Taktični namigi

3 Tips for Shooting in Hot Conditions

Sonja Benčina

Aug 2, 2024

At the time of writing, it’s 35 °C outside and 30 °C at our home range. Sadly, we have no air conditioning and must therefore do whatever we can to try and weather these summer months. If you are lucky enough to have a cool range in the summer, you might still have experienced other ranges where it is best not to look at the thermometer. Trap and skeet shooters almost never have the luxury to compete in air conditioned halls! While it may not be pleasant, shooting in hot conditions is still something that you can plan and prepare for. Read on to find out how.

1: Hydrate in Advance

If you know that you will be shooting/competing in hot conditions, you can start preparing in advance. Avoid panicking when you hit the range and starting to drink as much as you can (either from actual thirst or from fear of dehydration), as this will not have the desired effect. In fact, it may lead to bloating and an uncomfortable feeling while shooting. Think of this a day earlier. Hydrate your body! But be careful, this doesn’t mean just drinking excessive amounts of water, which may, in fact dilute the necessary sodium in your body, paradoxically leading to dehydration. Instead, opt for electrolyte supplements or make your own electrolyte drink. Mix:

– 1 litre (4 cups) of water

– (up to) ½ teaspoon of salt

– Sweetener: honey, syrup, sugar

– Citrus juice: ½ lemon or orange

2: Cooling Clothing

Rifle shooters will laugh: how can anything help me if I still have to wear the shooting kit that traps heat like a well-isolated sauna? You can choose what to wear under it. Innovation in the field of cooling clothing brings many options to chose from. Do not stick to the same old T-shirt and leggings that you’ve had since that time they helped you win the regional championship in 2009, however lucky they are! Instead, try clothing with high thermal conductivity and materials that allow sweat to evaporate more quickly. Pistol shooters will nod wisely and congratulate themselves on choosing the correct discipline for shooting in hot conditions.

3: Wet Accessories

No matter how well-hydrated you are, your body will start fighting the heat once you step on the shooting line. The first thing to help you feel cooler is a wet bandana or head scarf – the one you use for shooting anyway, but rinse it under cold water. The bandana will start drying, and in the process the moisture will draw the heat from your forehead. Other areas to try and cool down during a match include the back of your neck and your wrists, for pistol shooters also the inside of your elbow and the back of your knee. This is where the blood vessels are closest to your skin. Wipe them with a wet towel and feel the heat evaporate.

How about Cooling Fans?

Although ISSF General Technical Rules do not specifically mention the use of personal cooling devices (like a portable fan), Rule 6.1.4 does say:

“Shooting is a sport where equipment and clothing play critical roles in the conduct of the sport. Athletes must use only equipment and clothing that complies with ISSF Rules. Any gun, device, equipment, accessory or other item that may give an athlete an unfair advantage over others and that is not specifically mentioned in these Rules, or that is contrary to the spirit of these Rules, is prohibited. ISSF Rules for equipment and clothing are strictly enforced (see 6.7.9) to ensure that no athletes have equipment, clothing or accessories that give them an unfair advantage over other athletes.”

Although one may argue that, if not specifically forbidden, everybody could bring in a cooling fan, it is still up to the Range Officer (RO) in charge to allow it or not. We do not encourage the use of any non-standard accessory without first consulting with the RO.