Jousting returns to Central Texas at Lysts on the Lake

Lysts on the Lake first came to the Lake Austin water front property of patron Richard Garriott on April 29 - May 1, 2011.   Twenty-four competitors participated in the event, which reportedly made it the largest competitive joust in the world at the time.

This year’s event brought 17 competitors to the Lysts on the Lake venue for what may be the last time.  Long-time patron Richard Garriott recently put the 65-acre water front property on the market, which includes a replica Globe Theater, a medieval village and a jousting arena, for $45M. 

The competitors wore historically documentable replica armor from the periods of the 14th, 15th or 16th centuries and primarily constructed of steel.  Attached to the armor is a shield that covers the rider’s left shoulder from the top of their shoulder to just above their waist, measuring approximately 13 by 14 inches.  The shield protects the target area, which includes shoulders, arms and hands.  The lances have a 36-inch pine tip that shatters upon contact with the shield. 

The joust occurs in an enclosed 200-foot long field and contains a170-foot tilt fence to separate the knight riding in opposing directions.  The sides of the corral are adorned with banners from each knight. 

A match consists of three passes by the knights.  The tip of the lance must strike the target area to score points.  One point is awarded for a strike to the target area.  Two points are awarded if the lance strikes the target area, not including the shield, and breaks the tip.  Three points are award if the lance strikes the shield and breaks the tip.  One bonus point is award if more than half the lance-tip is broken.  The maximum score is four points.