Greetings to all.

[Bokkie]

Hello everyone, newbie alert writing his first post. I'm based in the UK near Gatwick Airport and I've just completed a beginners course having returned to fencing after 38 years when I fenced at school for a couple of years.

The last time I fenced we used to beg, borrow or steal equipment from wherever we could find it. Sometimes we had a handful of fencers and sometimes there would be only two of us and our teacher. Failing to salute meant you were dismissed from the hall and sent back to your house, a lesson I never forgot. This time round I've joined a reputable fencing club and spent what seemed like a home loan buying all the equipment I need. I will fence foil and in time will look at getting some additional gear so I can do occasional peacock-strutting as a sabreur.

That's it from me.

[Applesauce and Foils]

Well, welcome! Saluting, . . . very important.

AF

[adrianhk]

Welcome back. I think the sport might have changed a little since you left. (I can't really tell, only been fencing for a year) Epee is the only good weapon.

Your club doesn't let you rent equipment? Ours lets us rent jacket, plastron, mask, glove for $40 for 9 months. Then each dry weapon is $20, electric $30. If you break something, you pay for a new one.

[Bokkie]

Your club doesn't let you rent equipment? Ours lets us rent jacket, plastron, mask, glove for $40 for 9 months. Then each dry weapon is $20, electric $30. If you break something, you pay for a new one.

Thanks guys. Our club only offers kit for the beginners course. After that it has to be returned so it can be cleaned for the next group. There is a sell and barter system of kit other members want to pass on. It is nice though knowing I have my own kit so I can pitch up and stab rather than spend ten minutes or more scratching around bag loads of kit looking for the right sizes.

I have to admit that fencing can become a money pit.

[Scorpius]

Greetings! *saluting profusely*

Yes, fencing is a money pit.
A very fun money pit, but a money pit nonetheless.

[Lady Quindecim]

Bokkie? As in goat? Cool. Sound like a sabre fencer. (kidding) But it is cool.

Yeah, money pit, etc... Welcome back.

Good thing about epee is less equipment to buy - no lame; normal glove, normal mask.

Other sports have their own expenses... I mean, caber toss... does everyone have to bring their own telephone pole?

[Newguyontheblock]

Welcome Back to fencing

[Bryn Ralph]

Greetings from the Scot in Texas! Welcome!

bryn

[Bokkie]

Now that I'm fully equipped for foil I'm thinking of buying the additional equipment for saber. I get the impression saber is a less practised in general than foil or epee.

[dharmaqueen]

Welcome!

[raynard114]

I think the sport might have changed a little since you left...welcome back!