Ah, raving… The timeless activity that’s a combination of euphoria, sweat and bass so loud it rattles your brain cells. Raving can be looked at through many different scopes. Some say it’s an art form, others explain it as a culture or a way of life. If you are new to the scene and you aren’t quite sure what to expect or how to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! I’m here to share some of my tips, tricks, and secrets to help you survive (and thrive) in the exciting yet intense environment that is a rave.
As someone who’s been to many raves in my life, I can honestly say that it’s an experience like no other and I believe everyone should go to at least one or two raves at some point in their life. With the mind-blowing visuals, the energy/tribalism, and the pulsing beats that physically runs through your body… It’s a sensory adventure that leaves you feeling inspired, connected and full of love. However, as with anything in life, certain practices make the experience more enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.
In this blog, I will go over some basic beginner-friendly tips that I urge you to consider before attending your first rave.
Tips to bring with you to the rave
Below is a simple list of tips that I would like to share with you about how to take your racing experience to the next level. No beating around the bush, just simply accessible tips for first-timers!
Your rave fit
When it comes to picking your outfit for the rave, there are a few things to consider. Let’s be real… The most important thing is that you feel fresh and confident in your outfit! But you can only feel this way if you are comfortable, which is why I’d like to address weather as a factor. Obviously, you want to look cool, but you also want your outfit to be functional.
Is the rave you are attending indoors? Then, less it more! Is the rave you are attending outdoors? Then check out the weather forecast and pay attention to the temperature at night! Although dancing around does indeed keep you warm vs if you are standing still, some climates are just simply too cold to not wear a jumper, at the least! Heavily consider what the temperature will be like when choosing your outfit, especially if it is days long and you’ll be raving at night or sleeping in a tent. Additionally, make sure your shoes are suitable so you can bounce around until the sun comes up without having to deal with blisters all over your feet for the next 2 weeks. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Express yourself
Besides the functionality of your outfit, I encourage you to use this as a chance to express yourself. You can either go wearing your regular outifts or you can go out of your bubble and get creative. This is a space where you can quite literally wear whatever the fuck you want! Want to wear a unicorn onesie? Go for it, you’ll probably make someone’s night. Want to wear some joggers and a bucket hat? Great choice! Just wear whatever you want as the rave is one of the only spaces where it is socially acceptable for adults to wear whatever they feel like wearing. Take advantage of it!
Choose your rave crew with caution
Who you go with can make or break your experience! Choose your most open-minded friends who have your well-being in mind. Not only do you want to spend your time at a rave with people who want to have fun with you but also with those who will look out for you when you need it. Vice versa! Raving is not for the weak, it can be super intense. That being said, having a good crew with you can enhance the experience by miles and, sometimes, even increase your safety.
Designate a meet-up spot
When it comes to raving, it is very easy to get lost. Especially if you or someone in your crew is a lover of ‘side-quests’. A) If you or someone you are with likes going off on their little adventures make sure it is agreed to communicate before going off! B) If this is the case, make sure that there is a designated ‘meet up’ spot that everyone is aware of! Sometimes phones run out of battery and you need a backup plan. Make sure that the meet-up spot has a landmark that no one will forget, even when in altered states of consciousness, which leads me to my next point!
Mindful consumption
If you have a rave/festival that is going on for multiple days, please be mindful of what you are consuming! From food, to drink to… well, you know! Let’s call them ‘party favours’. Be very calculated with whatever you are consuming and when you decide to consume it as this can/will widely alter your experience. Drink plenty of water, eat as much nourishing food as you can (or any food for that matter because anything is better than nothing) and take it slow. If you have multiple days to party, don’t go all in on the first night… trust me!
Bring tons and tons of water, snacks and some vitamins/electrolytes to ensure you are in top form. When it comes to consumables (tasty consumables or ‘party favours’) timing is key. 3-4 am is not the time to be ‘turning up’. Try to get a good flow going with your timing and make wise decisions. ALWAYS check yourself before you wreck yourself!
What to bring: Making a plan
While you shouldn’t put too much planning into something as open-aired as a rave, some planning can make your life easier. For example, making a packing list is (to me) an essential part of planning for a rave. Here are a few things you will want to bring with you to the rave:
-Fanny pack
-Earplugs (if you’re like me and enjoy standing directly in front of the speaker)
-Tons of water (bring more than you think you’ll need)
-Snacks (easy to consume with high nutrient content is best)
-Functional backpack
-Hygiene products
-Portable phone charger
-Clip on water bottle
-Hand-held fan (if attending a summer rave outside or an indoor rave)
-Sunglasses and chewing gum (if you know you know)
-Comfortable footwear
-Deodorant
-Electrolytes
As far as supplements go, I can highly suggest bringing some multi-vitamins, magnesium and melatonin/valarian with you. If you are someone who gets nauseous easily, bring some ginger capsules/ginger shots along.
Research Before the Rave: Get 1 Last Study in Before Locking Down The Lab!
FINAL TIP: THE #1 MOST VITAL THING TO BRING WITH YOU
Lastly, make sure that you are bringing good vibes to the rave. It is a place for individuals from all walks of life who come together to create memories that will last a lifetime. Be respectful, look out for one another and channel the most positive energy that you can conjure up and bring it with you to the floor. A rave is no place for bad vibes. It’s all about love, acceptance and FUN! You will meet some of the nicest people at raves so make sure that you add to that collective with your behavior. Show up with a positive attitude, be yourself, and have an open mind/heart so that you and everyone around you can have the best time possible. This final tip truly is the most important tip I could possible give to enhance your raving experience.
Raving is not for the weak but with these tips, you can be sure to make things a bit more stream line for yourself so that you can have the time of your life. You will make countless memories at raves that you will quite literally be thinking back to when you’re old, with a grin on your face and love in your heart. I believe that everyone has a responsibility to approach every rave with mindfulness and consideration. Be safe, be responsible and get your bass face on! Happy ravin’, all!
