(Part 2) Best sports & outdoors team sports according to redditors

your trainer is not informed and i doubt he wrestled for any length of time.

headgear is specifically suited to protect your ears. however, you do NEED to adjust it to fit your head correctly.

i wore headgear religiously for 10 years of competitive wrestling and i have zero cauliflower. (ok i have some but it's from bjj)

i recommend getting some CK headgear. it's simple and effective. this was the only kind i liked while wrestling.

also, if a wrestler has cauli, it's because he practiced without headgear or competed freestyle/greco and opted not to wear it. headgear does NOT cause cauli.

http://www.amazon.com/Carry-Me-Mascot-GNOME-Costume/dp/B00TSNB9NM

Widely available in the UK

got you fam

Same. I got one of these from Amazon. $30 and worth every penny. I'd rather have a decent watch, but those are considerably more than $30.

If your willing to spend the money, definitely go with the Molten Flistatec volleyball, which can be found here: (http://www.amazon.com/Molten-FLISTATEC-Volleyball-Official-White/dp/B0063NDCGW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417663511&sr=8-2&keywords=molten+volleyball). If that is too much outside your price range, then definitely go with the Mikasa 330. I have used both and while they are both great balls, the Molten Flistatec (which is the main ball we use on my club team) definitely is the superior ball, and is used in all major NCAA teams and championships, albeit more expensive.

Not that i'm giving anyone an idea but if you've got the $30 https://www.amazon.com/Franklin-Sports-Electronic-Baseball-Pitching/dp/B0007DHT8Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=1EIHTQKV5T6OQ&keywords=baseball+pitching+machine&qid=1554340036&s=gateway&sprefix=baseball+pi&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.com/Carry-Me-Mascot-GNOME-Costume/dp/B00TSNB9NM

Carry me costumes or illusion costumes.

I use these: https://www.amazon.com/Mcdavid-Volleyball-Basketball-Football-Contact/dp/B000UVXZ4C or something similar.
Also the cheap shooting mat from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/VISM-NcStar-Roll-Shooting-Mat/dp/B0174K9E8W I recommend that you go with tan or grey. Black gets too hot.

When all else failed we went the DIY route for our teenager and made something like this but hard shell ear protection for wrestling like this will work as well.

Triple Eight ExoSkin Knee Pad

I have had these for about a month now and so far they have been the best I've tried yet. I spend a lot of time on my knees repairing things for work. I wear them daily and have been very happy with them so far. They fit comfortably, have a soft yet durable knee area, very breathable, and have Kevlar so they are abrasion resistant. They are so comfortable that I often times just leave them on all day. Makes it easier to get on the floor to play with dogs or small humans. I don't know how well they will work under tighter fitting pants but they are not all that bulky.

Other knee pads that I've tried and not liked so much are:

McDavid HexPad - I found that the padding on these gets compressed and eventually feels like I'm kneeling straight on the floor. Also they didn't breath well and ended up smelling like a locker room after a week or so.

AWP Non-Marring Polyester-Cap Knee Pads - I used these for a while but they ended up soaking up the sweat and smelled terrible in less than a week. Padding was ok but also had a habit of getting compressed or pushed to the sections that weren't getting knelt on.

If it's anything like my evaporative towel you get it wet, wring it out, then as the water evaporates it gets cold.

The McDavid brand has excellent pads Link. Light and soft (so you can actually sit in seiza) and the tiny hexagon structure avoids material from going to the sides over time.

Wrist guards. If you write code for a living or just use a computer, they're very worthwhile (plus most falls will kill your palms without them). Not the set I own, but they look good

For padding I bought these:
Knees, elbows

Helmet looks like a good deal. Ideally, you also want decent shoes, long-pants, and a jacket to cover your arms, legs, and feet. This is what I wear when I'm really riding quickly, but for < 20 MPH, you can probably shed a bit of it.

I use these frequently. Sometimes with the addition of foam as well if im someplace for a long period of time. They damn near hide completely under my shorts, but no one gives me shit for them because they realize I'm the smart one for wearing them.

https://www.amazon.com/ASICS-ZD0925-Profile-Knee-Black/dp/B002ZUR0EW/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526835615&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=aisics+volleyball+kneepads

Or you could buy this and build off of it. This is going to be what i use to make mine for Halloween.

http://www.amazon.com/Mylec-Pro-Goalie-Mask-White/dp/B00017IGQW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376597080&sr=8-2&keywords=goalie+mask

or you could buy this and paint it-http://www.amazon.com/Skull-Skeleton-Airsoft-Paintball-Protect/dp/B00AQTWM6A/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&qid=1376597152&sr=8-29&keywords=goalie+mask

I just ordered these CK's since a rolling mate also wears it and they seem to be working fine for him. I will try out your suggestion if the CK's don't work out.

I also had previously got these but they kept falling off during training and my ear infection worsened after those rolls.

Outdoor balls are normally a little bigger and lighter than indoor balls, as well as being a different texture and more rugged.

As for indoor recommendations, assuming you're in the US, either the NCAA molten balls, or the FIVB international ball

Make sure you get an authentic one. If you want to go a little cheaper, Molten has some regular leather ones, and so does Tachikara.

As for outdoor, you're going to be looking mostly at Wilson's AVP and Spalding's King of the Beach balls

I tested out several and settled on the Cliff Keen fusion headgear https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JUS3T4Q They are a nice balance between good ear protection and a soft outer layer which is helpful for your teammates.

I also tried, and still have, the Cliff Keen Tornado, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KEFWUE/ . Excellent protection, but the hard outer shell sticks out far and is somewhat like a cheese grater on your partner. Wrestling great, bjj not so much.

I also bought and immediately returned the matman, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006SBMZ9Y/ . The attached chin strap was a deal breaker. Not only did it not fit my big melon the attached chin strap means if it breaks it's tough to replace.

I have no problems hearing instruction or my partner when wearing them, but they are a PIA to wear and this is coming from someone who wrestled for many years. I put them on after warm ups or sometimes not until sparring depending on what we are working on. They have kept my cauliflower ear from coming back over the past year.

Best of luck.

Souther Cali beach players use the wilson AVP ball

Old school players use heavier Spalding kings of the beach

The Spalding KoB is better when it's windy because it's heavier but the Wilson is the current AVP ball.

There is a new version of the [Wilson AVP II] (https://www.amazon.com/Wilson-AVP-Official-Beach-Volleyball/dp/B01C5VR8SI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473780846&sr=8-3&keywords=wilson+sand+volleyball) ball but more expensive.

*edit: added the AVP II ball link

it's almost unavoidable to 'avoid' injuries... with that said...

i've come to find in a year of doing BJJ that i almost always screw up my toes. the big toe or pinky toe on either foot, so i make sure to tape them before class.

with working more spider guard, in a measly 3 months of doing so, i could no longer get my wedding ring on/off so i had to have it resized. since then, i tape my fingers accordingly.

i wear these kneepads when necessary after having to take 6 weeks off due to a tibial bone bruise given my awkward landings when doing shots, or landing on my left knee when doing backrolls. having them helps a lot.

point being... the more you go, the more you learn what your weak areas are, and how to protect them. i am .... naturally ungraceful so the toe issues are probably my fault, as with what happened to my knee. i'm still nursing a right hand middle finger that was sprained in 2 spots christmas night when we had open mats, and i got caught in a sleeve when my partner was breaking spider guard grips. when it heals fully, i will likely tape that finger more than my other ones.

ETA: most the people in my class have avoided massive injuries too. one of my coaches is a black belt in judo and has some shoulder issues from that. another couple people wear ankle braces from past injuries. if you know you have a weak spot on your body, brace it and do the best you can.

I get bursitis in my knees pretty often and have gone through more than a few pairs of knee pads. My favorite are the Asics Super Sleeves. They stay in place, feel good, and are the least bulky that have worked for me. They get pretty hot though. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LG668I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

These things are pretty neat, but expensive ($100+ waat). I bought this sucker with the plans to modify a bucket top so my GSD can drop the ball in herself. If you think of going this route, other people have had success using it for their dogs, but recommended heavier balls like these. You know I like them heavy balls.

I run on a 160m indoor track at times when the snow piles up here in the northeast and I got so sick of counting the laps that I sprung for a handheld counter device. It's such a simple thing, but it lets my mind wander and focus on the music or podcast or whatever I'm listening to, instead of obsessively repeating the lap count in my head (plus it makes it much more difficult to forget if I just finished lap 49 or have been on lap "49" for three loops in a row because I zoned out)

https://www.amazon.com/SportCount-LapCounter/dp/B0016J9NE8

I got a pair of these. I wear them when my ears hurt. Ice and ibuprofen help with the swelling and pain.

Mine stopped hurting as much when I stopped trying to frantically rip my head out of triangles and guillotines.

A few people mentioned race belts. I use this one. It holds like 8 or 10 gels (I only use a couple) plus your number. Strap it on after the swim and don't worry about pins or whatever.

I like these McDavid Hex pads. I bought the smaller elbow and have been using them. They are better with the gi on. When I use them with no gi they do tend to slide around and down a bit. They are super slim but give a lot of protection and move with you pretty well. I got them because they didn't go full knee which sometimes I don't like. But I did just buy a pair of full knee ones from the second link to try for no gi. Both pretty reasonable price. I started wearing them when I was getting some Osgood-Schlatter pain where my patellar tendon connects to my tibia.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E3ZTIS/?coliid=I1U9PJGLGSAED9&colid=YA23UCACS64W&psc=0

https://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Volleyball-Basketball-Football-Contact/dp/B000UVXZ4C/ref=pd_sbs_200_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000UVXZ4C&pd_rd_r=RJ3GNPTGG6DHNJN3MZPA&pd_rd_w=56J0q&pd_rd_wg=R71hD&refRID=RJ3GNPTGG6DHNJN3MZPA

I like the look of those mountain bike pads though.

ASICS shoes are nice and reliable, and cliff keen headgear is also great. Here are some links to get you started

https://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Matflex-GS-Wrestling-Little/dp/B00U8ZWQJK/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=matflex&qid=1569814394&sr=8-2


https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear-Color/dp/B001GKZSSM/ref=sxin_2_ac_m_rm?ac_md=1-1-Y2xpZmYga2VlbiBoZWFkZ2Vhcg%3D%3D-ac_d_rm&keywords=cliff+keen&pd_rd_i=B001GKZSSM&pd_rd_r=7dbdbc90-c2f7-431f-a761-da4325d277ed&pd_rd_w=NCLJ3&pd_rd_wg=LT9bn&pf_rd_p=73c1eab1-1449-4c6d-b922-1dce21aded6d&pf_rd_r=VYQDCKKV97F8NDV052XF&psc=1&qid=1569814423

I don’t use knee pads, so I can’t help you there. Also, if you have braces, you need to get a mouth guard.

http://www.amazon.com/Mylec-Pro-Goalie-Mask-White/dp/B00017IGQW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382661716&sr=8-1&keywords=Mylec+goalie+mask

http://www.amazon.com/Mylec-Pro-Goalie-Mask-Color/dp/B00C7Z4VHE/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1382661716&sr=8-11&keywords=Mylec+goalie+mask

Here's 2, not sure if it's what you're looking for, but searching amazon always works.

Honestly there are some quality regulation goals on amazon for ~maybe $140~

[Found one for 69 bucks and it folds for easy storage.]
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093U9RUC/ref=s9_simh_gw_g200_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=1RA5ME69QVAZKWXH33TK&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=6aad23bd-3035-4a40-b691-0eefb1a18396&pf_rd_i=desktop)

Did you see this one?

How about a tally counter like this: S.P. Richards Company Tally Counter with Finger Ring, Silver (SPR24100) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0008GOGI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_Ikrxwb4W4T5KF

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UVXVZ0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

these are the ones i have if that helps

Maybe a "nasty bag" for $5? This is a well known hemp BJJ brand but I don't think the bag itself is made from hemp. http://www.dsgear.com/collections/accessories

Is he on /r/bjj? Perhaps one of the patches that are on the sidebar?

Does he use headgear or have cauliflower ear problems? These are great. Everyone that uses headgear at my studio, uses this brand. Cliff Keen.
http://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-Tornado-Wrestling-Headgear/dp/B000KEFWUE/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417733497&sr=1-2&keywords=kliff+keen+headgear

Good luck!

I just bought [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0063NDCGW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and its legit. Pretty good so far and definitely worth the money.

Pick your flavor.

https://www.amazon.com/EZGoal-Hockey-Folding-2-Inch-White/dp/B0093U9RUC

https://www.amazon.com/EZGoal-67109-Heavy-Duty-Official-Regulation/dp/B00LW5YCII

https://www.amazon.com/EZGoal-Hockey-Folding-Backstop-Targets/dp/B00DGX30Q4

https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Folding-Steel-Hockey-Backstop/dp/B00E2560CQ

If he doesn’t already have one, a new ball would be great

I have the Garmin Forerunner 310XT which is hella cheap for a tri watch (like $100-ish now, since it is obsolete, haha) but does not track laps. Even the 910XT is pretty cheap these days since it was replaced by the 920, but there are so many features on these darn things that I am struggling to figure out if it tracks simple laps in a pool (Amazon says it tracks distance and shit like stroke count, but I'm not sure if that's only for open water...? I would assume it does count laps but definitely confirm for yourself!).

If I were you, I would crosspost to /r/triathlon. You're bound to get a better response from someone who is familiar with what their specific watch is capable of.

I will note that, unless you are doing a ton of brick swim-to-bike workouts from the pool (as opposed to from an open water swim), it may simply be easier to buy a cheaper Garmin triathlon watch that doesn't track laps in a pool and then just a cheapo lap counter, which you can get for like $30 - https://www.amazon.com/SportCount-LapCounter-90040-Silver/dp/B0016J9NE8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495339883&sr=8-1&keywords=lap+counter+swim

yep. but they have hockey tape and u can use that on a mouse to have more grip
amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Lizard-Skins-5mm-Hockey-Grip/dp/B07CJQ2SS9?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_2595629011
fully lizard skinned gpw: https://imgur.com/gallery/tkdVUwq

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00TSNB9NM/ref=mp_s_a_1_2/278-9141304-0704620?qid=1450665617&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=carry+me+costume&dpPl=1&dpID=41cEHhbiIQL&ref=plSrch

gotcha, thanks. i'm just a washed up guy who loves batting cages and wants a way to take some hacks ideally against live pitching

i went with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007DHT8Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

hopefully it doesnt suck

i use these. i swear by them. never roll without 'em. i have joint and easily bruising knees.

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Super-Sleeve-Black-Large/dp/B000LG668I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1404835699&sr=8-4&keywords=asics+knee+pads

These are not super cute, but I've worn them regularly for almost 3 years and they're still in great shape and super comfy.

There's nothing wrong with wearing headgear, as long as your headgear doesn't interfere with your training or your classmates' training.


I trained for 2+ years with no problem, but developed a case of cauli after one particularly rough tournament match. I started using headgear afterwards to protect it from getting worse and let it heal (which it did, mostly).


I had rolled with other guys who used headgear, so before buying a pair I already had an idea of what kinds impacted jiu-jitsu training the most/least. After trying a couple of brands myself, I ended on the Cliff Keen E58 because (a) they have no hard plastic or hard edges on the outside that can hurt your partners, (b) they're relatively small and low profile, and (c) they stay on my head and don't come off all the time.


http://amzn.com/B001GKZSSM

Franklin Sports MLB Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine - Includes Six Plastic Baseballs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007DHT8Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Jw3.AbNRD5VX9

It’ll say somewhere to only use the balls that it comes with but I use regulation wiffle balls all the time

I have 2 x brute quad III's now and 1 x matman ultrasoft.

I like the brute quad III's better but I can't find them for sale at a good price.

Thought I'd try Stephan Kesting's ear guards. They look slim and I trust Stephan - he's pretty thorough in his videos!
https://www.amazon.com/Grapplearts-Wrestling-Cauliflower-Construction-Protection/dp/B01DAYR9ZG

I've only been doing bjj for a few months, but there are students who use headgear at our gym. No one bats an eye at it. It's about what makes you comfortable as you train. Anyone who would give you shit for it can go fuck themselves. It's YOUR journey and YOUR training. Not theirs.

That said, the best partner friendly headgear you can likely get is Cliff Keen E58: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009A5GRI/ref=s9_hps_bw_g200_i3

It's a really good brand of grappler's headgear. I have a pair. They will protect your ears. They aren't bulky. Best of all, they are soft and partner friendly. I've rolled with a guy who using this plastic hard tornado-some such headgear and I hate him for it. It's unpleasant when he digs his headgear into me.

I wear this:

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Super-Sleeve-Black-Medium/dp/B000PGFV4Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374755075&sr=8-1&keywords=asic+super+sleeve

Its pretty comfortable, and has never fallen off. When I roll I practically forget its there.

Yep, just figured this out myself. I actually found some rubber hockey tape that’s specifically made to be adhesive on one side and grippy on the other. Works amazing for any game tiles/map pieces that don’t have a usable backside. I’ll edit the amazon link in but I’m pretty sure it’s called “Lizard Grip”.

Edit

Buy this : http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0008GOGI8/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1463533254&sr=8-2&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=lap+counter


It helps a lot

Wear head gear please!!!!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear-Color/dp/B001GKZSSM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FFZ7Y7L08SSD&dchild=1&keywords=head+gear+for+wrestlers&psc=1&qid=1571261505&sprefix=head+gear%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1

I got these low profile pads, I just wear them under my work pants. They're comfy and help a ton, they haven't gotten in the way yet. I haven't gotten to use them in the Summer or with shorts yet, so we'll see how they do there.

I use these

My ears were hurting pretty bad so I bought the Grapple Arts soft headgear.

https://www.amazon.com/Grapplearts-Wrestling-Cauliflower-Construction-Protection/dp/B01DAYR9ZG#customerReviews

Disclosure: the chin strap broke. According to the reviews, this is common. I re-sewed it with lots of reinforcement stitching and it has held fine since. It doesn't get in the way, isn't hot, and doesn't seem to affect my hearing. My medium-length hair gets caught in the velcro every now and then.

Lately I have developed much better posture, am not getting choked constantly, and thus have found that the ear pain has diminished to the point that I don't need it.

Its an old school hockey mask. Late 80s to mid 90s. I owned one personally.

Edit: of course amazon has them: https://www.amazon.com/Mylec-Pro-Goalie-Mask-White/dp/B00017IGQW/

I wear Asics Super Sleeves.

I use these http://www.amazon.com/McDavid-6440-Hexpad-Knee-Elbow/dp/B000UVXZ4C They are so light and comfortable I forgot I have them on until I am on my knees! Check the other buyers before you order. I got mine for $16 because someone returned them.

Here is the desktop version of your link

If you don't want to risk cauliflower, wear ear guards. https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI

https://www.amazon.com/SportCount-LapCounter-90040-Silver/dp/B0016J9NE8

This is what i use for laps/ lengths. It's great, and there's a few different models available. I've never personally tried a watch for swimming, but somebody mentioned one from Garmin so maybe check that out too. Good luck

I've been looking for decent pads for a while but can't really decide what to get.

I found these but they're not hard pads.

http://www.amazon.com/McDavid-6440-Hexpad-Knee-Elbow/dp/B000UVXZ4C

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0059CWUC0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1M0GZGHL8F7T8

and these ones are hard pads but look low profile. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016U4R6II/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A21875UNY3A7GG

Not really sure which one to get :p

Which counters? Are you talking about the digital ones? It's just a calculator.

There's stuff like these: http://www.amazon.com/Richards-Company-Counter-Finger-SPR24100/dp/B0008GOGI8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1457999673&sr=8-3&keywords=counters

or just small tokens

http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Transparent-Color-Counting/dp/B00004WKPM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1457999673&sr=8-5&keywords=counters

Selling a PS3 (no controller) $60

EzGoal hockey net $60

Edit: will include about 12 pucks with the net

your normal racebib and sometimes goo holders. with a belt you just pin it to the belt and then snap the belt on instead of fussing with pinning it to your trisuit or shirt before the bike. it was too uncomfortable to wear one under my wetsuit.

McDavid 6440 Hexpad Knee Or Elbow (Black, Medium) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UVXVZ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_H7Aqzb3SMDNF1

It’s currently $45 on amazon for Black Friday sales

https://www.amazon.com/Grapplearts-Wrestling-Cauliflower-Construction-Protection/dp/B01DAYR9ZG

Just recently got this McDavid for my bursitis on my knee that made it almost impossible to base on it. Works perfect. If you are on the heavier side I would recommend getting the with the shorter sleeve. The octagonal separation works so much better than a traditional knee pad.

CHILLY PAD

Cliff Keen E58

https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI

I’ve got a few of these and they’re real durable.

https://www.amazon.com/EZGoal-Hockey-Folding-2-Inch-White/dp/B0093U9RUC/

My area uses the Spalding KOB for the majority of the time, but definitely check with your area. If your community prefers the Wilson AVP ball, nobody will want to use the KOB even if you buy it.

Also, make sure you're getting the real balls, not replicas. The price point usually tells you which is which

From what my 1.5min worth of research suggests, it's a UK product...

First of all, this is a sub that is, for the most part, highly welcoming and loving in nature, and would never try and discourage younger or first-time festival goers out of attending. Go for it!

Now as for your other questions.....

1&2) As for tent-only camping, I'm not too sure on the plot sizes. I wouldn't think it's as much space as a car camping spot (15 x 30, iirc), but just to play it safe, I would try and make friends / get to know your neighbors before setting up the canopy. Especially with a bigger tent. I highly doubt you're going to be the only one flying solo as a tent-only camper.

Side question: So you're bringing a canopy with you as tent-only? That's going to be a big piece of cargo to haul with you. My guess is that not many people doing tent-only will be bringing a canopy, so whoever your neighbor is will probably welcome one, provided you share some space.

3) I haven't taken a shuttle since 2016, but I will say that when we did come in on the shuttle, our bags were checked. Thoroughly. They're looking for liquor and glass. I lucked out and hid my bottle of Fireball underneath the middle of all my clothes, and they didn't find it. So if you are planning on any booze smuggling that isn't exactly allowed, then do so at your own risk.

4) In my experience, meeting all of your surrounding neighbors is the best security for the shit in your tent. At the end of the day, a tent lock is going to be a dead giveaway if someone with ill intentions happens to pass by your tent and sees it, they'll probably just slash the tent. Meet as many people staying in your area as possible. Buddy system security is always a better bet than a tent lock, imo.

I wouldn't say that theft runs rampant, but there are a few cases each year. Just keep any valuables you do bring (wallet, cash, smoking piece, etc.) in your back pack / camelback / on you at all times, and you should be okay.

5) Ice trucks roam the campgrounds, and usually have nice long banners/flags coming up out of them. I can't remember the exact price for ice, but I believe they have 10 and 20 lb bags available for purchase.

6) Don't be scared to introduce yourself and propose possibly tagging along with a group. It's not the most comfortable thing in the world, but is as easy as going for a high-five, or saying "happy Forest!" or complimenting kandi, a totem, tattoo, hair style, clothing, etc.

That being said, I have always wondered what it would be like to attend alone. So I'll be expecting a documented experience from you after the festival, lol.

Our group is also attending weekend 2, and we have about 50 people so far. I'm sure we'll have a number of flags and such around, so come find us and hang out!

8) For many, yes. Kandi is definitely still a thing. Even the state police inside the venue have been known to trade kandi with attendees.

9) I'll touch this one lightly, as condoning the use of certain herbs, substances is reserved for other subs. Having said that, I wouldn't think hot boxing your tent would be an issue. Most people just do it out in the open. Just know that there are mounted police that make their rounds about the campgrounds during the day.

10) It's tough to stay cool in your tent once the sun starts coming up in the morning, but if you're just talking about keeping your body cool on those mild to hot summer days we'll inevitably get at least a couple of, try one of these towels. Get one of these wet and wear it around your neck to stay cool throughout the day.

I always have trouble with my mind wandering and can never reliably keep track of where I am in my set so I use a lap counter in the pool. Something similar to this:(http://www.amazon.com/SportCount-Inc-LapCounter-90040-Silver/dp/B0016J9NE8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452666635&sr=8-2&keywords=lap+counter)

I wear it on my pointer finger and push it right before ever flip turn. At first I had trouble rememebering to push it, but after a session or two it came completely naturally.

Thus far it's been the simplest, cheapest and easiest way i've found to keep track of laps.

Are you wearing construction style knee pads with the straps? I prefer the ones that are sleeves made of neoprene since the ones with a strap on the top and bottom give me hotspots in the back of my leg.

The ones I use are wrestling knee pads. Only bad thing is I have to take my shoes off if I want to remove them.

some belts are just belts with loops for gels with no other "pockets" that become a fanny pack kinda like this which also doubles as a bib belt that doesn't make holes in your pretty running shirts.

The G305 is 100g, that's pretty heavy for shooters, a lighter mouse helps with better aim. If you don't want to buy a new mouse I recommend replacing the AA battery inside with a AAA battery + Adapter (or even better, a button battery) and if you want to do it properly also 3D print a few parts to save weight. You can get the mouse down to 57g this way easily.

If you have issues with grip put some Lizard Skin Tape on it, the weight is not why your mouse is slipping but the texture.