Our club welcomes everyone, as long as they understand our policy and comply with our guidelines. If there's something you don't understand or are unsure about, please write me.
All are welcome, whatever your age, sex, or lifestyle. All whipcracking traditions are respected, including Western, Australian, "indoor" and others. Minors are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Keep in mind that we practice in public places, so proper attire and behavior is required.
Eye and ear protection are provided at meetings. A practice whip is available for those wishing to try out a long whip. If you are new to this, there is always someone to provide instruction and help get you started. We also bring a picnic cooler with refreshments (water, soda, that sort of thing).
Regular Membership dues are $20/year. The 'starving artist' membership is $10/year. All members receive a membership card. Visitors are asked to make a $5 donation.
Every member, guest or visitor must read and comply with the following guidelines: Whips are dangerous. The tip of a whip can move at supersonic speeds. A considerable amount of energy is released during a crack. Whips can permanently damage eyes, slice off ears, and even break bones. Nobody wants to end up in the hospital after a fun day of whipcracking.
1) EYE PROTECTION IS MANDATORY. If you are going to throw whips with us, you must be wearing eye protection. Safety goggles are inexpensive and available at sporting goods and hardware stores. Even if you are a fan of shorter whips, you must wear eye protection.
2)Remain aware of your immediate area. A 6 foot whip will create a circle of danger with a nearly 20 foot diameter. Make sure there are no objects, such as tree branches or overhanging wires, that could entangled your whip. Check the ground around you for debris such as scraps of paper, chips of glass, or twigs. Such items can be picked up and launched by your whip. This is another good reason for all members (even those not whipcracking) to be wearing goggles.
3)If you are not whipcracking, stay clear of those who are. Be aware you may be in the person's blind spot. If you must cross the path of someone whipracking, call out or get the person's attention. Keep in mind they may be wearing ear protection and not be able to hear you.
4)Ask permission before picking up or using someone's whip. Whips are not toys. They represent sizable investment and are a matter of pride for their owners. Besides this, they can be dangerous in the hands of the clueless. If you you have never handled a whip before, picking one up and trying to crack it (without instruction) may get somebody hurt. That person will likely be yourself.
5) Consider wearing a wide brimmed hat. The wide brim will deflect the whip from your ears and face.
6) Ear protection. The sound of a whip crack can damage your ears, especially if the whip happens to crack near your face. (Ear protection is a good idea for someone like myself, who's ears have already been fried at countless rock concerts.)
7) Wear long sleeves and long pants. This helps lesson the occasional welt.
Happy whipcracking,
Gene
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