First Time Going To PiP

[Niko]

I've lived in the Florida Keys for about 9 Years now and only heard about PiP a few years ago, but seeing as how I never had an outfit that wouldn't make me look like a fool to much more serious pirate folk I've never bothered going. This year though I am hell bent on going! So I'm now starting to actually buy the outfit I've always imagined (starting off small though ) And I'd thought I'd ask everyone's opinions of my choices of clothing and ask about PiP in general.

So my clothing choices:

The shirt

The pants (I'm getting them in brown)

I'm considering getting this with a brown hemp fabric.

I'm considering going barefoot or in my kinos lol...I want a good pair of shoes or boots but I dont have the money to spend on them as of now.

I'm also getting a belt and leather bottell from Leather Lore and a boarding axe and a dagger to arm myself.

So anyone want to give me a rundown of PiP events and what to expect or how I should approch it? Maybe people I should seek out when I'm there that might be willing to show me around and stuff? I've checked out the website but I'm still kind of like "...huh?..." on the whole thing.

Any questions, comments, critque, advice, or whatever are welcome! (Don't worry about hurting my feelings or anything now)

-Niko

[silas thatcher]

don't go barefoot !!

[Dutchman]

if that's how you are comfortable dressing, go for it. There are no set rules for PIP. Just go in with open eyes and enjoy yourself. Its one of the only pirate events where you will have e3very sort gathered around the camp fire all having fun.

[silas thatcher]

since we are kinda newbies also, i'll let the more learned give better advice for garb... the breeches you show look like "drop front" breeches which didn't come until about 1750 or so... the "golden age of piracy" ( gaop ) was about 1690 to 1720 and that is the era most people imitate...

shirts are very easy to make, once you get past the learning curve... even though i have not yet made a pair of proper breeches, i have learned enough to make the first pair almost painless...

sorry i can't do the link thing like others can, but there are many threads in twill, pirates in paradise to give you a good idea on garb...our first attempts were simply passable, but we are improving with time and experimentation...

don't go barefoot !! it is worth repeating... the coral will kill your feet in minutes... i even thought i had comfy shoes and limped for a week or so afterwards... btw... shoes... not boots... only calvary, leisure horse back riders, and hollywood pirates wore boots... sailors, and everyone else wore shoes..

just some of the stuff we newcomers learn :)

but, by all means---- GO !! it is a blast !!

[Silkie McDonough]

Check out the last three posts (as of right now) in this thread

[Mission]

You can't really go wrong with your clothing at PiP. Like Key West itself, most people's attitude about dress at the event is pretty casual.

You might consider simple rope sandals for footware if you want to go cheap. They look pretty PC and they're not too expensive. I know poster Mark G. wears them to events and I believe he wore them at PiP last year, so he might have some insight as to how they fare on the coral-strewn landscape at Fort Taylor. As silas mentioned, you will definitely not want to be barefoot unless you have very calloused feet.

If you want to save some money, boarding axes and daggers are mostly just for show. If it were me, I'd skip buying such weapons and get on a cannon crew this year. (Cannon crewing is fun and even a little educational and saves you the cost of a weapon.) You can often find someone to let you fire their blackpowder weapon if you seem responsible. (Then you'll realize why you should save your weapon money... )

I also suggest browsing some of the topics in the PiP Index Thread to get up to speed on how past events have gone. There are links to past schedules, topics of interest to newbies and journals of what happened from various people's points of view.

But I think your best bet with PiP is to 1) Hang around here and read and post - you'll have a feel for the folks here and they for you allowing you to introduce yourself when you get there - and 2) Show up with whatever kit you get together and go with the flow. It is Key West, after all.

Since you're a Keys local, you may also want to get in touch with the Bone Island Buccaneers - the Key West based pirate re-enactors. They have a lot to do with organizing this event and some of them live near Marathon.

[hurricane]

Good suggestions as always, Mission.

By the way, the schedule on the Pirates in Paradise was updated about a week ago so the entire's weeks activities are as up to date as they can be in June. As everyone knows, things change constantly once September rolls around. And if anyone has a question, feel free to holler.

-- Hurricane

[Niko]

since we are kinda newbies also, i'll let the more learned give better advice for garb... the breeches you show look like "drop front" breeches which didn't come until about 1750 or so... the "golden age of piracy" ( gaop ) was about 1690 to 1720 and that is the era most people imitate...

Yeah I'm not aiming to be 100% PC here. Plus I think the drop fronts are like the coolest things ever lol.

You might consider simple rope sandals for footware if you want to go cheap. They look pretty PC and they're not too expensive. I know poster Mark G. wears them to events and I believe he wore them at PiP last year, so he might have some insight as to how they fare on the coral-strewn landscape at Fort Taylor. As silas mentioned, you will definitely not want to be barefoot unless you have very calloused feet.

If you want to save some money, boarding axes and daggers are mostly just for show. If it were me, I'd skip buying such weapons and get on a cannon crew this year. (Cannon crewing is fun and even a little educational and saves you the cost of a weapon.) You can often find someone to let you fire their blackpowder weapon if you seem responsible. (Then you'll realize why you should save your weapon money... )

Since you're a Keys local, you may also want to get in touch with the Bone Island Buccaneers - the Key West based pirate re-enactors. They have a lot to do with organizing this event and some of them live near Marathon.

I looked around for a pair of rope sandals made from something like hemp but had no such luck. Would a pair of gurkees work? Or do any of you know of a place I can get a pair of decent rope sandals? And thanks for all the barefoot warnings everyone but I do have fairily leathery feet as me and my friends go "Bahamian" every so often. (I hate when my feet get all black and nasty though! )

So how do I go about getting on a cannon crew? And what all would I be doing? I'd love to fire a black powder gun! I've only fired conventional firearms.

That would be cool do they have a website or some one I can contact?

Thanks for all the help everyone! I really appreciate it!

-Niko

[Commodore Swab]

Niko-

Where in the FL Keys are you? I am in Key Largo and will be going to PiP this year (I was there in '07 but missed '08) . In regards to bare feet I usually always go barefoot and don't have any problems but then I also don't have a problem walking around on coral gravel on a day to day basis. I have a pair of boots that I recently bought in KW which are not bucket boots and are very similar to a spanish drawing illustrating seamens boots circa 1729, these were under $40. I plan on wearing them at night or if I go into town otherwise going barefoot. As for cannon crew, I can help you out with that, the Viceroy and I build cannons and he is in charge of the shore batteries at PiP. If all you want to do is fire something I can probably help you out as well bring powder is all I ask.

[Mission]

So how do I go about getting on a cannon crew? And what all would I be doing? I'd love to fire a black powder gun! I've only fired conventional firearms.

-Niko

Now, c'mon...it's the Keys! You just stand around long enough and wait until someone mentions that they're looking for cannoneers. (You're looking for organization where little exists. Come to think of it, I've never been to an event - even the more formally organized ones - where they had sign up sheets for cannon crews. Someone mentions that they're looking for cannon crew volunteers (they're always looking for cannon crew volunteers) and that they need to be somewhere that day at some time and it all just sort of happens.)

[Niko]

Niko-

Where in the FL Keys are you? I am in Key Largo and will be going to PiP this year (I was there in '07 but missed '08) . In regards to bare feet I usually always go barefoot and don't have any problems but then I also don't have a problem walking around on coral gravel on a day to day basis. I have a pair of boots that I recently bought in KW which are not bucket boots and are very similar to a spanish drawing illustrating seamens boots circa 1729, these were under $40. I plan on wearing them at night or if I go into town otherwise going barefoot. As for cannon crew, I can help you out with that, the Viceroy and I build cannons and he is in charge of the shore batteries at PiP. If all you want to do is fire something I can probably help you out as well bring powder is all I ask.

I live in Marathon.

Yeah I can walk on pea rock and such fine but all day for multiple days might be too much for me to handle. Where in KW did you get the boots? Mind sharing?

I'd more than willingly supply some powder but I'm not to sure if I'm old enough to buy it. I'm 19 now and when PiP rolls around I'll be 20. But if I can buy it I will be sure to do so.

[Niko]

So how do I go about getting on a cannon crew? And what all would I be doing? I'd love to fire a black powder gun! I've only fired conventional firearms.

-Niko

Now, c'mon...it's the Keys! You just stand around long enough and wait until someone mentions that they're looking for cannoneers. (You're looking for organization where little exists. Come to think of it, I've never been to an event - even the more formally organized ones - where they had sign up sheets for cannon crews. Someone mentions that they're looking for cannon crew volunteers (they're always looking for cannon crew volunteers) and that they need to be somewhere that day at some time and it all just sort of happens.)

I'm always on the watching end of cannon firings.

[Mission]

I'm always on the watching end of cannon firings.

PiP '07 was my first full blown pirate event and I heard scuttlebutt in the campsite about being on a cannon crew. Since I was writing the surgeon's journal, I decided to do anything I could related to the event so I would have something to talk about. I asked Mercury Quartermaster William Red Wake how to get on one of the crews. He told me to go to the fort about an hour before the battle began (2pm) and hang around where the cannon were. Like you, I was looking for some sort of commitment, so I asked someone there (probably Harry) about firing a cannon. As a result, I was paired up with Mark - a local volunteer - who taught me how to fire a cannon in the field. You can read my (brief) account of that here.

Since there are cannon in the field and in the fort, there are several opportunities to get on a crew. As vintagesailor said, the Viceroy has several on the fort wall. They fire them during the battle and at sunset. There are three battles and three sunsets resulting in lots of opportunities. You do have to be there early enough to get trained on your role in the crew (which varies - depending on how many people there are volunteering.) M.A. d'Dogge was in charge of the crew I was on last year - we had a team of five or six people (you can see my account of my '08 experience here.)

It really is mostly just a matter of being around about an hour or so before battle from my experience. They're nearly always looking for volunteers.

[Niko]

I'm always on the watching end of cannon firings.

PiP '07 was my first full blown pirate event and I heard scuttlebutt in the campsite about being on a cannon crew. Since I was writing the surgeon's journal, I decided to do anything I could related to the event so I would have something to talk about. I asked Mercury Quartermaster William Red Wake how to get on one of the crews. He told me to go to the fort about an hour before the battle began (2pm) and hang around where the cannon were. Like you, I was looking for some sort of commitment, so I asked someone there (probably Harry) about firing a cannon. As a result, I was paired up with Mark - a local volunteer - who taught me how to fire a cannon in the field. You can read my (brief) account of that here.

Since there are cannon in the field and in the fort, there are several opportunities to get on a crew. As vintagesailor said, the Viceroy has several on the fort wall. They fire them during the battle and at sunset. There are three battles and three sunsets resulting in lots of opportunities. You do have to be there early enough to get trained on your role in the crew (which varies - depending on how many people there are volunteering.) M.A. d'Dogge was in charge of the crew I was on last year - we had a team of five or six people (you can see my account of my '08 experience here.)

It really is mostly just a matter of being around about an hour or so before battle from my experience. They're nearly always looking for volunteers.

Alright cool. Thanks again for the help Mission.

[Guest]

Niko : the cool thing is that you have plenty of time to learn how to sew, and make your own clothing/garb (Oh yeah... and camping gear (see footnote)) before PiP..... (it's not really that difficult).... A shirt, slops or breaches, a waistcoat and a hat, and yer good-to-go...... (there are a buncha threads about how to make your own stuff here in the Pub....)

footnote.... Campin' stuff is easy.........a chunka canvas an' some rope....(I made a sail , Capt. Jim made the "Oar House") a ground cloth, or hammock, a blanket, something to eat outta and something to drink outta (very important !) ...and yer set.....

[Commodore Swab]

No I don't mind sharing. I got them at the "porn shop" if ya be famaliar with KW then you know where Im talkin bout. Unfortunatly they were almost out and I got them a long time ago but when I asked they said they would be getting a shipment in before PiP so you may be able to buy some right there for PiP if you would want.

[Niko]

No I don't mind sharing. I got them at the "porn shop" if ya be famaliar with KW then you know where Im talkin bout. Unfortunatly they were almost out and I got them a long time ago but when I asked they said they would be getting a shipment in before PiP so you may be able to buy some right there for PiP if you would want.

Ah the one about a block from Duval? I know the place all to well. I'll have to stop by and give it a look.

[Niko]

Niko : the cool thing is that you have plenty of time to learn how to sew, and make your own clothing/garb (Oh yeah... and camping gear (see footnote)) before PiP..... (it's not really that difficult).... A shirt, slops or breaches, a waistcoat and a hat, and yer good-to-go...... (there are a buncha threads about how to make your own stuff here in the Pub....)

footnote.... Campin' stuff is easy.........a chunka canvas an' some rope....(I made a sail , Capt. Jim made the "Oar House") a ground cloth, or hammock, a blanket, something to eat outta and something to drink outta (very important !) ...and yer set.....

Yeah I've been reading around the forums and it seems that staying at the camp is best. So I'll have to make a camp set up for two...

[William Brand]

So I'll have to make a camp set up for two...

Two? Who else am I adding to the Roll Call?

[Niko]

So I'll have to make a camp set up for two...

Two? Who else am I adding to the Roll Call?

I managed to drag my girl friend along.

[William Brand]

So I'll have to make a camp set up for two...

Two? Who else am I adding to the Roll Call?

I managed to drag my girl friend along.

What name should I use for her on the Roll Call?

[Niko]

So I'll have to make a camp set up for two...

Two? Who else am I adding to the Roll Call?

I managed to drag my girl friend along.

What name should I use for her on the Roll Call?

Melissa

[William Brand]

Are you finding everything that you need? It helps to post often with questions and to make a checklist of your accomplishments. Never wait until a month out to begin. Make a purchasing and fabrication schedule and stick to it.

[Niko]

Are you finding everything that you need? It helps to post often with questions and to make a checklist of your accomplishments. Never wait until a month out to begin. Make a purchasing and fabrication schedule and stick to it.

I'm finding everything fine. My kit will probably be done around august. Its the girlfriend that seems to be having more trouble with her kit cant find a decent stay that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. And I'm still debating on making my own tent or buying one...I know I want a wedge tent...so I'll need to figure that out. And then all the other little odds and ends like eating utensils and such should be taken care of soon.

[William Brand]

I strongly recommend a Queen's Bluff or a Wedge from Redhawk Trading Company. I've had my tent for a few years now and it has withstood the elements beautifully.

http://www.redhawk-trading.com/products.htm

As for stays, please encourage your wife to ask about for help. There are no shortages of good seamstresses and tailors about the place that could help her make a good outfit.