What are the basic Absolutely basic needs for fencing how do I get started?

My daughter is only 12 and she has her mind absoulutely ffixed on fencing!|||Well first you need to find her a place to fence at. I suggest going there and talking to the instructors about what they can provide for her (in case she decides she doesn't like it since equipment is costly). You can start buying her more of her own equipment as she shows steady commitment unless you have the money to spare.





But simply for competition you'll need:


fencing shoes (she can use tennis shoes to start out)


long socks (softball or soccer socks are fine)


spandex shorts (optional but I find the knickers much more comfortable with spandex)


knickers


chest protector (since she's a female this is required for her to fence)


underarm protector


fencing jacket


mask (the type depends on what weapon she fences)


body cords (needed to fence in competitions and at most clubs)


electric weapon (type depends on which she chooses and it is best to have someone who knows fencing walk you through the first purchase so that the weapon suits her)


practice weapon (optional if she always fences electronically)


head cord (if she decides to fence sabre)


glove (must be a fencing glove)|||First, look for a fencing studio in your area, most of these places will charge you a low monthly fee, and will let you use their equipment for no additional cost. Another reason you should do this is because you probably don't know what weapon your daughter will be using. (epee, foil, or sabre) It would be a waste of your money to buy her a foil, then have her coach tell you she'd be better at epee.





After your daughter has practiced for a while, you should buy her a weapon, mask, jacket, chest protector, weapon, and glove. I recommend buying a front zip jacket, and buying an electric weapon, and (if she's sabre) an electric mask. This way, when she does start competing, you won't need to replace her non electric equipment with electric equipment, saving you money.





When your daughter is ready to compete, make sure she has two working weapons, (they have a tendency to break) two body chords, knickers, socks, shoes, a mask, a jacket(electric if she's sabre), a lame(if she's foil), and a glove.





If you have any other questions, email me at wiccan01930@gmail.com|||Most fencing salles have equipment available for use either very inexpensively or free. www.bladefencing.com and www.absolutefencing.com both have "starter kits" that include a jacket, mask, blade, and if she desires to compete soon, an electric weapon and body cord. They tend to run between $150 and $300.