The 5 Don'ts of Vans Warped Tour

It is summer again, which for a lot of us "emo" kids means it is once again time for VANS WARPED TOUR!!! I have attended Vans Warped Tour for the last three years, twice in and around New York City and once in New Jersey. Although each of my Warped Tour experiences were completely amazing, I strongly believe that most of the people attending the event do not have a sufficient knowledge of how to behave in a manner that will not result in serious injury. So, before heading off to the festival with your Coheed and Cambria shirt and Hot Topic jeans, you may want to take a quick look at a few of the things I highly recommend you NOT doing at Vans Warped Tour.

1. Don't Crowd Surf on Pavement

Believe me, I learned this one from experience. I got inspired to crowd surf during Motion City Soundtrack in 2006, and got dropped on the pavement after being thrown about 7 feet in the air. I was lucky that I didn't hurt myself that. However, many people did. So, although you may LOVE crowd surfing, I highly recommend not doing so on any sort of pavement/other hard surface. The result could be immensely painful.

2. Don't Think You Are Invincible in the Pit

Number two means a couple of things. Firstly, know how big you are. If you're amazingly skinny like me you really don't want to start throwing down to Atreyu when you're surrounded by people that look like they could be an NFL blocker... Also, even if you're big and strong don't think that you can pick fights with anyone. A couple of years ago, I saw a huge guy get his ass kicked at Randall's Island after hitting a fairly small looking kid. However, the kid had an awful lot of friends... Anyway! All I'm trying to say is that it pays off to be a little bit smart when you're in a mosh pit in a crowd of 10,000.

3. Don't Carry Sharp and/or Expensive Items in Your Pockets

This one doesn't need a whole lot of explanation. Basically, pretend that you are going to participate in a wrestling match. Would you want to have a plastic fork in your pocket while wrestling? I know that keys are unavoidable, but beyond that I would really try not to have anything sharp in your pocket. Also, even if you don't mosh there is a chance that you can get pushed over. Thus, I would also recommend not putting anything in your pocket that is particularly fragile and/or valuable.

4. Don't Disrespect the Weather

The three times I've gone to Warped Tour it has been VERY hot out. For God's sake, put some sunscreen on : ) If you don't, you will have an extremely unpleasant couple of weeks as I did after my first Warped Tour experience... Also, bring plenty of money to buy water. The last thing you want is to pass out in the middle of an insane crowd listening to New Found Glory because of dehydration.

5. Don't Forget to Check Out Bands That You Don't Know : )

Since this article has been quite serious, I thought I'd end with a fun don't : ) Vans Warped Tour is SUCH an amazing opportunity for you to check out bands that you've never heard of as well as see bands that you wouldn't normally pay to see alone. So, instead of sitting around waiting for the next band that you "love" to get started, go check out some of the other groups. Who knows, you may find your new favorite band this summer : )