FENCING IN HOT WEATHER

Information for our members and fencing community on how to maintain hydration and stay cool during hot weather.

As temperatures are set to soar in some parts of the UK over the coming weeks, there are several things our members and wider community should consider in order to stay safe before, during and after fencing sessions.

Fencing, an indoor sport, is not often affected by adverse weather, but the nature of the sport and the layers of kit required, means that extra precautions need to be taken during hot weather.

It is especially important that younger fencers are guided to stay hydrated, as they may not be able to monitor the signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration as easily.

1. Stay hydrated- take extra water to sessions and make sure it is actually consumed and refilled in the sessions.
2. A cold towel at the back of the neck can help to cool you down.
3. Loosen your clothing to reduce overheating when you are not actively fencing.
4. Coaches, adapt sessions to reflect the weather, by changing the session content or reducing the time fencers have to remain in full kit.
5. Add electrolytes to your water, and/or eat high water content foods like watermelon.
6. Do cool down/stretches like always- you should still warm up and cool down to avoid injury.

Further information on the expected heatwave, including tips for staying cool can be found on the Met Office website here.

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