Hashing FAQ's
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about hashing that we keep having to answer.
Do I need to be a fast runner to be a hasher?
No. while running is a part of hashing, you do not have to be an Olympic-style runner to take part. You just need to have fun. Most hashes are run at a slow pace, with the false trails helping to keep the pack together.
But I'm a really slow runner. I feel that I will hold people back or get left behind.
Nonsense. Slower runners are a huge help to the pack. While the FRB's (Front Running Bastards) are running around like chickens with their heads cut off, or looking for marks with their heads down, the back of the pack should be listening to the FRB's and looking for side trails to short cut, or looking ahead to see if they can spot angry farmers or police.
What's with the weird names for hashers?
Aiya... That's a tough one. First let's explain the process. While a hasher would be eligible for a name after a few hashes, we generally like to wait until they do something either incredibly stupid or memorable. Most of the time the other hashers would know enough about them, or have good anecdotes to provide a source for a good name. Names would be generally be discussed during the circle, with a majority vote being made on the proposed names.
Note: Circle members are usually drunk at this time, which explains some of the bad names given.
OK... What's the Circle?
The Circle is where we rehash the "Trail" and drink celebratory down-downs. Hash crimes, namings and random acts of stupidity are part of the Circle. For many, this is the best part of the Hash.
Are there rules to the Circle?
There are no "Rules" on the Hash, only "Traditions". Saying this, there are several, but we're not going to tell you any except for one: Be Quiet.
One of the great things about hashing is much of it is learned on the trail and through continued hashing. If we were to tell you all the answers now or what to do and not to do in the Circle, what fun would it ne to come to the hash?
I want to hare, but not sure if I can do it. What should I do?
Haring is not hard. Some hashers prefer haring to anything else. So don't worry. Just ask someone to co-hare with you.
To see what you are getting yourself into, check out the Hare Guide.
Is it true that you have to drink beer until you become stupidly drunk?
That's not true at all! I can stop any time I want to, I just don't want to. Ooops, sorry, I misunderstood the question. You mean during the hash. Well, the answer is no. You don't have to drink beer until you become stupidly drunk. In fact, you don't have to drink any alcoholic beverages at all. Some of our more considerate hares will also ensure there is plenty of bottled water or soda at the Beer Stops, or at least have the trail lead through a creek where you can stop for a refreshing drink.
Wondering what the hell everyone is talking about?
Here is a breakdown of some of the terminology (gibberish) that you may hear during your stay:
- Are You? (RU?) - A plea for help. A hasher who is not on the trail or is searching for trail and wants to know if anyone else is. The reply should be either CHECKING, ON 1 (if you've found 1 Hash Mark), ON 2 (if you've found 2 Hash Marks) or ON ON (if You've found three or more hash marks and believe you are on the correct trail)
- Beer Stop- A stop along the trail to enjoy a tasty beverage.
- Down downs / Circle-The grouping at the end of the trail, don't worry, it's hard to miss
- Dry bag- A bag containing a dry change of clothes and shoes. If it says on the trail information to bring one, it's usually a good idea to bring one, if it doesn't say it on the trail information, it's usually a good idea to bring one.
- FRB - Also known as the Front Running Bastards. These are those silly wankers who r*n on trail. Specifically the first one to the beer.
- Hare(s)- The person who set the trail. They are totally responsible for any fuck-ups which occur. They were the one(s) responsible for your bad time, and put a lot of planning into disappointing you.
- Hash Cash - Penny Pinching Bastard. (Part of the Mismanagement Team)
- Head Gear- Any type of hat / cranium coverage. Do not wear it into the center of the circle.
- Mismanagement - The complete group of incompetents who are responsible for the order / disorder of the Hash.
- Nerd Name- The name that a hasher uses outside of hashing. Do not call someone by their nerd name.
- Pack- The group that follows the trail laid by the hares
- Shiggy- Any type of terrain that the trail runs through that is not a sidewalk. This can include, but is not limited to, forests, rivers, swamps, tunnels, creeks, chemical plant run off canals, and massive thickets of thorn bushes.
- Shiggy gear- Garments that prevent aforementioned obstacles from hurting your precious hide. Usually just means soccer type socks/leggings and a long sleeve shirt/under armor.
- Short-Cutter - Short-Cutters are the bastards that think they know so much as to avoid the well planned obstacles of the Hares and get straight to the beer. Being a successful Short-Cutter requires great skill and cunning. A Short-Cutter has to try to make it appear that they have run the whole trail when in fact they have done about half of it. Also known as assholes.