How Not To Be A Dick In The Pit

by Emily Ham

If you're like me, odds are that you love to get in the middle of a mosh pit. In my local scene, I'm known as "the girl who's in every pit at every show". I love it. Granted, I am six feet tall and can hold my own. Some people can't. Regardless, the pit shouldn't be as bad as some that I have experienced. Wearing my bruises like a badge of honor, I live for the adrenaline. Mosh pits can be wonderful, but only when those involved aren't, for lack of a better term, being dicks. Simple enough, right? We all want to have a grand ol' time thrashing our limbs around to these fantastic breakdowns, but we should be doing so in a way that isn't so messed up. You can't guarantee that people aren't going to get injured- it comes with the territory, but here are some tips to make sure that you keep the pit works the way that it is supposed to.

1. Before the Show

If you go into the pit expecting to come out whole (i.e. your clothes potentially still in tact, not having any bruises or sores, etc.), you will be let down. That's why it is best to prepare yourself for what to expect. Where shoes that are secure to your feet. Your untied Vans will be your enemy. You should also wear clothes that you don't mind messing up. If you have long hair, I find it best to wear it up so that you can still be aware of your surroundings. If you have glasses, you might want to invest in contacts. If you're ballsy (like me) then you'll risk them getting broken. (I've lost 6 pairs to mosh pits.) Additionally, leave the valuables at home or in your car. You don't want to risk losing your watch or jewelry.

By Eileen Michelle Jones

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Just as there are people who want to be involved in the pit, there will be a lot of people who don't want to be involved. Don't try to push them in for the fuck of it. The pit can seem like a scary place for those new to the scene. Others just don't like it. You can normally tell where the pit is going to be at a show, so if you don't want to accidentally get trapped inside of it, just try your best to avoid it and stand either right up front or a little closer to the back. Additionally, you're going to want to watch out for photographers. If they don't have a photo pit, try to keep the moshing away from them. They are already trying their best to stay out of your way. It's the least that you can do.

by Ocean & Anchor Photography

3. Don't Be a Dick

Throwing fists isn't really appreciated. Same as kicking someone with your steel-toe boots. If you and your buddy want to fuck around and it doesn't affect anyone else, then cool. But if you are intentionally trying to injure people, just leave. Odds are someone will notice and everyone will kick your ass anyways. I have been in far too many pits where I was targeted by some guy and hurt pretty badly. There's a difference between leaving a pit with a black eye because that's just how it played out and leaving with one because someone intentionally tried to give you one. Pushing and shoving are normally your best bet. You can pretty much feel out how the pit is going to be. Just go with the flow and everyone will have an enjoyable experience. Like I said, I know all too well what it's like to leave the pit hurt for the wrong reasons. It can ruin the night for people. You'll be fine in the pit. Just don't be a dick, have fun, and enjoy the show. It's really not that hard.

by Eileen Michelle Jones