1.  KEEP EITHER MASKING TAPE OR MEDICAL TAPE FOR A QUICK FIX ON YOUR HOOP IF THE BONING COMES APART.

 

2.  FIRESTARTERS AND LAMP OIL WILL HELP YOU GET YOUR FIRESTARTED IN MOST CASES.  BE CAREFUL WITH THE LAMPOIL.  TO MAKE FIRESTARTERS YOU WILL NEED OLD CANDLES, DRYER LINT, AND CARDBOARD EGG CARTONS.  FILL EACH SECTION OF THE EGG CARTON WITH THE DRYER LINT.  MELT DOWN THE CANDLES AND CAREFULY POUR THE MELTED WAX OVER EACH SECTION OF FILLED EGG CARTON.  ONCE IT IS DRIED YOU CAN BREAK THEM APART. 

 

3.  DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!!!!  Start drinking at least three days in advance.  The more hydrated you are going into an event, the less likely you are to suffer from dehydration.  While at the event, keep drinking.  It is very easy to get busy and forget to drink.  Water is best, but every so often drink a glass of electrolyte replacement (Gatorade type product).  This will replace the minerals you are sweating out.

 

4.  Weather can change very fast.  Be prepared!  Have an appropriate rain poncho, some extra dry things to wear for after, and something to dry off with.  Nights can get very cold.  My husband was in the National Guard and he always says, "Travel light, freeze at night."  I bring all my blankets with me, even in the summer.  You can always use them to cover something.