General Info, Classes, Fees, etc.

PFC was founded in 2008 by Vicki Hanes and Poquoson Parks and Rec, thanks to the overwhelming response received by PPR's first-ever fencing class. PFC is currently an extension of the Isle of Wight Fencing Club with the hope that PFC will continue to grow and become strong enough to become a separate, stand-alone club.

Club Sessions: PFC meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Poquoson Primary School. Go in the gym doors at the front of the school, not the main doors.

All three weapons and all levels of experience -- including none! -- are welcome.  We request that all fencers be at least ten years of age.

Vicki Hanes is the coach and instructor for both PFC and the main club, IWFC. She is a member of the US Fencing Coaches Association and of the US Fencing Association. She has been certified to teach both foil and saber by the USFA and has competitive experience in all three weapons. PFC is part of the Isle of Wight Fencing Club, which is a member US Fencing Association.

      Photo by Ben Andrus

NOTE: Please keep an eye on the schedule page as there will be times when the club's regular session will be cancelled, such as for holidays. There will also be occasions when the club will run from 6:00 to 8:00 instead of the usual hour-long session. Keep an eye on the schedule page for these dates.

Club sessions may be cancelled with short notice at times due to weather or other unforseen occurrences. When this happens, every attempt will be made to update the website and/or email the club membership as soon as possible. However, it is not always possible to reach everyone due to individuals' access to email and the Internet during the day. Please use caution and common sense and keep in mind that weather in one part of Hampton Roads may be very different than the weather just a few miles down the road.

Dues and Fees Effective May 1, 2010:

Because the Poquoson Fencing Club is part of the Isle of Wight Fencing Club, membership dues entitle PFC fencers to participate in any IWFC practices and club activities as well. (Conversely, IWFC members are also entitled to participate in PFC practices.)

Membership dues - due at the beginning of the month:

• Full Time Membership: $15 per month ($180 per year split out over monthly payments). Like a gym membership, the $15 is due whether you actually attend club that month or not.  

• Pay As You Go Membership: $20 per month, paid only for months in which you attend club.

• Additional family members: $5 per month for either membership type. (Immediate family members only, please.)

• Epee/Saber Night: $5 per fencer per month (no family discount)

• Floor fees: First visit is free, $5 per night afterwards

• Equipment rental: $30 per month, fencer takes possession of a mask and jacket

Private lessons - due at the time of the lesson:

• $15 for 30 minutes

• Private lessons can be scheduled in advance by contacting the coach.

Armory work - due when the equipment is turned in for work:

Note: Armory work performed at tournaments is free as I consider it part of supporting my fencers.

• Foil/epee rewire:  $10/blade only, $12/complete foil, $15/complete epee.  Includes wire only, other parts are extra if needed.

• Foil/epee troubleshoot and basic repair (including cleaning, excluding rewire):  $5  Parts are extra if needed. More complex repairs, such as rethreading a tip, will be priced on an ad hoc basis.

• Body wire troubleshoot and repair: $5

• Cut tang down for pistol grip: $2.  Includes rethreading tang if needed.

• Stencil name on knickers or jacket:  $15

• Alter lamé (take in the sides):  $10

• Paint mask:  $35 for a solid color, $50 and up for designs

Purchasing new equipment:

• Orders are generally done on the first Monday of the month

• Your cost is the catalog price of the items you're ordering, no shipping or handling

• Payment is due at the time you place the order (either turn in payment at the club or pay online)

• Equipment should be picked up within one month of being ordered. Equipment that is not picked up may be charged a $5 per month storage fee, due upon claiming the equipment.

• Although most orders are currently done through Absolute, if you want to order something from a different vendor, check with the coach first. If we can make a discount arrangement with them, we'll be happy to order it for you so you don't have to pay shipping and handling.