money

[whtouche]

Ok, next year I've decided I want to give NACs a try. I've only been fencing ~2 years, only national tournament Id ever been to was summer nationals last year when I redefined horrible. I've gotten better since then,looking back I wasnt even in control of what I was doing (not in a dangerous way, I just didnt think like a fencer.)

Anyways, back to the original point: NACs. I've recently earned and re-earned my 'C' and want to try out a div 1 NAC, but I'd settle for div 2. My question being, what is everyone's experience with the average cost of attending these events? Depending how much it is, I might be able to justify to myself and my parents saving up for it and going for it; but first I need to know about what I'm saving up to.

I know there's alot of variables, such as where it's held, what hotel you stay in, airfare/airline etc. Im not looking for a hard number, just something that hovers about around what you'd normally pay, all things averaged out. From there I can get started on my aneurysm and tooth-gnashing, and start rolling my change

[JEC]

Airfare - 300-400 (from MA)
Hotel - 150 ( 2 days) - cheaper may get you to rent a car.
Registration - 70 (one event)
Meals - 40 ( 2 days - cheap: subway, etc)
Taxi to and from airports - 80
Stuff that you buy - 200 (a new blade, + ...)

[oiuyt]

Airfare from MA $200-250.
Hotel $50 for night before split with someone.
Entry fee/registration $70
Food you're paying for anyway.
Equipment you're buying anyway.
Shuttles to/from airport $0-$40 depending on location of NAC and availability of free hotel shuttle.

The above totals ~$400. I usually budget $500 and have yet to hit it.

If you are interested in going to div I NACs talk to me and we can share rooms. Jon and I always split a room, sometimes with other people, sometimes not, in either case we can always add you.

Now just hope that the HPC doesn't move the minimum for Div I to B as they have announced they would like to.

-B :)

[Jupiter]

I have never been to North American Cup. I hope you don't mind if I play cheerleader for you for a minute, but, since you're going to go; why not try to fence the highest level you can? You'll never know. I'm not kidding around. But one advice from a seasoned traveller; don't waste a lot of energy in travelling; stay close to the venue and absorb the vibes from it. Eat their food at the hotel, but not too much the night before your first competition, you want to be fresh. Get hotel desk to call you for a wake up early, and be ready to do your own warm-up workout, possibly in their work-out room. Then light breakfast; grab a 6-pack of yogurt to bring to the event; a few bottles of water and you're on your way.

Then;

[oiuyt]

Actually there can be a very good reason.... Is it worth $500 to fence 5 bouts? With a 60% cut from the first round of pools that's exactly what a Div I NAC ends up being for nearly every C and a good number of A/B fencers. A C fencer is likely to get considerably more fencing for their cost at a Div II NAC. Granted it won't include the top fencers and it can't result in national points, but it's reasonable to argue that if you can only afford 1 event that the Div II is the better choice.

Of course if the HPC limits Div I's to A/B fencers the answer becomes moot.

-B :)

[Inquartata]

It depends on your ingenuity. Pool your resources with a couple of clubmates, shop hard for airfares and accomodations, or drive if you can find one close enough, and it can be done fairly inexpensively. The only immutable expense is the entry fee.

[Jupiter]

I see the point $500/for 5 bouts is quite a gamble, and you're probably right about the ratings allowed for Div I or II. But, if it is more open, you may think in terms of: what is your age? will you have a chance again, if so, how soon? if not, then you may want to take the risk. Next would be, see who's fencing; and for the next several months see what they do best and do some mental preparations, practicing at home; that's what I would do. [shhhh don't tell anyone]

good luck whichever division you fence in. [i'm going to have to tone my signature down, it's just shouting at everyone]

[whtouche]

Thanks to everyone who replied. ~500 doesn't seem unreasonable. As far as what level NAC I'll be trying to hit, time will tell.

As you said, if div 1 NAC's are limited to A and B's my choice is made for my. But likewise if I happen to acquire(chase down and capture) a 'B' of my own, my decision will be equally easy. The decision only necessitates thinking about if they don't limit div 1 to A/B's
I'll definetly try to go to at least one, perhaps two NACs next season, if they happen to be div 1, I'll definetly be talking to you brad, thanks for the offer.

[edew]

It appears that there will only be two Div I NACs next season.

The "traditional" April Div I NAC (like the Overland Park KS one this year) will be the Div I Nationals, as USFA has to resolve who will qualify to the Olympics. The Olympics are in August in Athens, Greece (not Georgia), and having the Div I Nationals occurring during the Summer Nationals would be too late for decision and prep time.

[SJB]

Is the schedule up for the two Div. I's yet? And if not now, when?