search function may be hard to use, but it'll save you a lot of times on the forums; it's something good to master.

[RoninX]

Since you have a definite start date I assume you signed up with some kind of program? Fencing quipment is relatively expensive so it is a good idea to borrow or rent at first, then, if you like it enough to really stick with it start to get your own stuff starting with a beginner's kit that most equipment companies sell.

13 is a fine age to start fencing, though since you are still growing all the more reason to start off with a lower priced kit.

In regards to weapon, you'll probably start with foil since that is traditional - it does give you a feel for what sport fencing is really like. If you are interested in the other weapons discuss that with your coach.

I am an advocate of fencing all these weapons, after all; how can you come to the realization that epee IS the best without at least sampling the other two?

Good luck and welcome

[GuitarKid]

Thank you for all your help. my god father who has fenced for years is giving me one of his old foils for practice and the prgram im stating the equitment rental is very cheap. And i must say everyone on these fourms are incredibly nice

[The Rose Knight]

Hey Guitarkid,

My younger son and I are starting soon too. I fenced in my college days and have since done kendo, as have my sons. My younger son is your age. We just found a club that is right nearby. Everything is nice and the coach is super cool. Only thing; the equipment they provide is like Phaeton said; ok, but not the highest quality. One quirk; it's all pastel pinks and baby blue. Certainly not theftworthy and easily identifiable. Otherwise, it is ok. RoninX had a good point regarding starter kits; you're only thirteen and will outgrow it relatively quickly most likely.

Out of curiosity; what kind of guitar do you play?

[GuitarKid]

thanks for all your help and usually i use my classic strat (u gotta love it) but i still play my fender acoutstic sometimes.

[mrbiggs]

You pretty much need to talk to your coach about all three of those questions. (Except number 2, I think all coaches will agree that 13 is a great age to start fencing). 1 and 3, however, will have slightly different answers depending on your coach and your club.

[VELISARIOS]

Hello and wellcome.
1. Get your own.
2.Yes it is.
3.Search.

[The Rose Knight]

Originally Posted by GuitarKid

thanks for all your help and usually i use my classic strat (u gotta love it) but i still play my fender acoutstic sometimes.

Strats rock! I play a Malmsteen Strat, a BC Rich Assassin; essentially a Strat copy with a single humbucker, and a USA BC Rich Warlock.

Rock on!!
RK

[rac]

Welcome! But Tele's are tops...


RAC

[The Rose Knight]

Originally Posted by rac

Welcome! But Tele's are tops...


RAC

Teles are tops, true, but I sold my American butterscotch '52 Tele reissue along with my Gretsch Streamliner to pay for the divorce lawyer. It was worth it; I have have full custody of my kids. I do miss that Tele. Thankfully, Fender regularly reissues everything they've ever made, so I can have one again!!

[GuitarKid]

nice i dont really like teles though but i have never really played them much