5 Essential Tips to Ensure You're Always Ready for Your Next Fencing Tournament
It is heartbreaking to arrive at a competition, realizing you forgot an essential piece of your equipment. It costs money and time to look for equipment to borrow or even have to purchase something you already own. In addition, you may have traveled far to your tournament, which can also be very important for your career and future opportunities. Even if it is a local tournament, you may waste an opportunity to practice and learn new habits that may develop you further as an athlete. Here are five pieces of advice to put into practice to prevent this from ever happening to you.
Write and follow a packing list
The first step to making sure you are ready for your tournament is to make sure you have a packing list for all of your fencing equipment. Even if you are going to a local tournament, it is still essential to have a packing list for all the equipment you plan on using for the day and any clothes or shoes you plan to change after the tournament. If you are traveling on an airplane internationally or to a different state, make sure you put your ID and/or passport on your packing list. Include any toiletries that you may need for your travels and after you finish competing. In addition, make sure you have packed enough clothes to change into after you compete and all of your fencing equipment and extra gear if you are able.
Make sure you have a tool kit in your bag
It is also important to have a tool kit in your bag to repair anything necessary to fix your equipment quickly. Often, you may have to repair a tip screw in between your pool bouts which is not enough time to find an armorer to do it for you. If you do not have anything to repair your equipment, you can only fence with that weapon once you find someone to repair it. It would be best if you also learned how to repair basic issues with your fencing blades and tips so that you can fix them yourself as soon as it breaks. Your kit should include tip screws, a screwdriver, springs, super glue, tape, a wrench, and anything you deem necessary. You may also want to bring body tape, topical creams, and ibuprofen to alleviate body aches and pains.
Put your essential fencing equipment in your carry-on bag
If you are traveling by plane, it is crucial to pack all your equipment besides your blades in your carry-on bag. This method may allow you to compete even if the airline loses your checked bag. It is much easier to borrow or purchase weapons only when you have all your other gear. The items in your carry-on include your mask, glove, electric jacket, Azza 15/14 shoes, socks, chest protector (if needed), and all other equipment you need to compete other than your blades.
Test your equipment before you leave
Before leaving for your event, you should test all your weapons, electric jackets, masks, and body cords. You should always arrive with gear that works and has all of its necessary pieces because you may not find someone who can fix your equipment at the event, and the issue may not be a quick fix or easy solution. In addition, showing up to your bout with broken equipment puts you at risk for cards, which may put you in a dire situation during your bout.
Pack snacks and electrolytes for your event
Bring all snacks and electrolytes that consistently keep you fueled and hydrated during your event with you to the tournament. It is best to follow a routine that you have previously established that is successful for your body. For example, if you prefer a specific snack after your pool bouts, pack that in your fencing bag before you leave for the event. You may not be able to find it near your tournament location and may have to try something new, which might affect your performance.
