General Info, Classes, Fees, etc.

Club Sessions: Starting February 10, PFC will meet on Sunday evenings from 7:00 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 Associaltion 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.

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.

Classes: Beginner and intermediate classes are offered through Poquoson Parks and Recreation. Classes may also be offered at other locations in conjunction with the parent club, IWFC, and as such will be listed here along with location and fees. Purchasing the required equipment is covered during the first class. (Please be aware that class fees may vary from one class to the next due to the location of the class and any costs associated with said location.)

Upcoming classes:

The next Poquoson Parks & Rec beginners class will be held from July 13 through September 21. Sessions will be Sunday evenings from 5:00 to 6:00 at the Poquoson Primary School. Contact Parks and Rec to register.
The next Poquoson Parks & Red intermediate class will be held from July 13 through September 7. Sessions will be Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 at the Poquoson Primary School. The class fee includes PFC club membership for the duration of the class. Contact Parks and Rec to register.

In addition to keeping an eye on the PFC website, you can also sign up for our email list. Click here to be added. (Email will come from coach@iwfc.net.)

Dues and Fees Effective August 1, 2007:

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 or club activities as well as PFC practices. (Conversely, IWFC members are also entitled to participate in PFC practices.)

Individual dues - due at the beginning of the month:

$15 per month for non-USFA members
$10 per month for USFA members (proof of membership is required)

Family dues - due at the beginning of the month:

$25 if no one is a USFA member
$20 if one person is a USFA member
$15 if two or more are USFA members
The family rate applies to immediate family members only

Floor fees - due at the time of the visit:

Non-IWFC members may visit us for free one night
$5 floor fee per visit afterwards

Private lessons - due at the time of the lesson:

$15 for 30 minutes
Requesting lessons in advance is appreciated but not required. Click here to email the coach.

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

Foil/epee rewire: $7/blade only, $10/complete weapon. Includes wire only, other parts are extra if needed.
Foil/epee troubleshoot and repair (excluding rewire): $5 Parts are extra if needed.
Cut tang down for pistol grip: $2
Stencil name on knickers or jacket: $15
Alter lamé (take in the sides): $10
Paint mask: $25 for a solid color, $35 and up for designs

Purchasing new equipment:

Orders are done on the first and third Mondays 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)
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.