There's another way to keep tabs on IWFC/PFC info: Twitter! I plan on using it as another way to let folks know when the websites have been updated and as an additional means of putting a quick word out when something last-minute (such as weather woes) pops up. And who knows, maybe a bit of fencing trivia or lore will show up now and then!
Calendar reminders:
9/1 - Wednesday - Equipment orders and payment are due by 10 p.m.
9/3 - Friday - No IWFC intermediate class
9/5 - Sunday - No PFC class or practice
9/6 - Monday - No IWFC practice
9/7 - Tuesday - September IWFC intermediate class begins
9/8 - Wednesday - September IWFC beginner class begins
To register, for either of the IWFC classes, just send an email or call 238-3111. Let me know the name and age of the fencer(s) (if under 18) and you're good to go. Payments are due the first night of class.
Youth fencing: Thanks again to all of the participants in this summer's fencing camps. I hope you had as much fun as I did! If your young fencer wants more but isn't old enough for the regular class, help me gather a bit of information for a youth fencing class. Let me know what times and days of the week would work best for you and I'll use that info to determine whether there's enough solid interest for such a class and if so, when to have it. So even if 'any day, any time' is okay by you, let me hear from you! And of course, the sooner I have info, the sooner I can schedule it.
If you have pictures or video from fencing camps and practices and would like to share them, send them on in! I'll post them on the clubs' websites so everyone can enjoy your fencer's awesomeness.
USFA membership: Remember, if you're planning on joining USA Fencing this season, list IWFC as your club and let me know so I can include your name on our club membership renewal. (The list is required as part of maintaining the club's membership.) The online registration is quick and easy!
30 August 2010
28 August 2010
Tweet! Tweet! - 28 Aug 2010
You now have another source of IWFC/PFC info: Twitter! This is simply an alternative means of keeping up with club info. It will not replace the websites as the key source of information. I plan on using it as another way to let folks know when the websites have been updated and as an additional means of putting a quick word out when something last-minute (such as weather woes) pops up.
27 August 2010
Dates, equipment, and youth fencing - 27 Aug 2010
Remember, no PFC for the next two weeks! Classes and fencing will resume on September 12. In the meanwhile, come fence at IWFC -- your dues cover both locations, after all!
Registration's open for the September beginner and intermediate classes. Just send in an email or call 238-3111 and you're good to go! Let me know the name and age of the fencer and whether you plan on renting or purchasing equipment.
Equipment orders are due Wednesday, September 1. If you're thinking about entering tournaments this year, you'll need to have the following in addition to your mask, jacket, and glove: plastron/underarm protector (~$18), knickers/fencing pants (~$40), and electric fencing equipment (foil sets start at $141). Even if you're not planning on competing soon, the plastron and knickers are a good idea, one giving another layer of protection and the other being much more comfortable than jeans, pants, or sweats.
Speaking of equipment, please take a moment to check your gear for extra or missing bits. We have one fencer missing a chest plate (men's style, white plastic, black straps) and I have someone's foil lamé that was recently left at IWFC.
Youth fencing at IWFC: There is growing interest in fencing classes for younger fencers, especially after this summer's fencing camps! If you have a young (aged 8-12) fencer or potential fencer, please take a look at the 'quick and dirty' calendar on the schedule page and let me know which currently-available day(s) and time(s) would work best for you. I'll compile the results and set a schedule accordingly. (I know no single schedule will suit everyone but I'll do my best.) If 'whenever!' works best for you, go ahead and let me know that, too -- if I only hear from one or two people, I'll have to assume there isn't enough real interest to continue planning!
Registration's open for the September beginner and intermediate classes. Just send in an email or call 238-3111 and you're good to go! Let me know the name and age of the fencer and whether you plan on renting or purchasing equipment.
Equipment orders are due Wednesday, September 1. If you're thinking about entering tournaments this year, you'll need to have the following in addition to your mask, jacket, and glove: plastron/underarm protector (~$18), knickers/fencing pants (~$40), and electric fencing equipment (foil sets start at $141). Even if you're not planning on competing soon, the plastron and knickers are a good idea, one giving another layer of protection and the other being much more comfortable than jeans, pants, or sweats.
Speaking of equipment, please take a moment to check your gear for extra or missing bits. We have one fencer missing a chest plate (men's style, white plastic, black straps) and I have someone's foil lamé that was recently left at IWFC.
Youth fencing at IWFC: There is growing interest in fencing classes for younger fencers, especially after this summer's fencing camps! If you have a young (aged 8-12) fencer or potential fencer, please take a look at the 'quick and dirty' calendar on the schedule page and let me know which currently-available day(s) and time(s) would work best for you. I'll compile the results and set a schedule accordingly. (I know no single schedule will suit everyone but I'll do my best.) If 'whenever!' works best for you, go ahead and let me know that, too -- if I only hear from one or two people, I'll have to assume there isn't enough real interest to continue planning!
23 August 2010
Class and order dates! - 23 Aug 2010
IWFC class dates have been set through the end of the year:
* Beginner class start dates: September 8, October 4, November 1, November 29.
* Intermediate class start dates: September 7, October 5, November 2. (No December class is planned at this time.)
The details of the classes are unchanged. Both classes are $60 and are open to fencers aged 10 and up.
* The beginner class is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00. It's ten sessions long. Equipment can be purchased or rented.
* The intermediate class is Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00. It's eight sessions long. The class fee includes dues for that month. Equipment can be purchased or rented if you don't have your own yet.
You can register either via phone (238-3111) or email. Let me know the fencer's first and last name and if equipment will be rented or purchased. We'll take care of sizing, payment, etc. as part of the first day of each class.
PFC class dates will be announced soon! I will tell you that they'll start in October. As soon as PPR publishes the fall schedule, I'll let you know the exact date! As always all registrations go through Poquoson Parks and Rec for these classes.
Equipment order! August is tearing by which means we're coming up on the September equipment order already. Orders and payment are due to me by 10 p.m. Wednesday, September 1. You can give them to me in person at any club session or online, whichever works best for you. Check out Absolute's shiny new website when you get a chance! And if you have any questions about equipment, pricing, etc., just let me know.
USFA membership - quick clarification: When you visit the membership link from the last update, be aware that the rates listed below the 'Benefits of Individual Membership' section are the club rates, not the individual rates. (They're what I pay for us, not what you pay.) The individual and family memberships start at $40 and are listed in detail on the membership form and when you get into the registration screen. (They probably don't list them in detail on the main page for the same reason I'm not doing it here - there are several different options and I don't want to confuse anyone!)
* Beginner class start dates: September 8, October 4, November 1, November 29.
* Intermediate class start dates: September 7, October 5, November 2. (No December class is planned at this time.)
The details of the classes are unchanged. Both classes are $60 and are open to fencers aged 10 and up.
* The beginner class is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00. It's ten sessions long. Equipment can be purchased or rented.
* The intermediate class is Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00. It's eight sessions long. The class fee includes dues for that month. Equipment can be purchased or rented if you don't have your own yet.
You can register either via phone (238-3111) or email. Let me know the fencer's first and last name and if equipment will be rented or purchased. We'll take care of sizing, payment, etc. as part of the first day of each class.
PFC class dates will be announced soon! I will tell you that they'll start in October. As soon as PPR publishes the fall schedule, I'll let you know the exact date! As always all registrations go through Poquoson Parks and Rec for these classes.
Equipment order! August is tearing by which means we're coming up on the September equipment order already. Orders and payment are due to me by 10 p.m. Wednesday, September 1. You can give them to me in person at any club session or online, whichever works best for you. Check out Absolute's shiny new website when you get a chance! And if you have any questions about equipment, pricing, etc., just let me know.
USFA membership - quick clarification: When you visit the membership link from the last update, be aware that the rates listed below the 'Benefits of Individual Membership' section are the club rates, not the individual rates. (They're what I pay for us, not what you pay.) The individual and family memberships start at $40 and are listed in detail on the membership form and when you get into the registration screen. (They probably don't list them in detail on the main page for the same reason I'm not doing it here - there are several different options and I don't want to confuse anyone!)
19 August 2010
Temps, Tournaments and T-shirts - 19 Aug 10
Last night the temps at the salle were just about perfect and they should be even better tonight! Plus we're back to three fully electric strips again so come fence your brains out with us tonight. It'll be a nice change from sweating our brains out!
With the new season under way, the Virginia Division is starting to schedule tournaments again. Up next is the Back to School Brawl in Charlottesville on August 28-29. It's ratings-restricted (click link for details) and registration is $25 in advance versus $50 at the door.
After that it's the Kickoff Open September 18-19. It's in Annandale, VA, this year with a $35 preregistration fee ($70 at the door).
The Tech Open is next on September 25-26 in Blacksburg. Heads-up: That link is where the correct information will be posted but right now the details showing there are a bit off. I've let the Division know and it will likely be updated shortly. In the meanwhile, here's the direct link to the info on AskFRED.
On October 9-10, Richmond will be hosting a Refereeing Clinic and Open. Details will be added to the linked page as they become available.
Which takes us to the following weekend, October 16. Which is when WE will be hosting a one-day tournament! It will be a ratings-restricted foil event, probably E and under, and it will be a great opportunity for many of you to stick your toe into tournament waters. But I need a few things from the collective you out there:
1. I need a few people to volunteer to be on the tournament committee. No experience necessary but a bit of familiarity with fencing tournaments does help.
2. We need a name for this excellent event! Suggestions?
A few details: It will be held at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton as part of the Ultimate Combat Sports Challenge. There will also be competitions in wrestling, boxing, various martial arts, and more with participants coming in from all over the place according to the event organizer. The intent of the event is to bring Hampton Roads residents' attention to the variety of activities available to them throughout the area so hopefully we'll get a lot of spectators throughout the day. And we have a habit of turning spectators into fencers!
Interested in entering one or more of these events but haven't been to a tournament before? No worries! Take a look at How to Go To a Fencing Tournament for starters. And of course we can chat at club or via email about questions you might have. The main goal? Have fun!
Lastly, t-shirts! Cafe Press has changed how they're handling sales so I've changed the link for Pointed Comments on the vendor pages of the clubs' websites. Short version, if Cafe Press is having a sale that doesn't require a code, you can only get the sale prices via the new link. The old one will still charge you the full price. (I know, I don't get it either!)
That being said, they are having a sale on white and light-colored tees through August 22. Order three or more tees and enter code WHOT30 at checkout to receive 30% off!
And that, folks, is all for now!
With the new season under way, the Virginia Division is starting to schedule tournaments again. Up next is the Back to School Brawl in Charlottesville on August 28-29. It's ratings-restricted (click link for details) and registration is $25 in advance versus $50 at the door.
After that it's the Kickoff Open September 18-19. It's in Annandale, VA, this year with a $35 preregistration fee ($70 at the door).
The Tech Open is next on September 25-26 in Blacksburg. Heads-up: That link is where the correct information will be posted but right now the details showing there are a bit off. I've let the Division know and it will likely be updated shortly. In the meanwhile, here's the direct link to the info on AskFRED.
On October 9-10, Richmond will be hosting a Refereeing Clinic and Open. Details will be added to the linked page as they become available.
Which takes us to the following weekend, October 16. Which is when WE will be hosting a one-day tournament! It will be a ratings-restricted foil event, probably E and under, and it will be a great opportunity for many of you to stick your toe into tournament waters. But I need a few things from the collective you out there:
1. I need a few people to volunteer to be on the tournament committee. No experience necessary but a bit of familiarity with fencing tournaments does help.
2. We need a name for this excellent event! Suggestions?
A few details: It will be held at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton as part of the Ultimate Combat Sports Challenge. There will also be competitions in wrestling, boxing, various martial arts, and more with participants coming in from all over the place according to the event organizer. The intent of the event is to bring Hampton Roads residents' attention to the variety of activities available to them throughout the area so hopefully we'll get a lot of spectators throughout the day. And we have a habit of turning spectators into fencers!
Interested in entering one or more of these events but haven't been to a tournament before? No worries! Take a look at How to Go To a Fencing Tournament for starters. And of course we can chat at club or via email about questions you might have. The main goal? Have fun!
Lastly, t-shirts! Cafe Press has changed how they're handling sales so I've changed the link for Pointed Comments on the vendor pages of the clubs' websites. Short version, if Cafe Press is having a sale that doesn't require a code, you can only get the sale prices via the new link. The old one will still charge you the full price. (I know, I don't get it either!)
That being said, they are having a sale on white and light-colored tees through August 22. Order three or more tees and enter code WHOT30 at checkout to receive 30% off!
And that, folks, is all for now!
Happy New Year! - 19 Aug 10
Happy New (Fencing) Year! The fencing year officially runs from August to July so we're now in the brand new 2010-2011 fencing season! *inhales deeply* Yep, still has that new year smell even.
What does that mean for you?
And about that USA Fencing instead of US Fencing? It popped up at Summer Nationals and basically boils down to 'rebranding to be more in line with other US Olympic sports.' As for the new logo? Just ... um ... yeah. I don't know of anyone who likes it but hey, we don't have to wear it so no worries, right?
What does that mean for you?
- If you're a member of USA Fencing and your membership's expiration date is 2010, it's time to renew. Happily, the new vendor handling the online registration seems to have their ducks in a pretty good row! Just click here to go to the new membership page and follow the instructions from there.
- If you want to join USA Fencing for the first time or to rejoin after a hiatus, just go to the same page and follow the instructions. Why join? The more members USA Fencing has, the more it can support fencing from little clubs like us up to the top fencers who compete at the international level, including the Olympians. Plus you'll get a subscription to Fencing magazine, equipment discounts, and more! The full benefits list is towards the bottom of the membership page.
- When you join, please list your club as IWFC/Isle of Wight Fencing Club, even if you fence purely at Poquoson. Remember, PFC is part of IWFC, not a separate, stand-alone club. (See the next item for one of the whys.)
- Let me know if you've (re)joined or are planning to do so this year so I can include you on our club membership renewal. We're required to have at least ten USA Fencing members in order to maintain our club membership.
And about that USA Fencing instead of US Fencing? It popped up at Summer Nationals and basically boils down to 'rebranding to be more in line with other US Olympic sports.' As for the new logo? Just ... um ... yeah. I don't know of anyone who likes it but hey, we don't have to wear it so no worries, right?
04 August 2010
Orders due tonight - 4 Aug 10
Just a quick reminder that orders for this month are due tonight. You can either email your order or give it to me tonight at IWFC. Payment can be made online or in person, whichever works best for you. (If you email your order, the deadline's 10 p.m. tonight.)
01 August 2010
Dates - Updates and reminders - 1 Aug 10
IWFC class dates have been pushed back one week. So beginner fencing starts Monday, August 9, and intermediate fencing starts Tuesday, August 10. Which also means you still have time to sign up -- call 238.3111 or email coach@iwfc.net to register.
The August equipment order goes in this Wednesday, August 4. As usual, Absolute is the preferred vendor but if there's something you want that they don't carry, just let me know. Orders (including payment) are due by 10 p.m Wednesday evening and you can turn them in either in person or online, whichever works better for you.
The fencing camps have a few openings left but time's running out! The August 9 - 13 camps are being offered by the Isle of Wight Parks and Rec department and will be held at Nike Park. Contact IOWPR to register. The Poquoson Parks and Rec camps are August 16 - 20 and will be at the Parks and Rec building. Contact PPR to register.
Poquoson schedule change: The gym will be closed August 29 while they clean the carpets. So no class or practice that day and the classes' end dates will be moved back by one week accordingly.
Labor Day schedule: Neither club will have practice or class Labor Day weekend. The normal schedule will resume the following Tuesday, September 7.
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