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Important Equipment for Playing Camanachd
I am breaking this blog into two sections - (1) What you NEED to play camanachd and (2) what you may WANT to play camanachd.
Other than a pitch (field), goals, and balls, there are a few basic important items NEEDED to play camanachd. A caman (the stick) is needed. There are several types of camans - forward/attacker, midfielder, defender, and keeper. If you remember that golf is a daughter of camanachd, you can think of the various head angles like golf clubs. Forward/attacker camans are steeper angled (more vertical) in angle - this helps keep the ball from being hit over the top of the goal crossbar. The angle of the head gets more shallow with each position, respectively. In other words, the forward/attacker caman is like a driver; the midfielder caman is like a 5 iron; the defender caman is like a 7 or 8 iron; the keeper caman is like a 9 iron or a wedge. The next items of importance are protective equipment. We recommend two important items as necessary - a cup (for men) and shin guards for all. In other words, there are not too many things that are needed for play.
Items that may also be desired for playing camanachd are more in number than those items that are required.
- Studded boots (soccer/football cleats) are recommended and are helpful for traction.
- Utilizing gloves can be helpful for both cold weather and for avoiding blisters. Baseball batting gloves work well for camanachd.
- Some players choose to wear a helmet and cage to protect their face from accidental contact.
- For those that choose to play without a helmet and cage, a mouthguard can be utilized.
- Women may prefer to wear a sports bra
Finally, a word on caman grips. I have utilized both tennis grips and athletic tape rolled like a hockey stick. When playing without gloves, I prefer the tennis-style grip. However, with gloves, I prefer the athletic tape with a spiral under it.
Camanachd does not require a great deal of expensive gear to start playing. Some players begin playing with only a caman and later add protective equipment as they play more frequently.
