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.

General Info: 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.) Our full schedule, incuding holidays, can be seen here.  Special classes, camps, and other fun things are announced as they're scheduled, as well as added to the schedule page. Private lessons, demonstrations, and special group events are also available. Contact Vicki for more information.

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: When club sessions have to be cancelled, the membership is notified as soon as possible via email and an update is posted to the website's main page, Twitter, and Facebook pages (IWFC and PFC). 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 is often very different just a few miles down the road.

Class and Practice Information:

Beginner and intermediate foil classes are offered through Poquoson Parks and Rec. Registrations and class fees go through PPR.

Beginner foil class:

• Sunday evenings from 5:00 to 6:00. (Note: First class is from 4:00 to 6:00.)

• Ten sessions long

• Equipment (mask, jacket, foil, glove) is purchased as part of the first class. The cost is $110 for men, $130 for women or boys wishing to use a chest protector. Sizing information is taken care of as part of the first class. Equipment fee is payable to the coach at the first class.

Intermediate foil class:

• Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00

• Eight sessions long

• The fencer must have completed the beginner class or demonstrated comparable skill to the coach beforehand

• It is strongly recommended that the fencer attend club practices before taking the intermediate class so that the fencer is comfortable with the basics learned so far

Dues and Fees Effective September 1, 2011:

Membership entitles fencers to participate in both PFC and IWFC practices and activities.

Membership dues - due at the beginning of the month:

• Monthly: $20 for one fencer, immediate family members are an additional $5 each

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

Private lessons - due at the time of the lesson:

• $15 for 30 minutes, $25 for one hour

• Lessons can be scheduled at IWFC for any time between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday, depending on coach availability. They can also be given during club practices depending on space and time constraints.

• Lessons are scheduled 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 rewire:  $10/blade only, $12/complete foil

• Epee rewire:  $12/blade only, $15/complete epee

• Rewires include 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, 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 Wednesday of the month

• The vendor is Absolute Fencing although we may also order from Fencing.net from time to time if the need/interest is there

• 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.