BIRGINS & RESOURCES

So it’s your first Burn and you’re wondering what you’re getting yourself into?
Don’t panic — you’ve got this, and we’re all in this together. Here are a few quick things to remember for your first Burn:

  • Read the Survival Guide. When you buy your ticket you’ll get access to the Burning Man Survival Guide. If you don’t have one by the time you arrive in BRC, ask for it at the gate. It covers getting around, water and lighting safety, MOOP prevention, and critical things to know about the local police and Rangers.

  • Learn the 10 Principles that guide Burning Man. Not everyone lives up to all of them — as we’ve seen in past years — so it’s crucial for the survival of our community that the rest of us do, and gently educate others when they’re not doing their part. Read them here: The 10 Principles of Burning Man.

  • Come prepared! You’re entering a harsh environment. Days are hot, nights are cold, we’re at almost 4,000 feet elevation, and it’s dusty. The dust is a very fine alkaline powder, so be ready for full-on dust storms. Bring daytime and nighttime goggles. Water is gold in BRC — hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Always carry some water and a snack, because you might end up riding far out into the playa.

  • Lock & light your bike. Lock it, and illuminate it so you can find it in the dark. A combination lock (letters or numbers) is much easier than keeping track of a key.

  • Porta potties. Every row of porta potties has a bright blue light about 12 feet up at the beginning and end of the row. They’re not always stocked, so carry some tissues just in case.

  • Secure your camp. We’ve seen tents go flying two streets over because they weren’t secured properly. Tie things down to something heavy like an RV or a car — and for tents especially, keep your water inside to help weigh it down.

  • LEAVE NO TRACE. MOOP is a word you’ll hear a lot — it stands for Matter Out Of Place. For example, if you smoke, put out the cigarette and keep the butt in your pocket or a small container made for that purpose. Don’t smoke? GREAT — but if you see something on the ground, be a team player: pick up the MOOP and pack it out, or put it somewhere it won’t blow away.

  • NO MONEY EXCHANGE. No one should come up to you trying to sell something. Burning Man is a gifting community — the main exception is ice, which you can buy at the ice stations. Stand in line for a bit and mingle with other Burners — it can be quite fun.

  • NO DRUGS IN CAMP. Whether you use them or not is your business. What we don’t want is (1) people coming into our camp to sell them, or (2) people coming in and asking around for them. If anyone asks you, say “NO, I DON’T DO DRUGS” and send them on their way — and that goes for you too. You never know who is an undercover cop (and they are out there). Be discreet and be aware, and don’t bring strangers back to camp because “I know somebody who has some.” One last thing: Rangers are more or less on our side and will look out for you if you’re about to do something dumb. Regular law enforcement is definitely NOT.

  • There are no spectators. It took me a while to wrap my head around this one — and then it clicked. There are NONE! Burning Man has sooo much to see and do that even standing and looking at a piece of art, you’re participating! So go have fun: hug someone (or two), climb something, paint something, or visit a kissing booth and share a smooch! It’s YOUR Burn. If at some point you say “I’m not having fun,” it’s because you’re not trying. SO HAVE FUN!!! Otherwise… Fuck Your Burn!!!! BaaaaHaaaaaaa

See you on the playa, kids!

Helpful Links

Burning Man Profile Sign-Up

Example Burning Man Packing List

Graham’s Burning Man Must-Have List

Burner Express Bus