General Info, Classes, Fees, etc.

Club Sessions: During the school year, IWFC meets on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 at Smithfield High School's gym. If the gym is unavailable, we meet in the cafeteria instead.

All three weapons and all levels of experience -- including none! -- are welcome. We request that all fencers be at least ten years old. IWFC is a member club of the US Fencing Association.

Vicki Hanes is the coach of both IWFC and its extension, the Poquoson Fencing Club. She is a member of the US Fencing Coaches Association and of the USFA. She has been certified to teach both foil and saber by the USFA and has competitive experience in all three weapons.

Photo by Ben Andrus

NOTE: When the school is closed to students, we do not meet that night. Please keep an eye on the schedule page as school holidays and in-service days are indicated as 'no fencing' days.

We also do not meet if Isle of Wight schools are closed or are dismissed early due to weather or some unforeseen event. In the event of an early closing, every attempt is 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 inland is often snowier and icier than it is just a few miles closer to the water.

Classes: Beginners classes are held throughout the year, some during regular club sessions, some at locations and times outside regular club meetings. Classes are posted 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:

IWFC will offer a beginners class starting Monday, April 21. Classes will be held in Smithfield High School's gym on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30. The class fee of $150 includes purchasing your own equipment (women will need an additional $20 for required protective equipment).
Wakefield will have a beginners class from April 22 through June 24. Classes will be in the Wakefield Foundation auditorium on Tuesday nights from 6:00to 7:00. The cost of the class is $100 plus $110 for equipment (women will need an additional $20 for required protective equipment).
Wakefield will have an intermediate class from April 22 through June 10. Classes will be in the Wakefield Foundation auditorium on Tuesday nights from 7:00 to 8:00. The cost of the class is $80 and participants should already have their own equipment.
The Poquoson Parks & Rec deparment will be offering a beginners class from July 31 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 Poquoson Parks & Rec Department will be offering an intermediate class from July 31 through September 7. Sessions will be Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 at the Poquoson Primary School. Contact Parks and Rec to register.

Dues and Fees Effective August 1, 2007:

Membership in IWFC includes membership in the Poquoson Fencing Club and entitles IWFC members to participate in PFC practices as well as vice versa.

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
Please request lessons at least 24 hours in advance. 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 club 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.