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Post by hotrod on Nov 8, 2005 15:58:43 GMT -5
A concept that I have been mulling over in my mind for some time is doing a waveski "piggyback" on one or more established surfing contests. If this can be made to happen, a number of logistical problems would be solved (insurance, permits, etc) and some real positives could be derived (exposure, legitimacy, etc.
Clyde Beatty and I have had several conversation to this effect already and he thinks that he can make it happen. Because of his involvement in the WaveSkate project and because he lends financial support to several West Coast contests, at this point it seems as though it is a real possibility.
One of the things we would want to do, at least initially, is to bring some hot international people over.
I'd be interested in any and all input in this regard.
Rod
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Post by Ashley on Nov 8, 2005 18:09:56 GMT -5
Sounds good to me Rod, i bet I can talk a certain Veteran waveskier from the UK (Jeff Guy) to come over, and maybe he can influence some of the UK team. I understand some of them would qualify for you 'hot' rating.
If you can pull it off, it's important that the waveski is showcased at a good time though, and not stuffed to some anti social time slot such as 7am like they pulled at Santa Cruz. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
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Bill
Executive
Posts: 141
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Post by Bill on Nov 8, 2005 23:12:37 GMT -5
If we want to make a good showing at an established contest we'd have to put on the best face possible. This would include not only bringing in some hot international waveskiers but assuring that any local waveskiers has contest experience. We may need to run some low key club contest at some of the get-togethers. Participation in a certain number and maybe even some level of ranking would be required to enter the big one. We’d also want to make accommodation for a number of contest ranking east coast waveskiers to enter.
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Warren
Junior Member
Posts: 28
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Post by Warren on Nov 9, 2005 2:25:20 GMT -5
I agree with what Bill says about multiple mini events proir.. I also may be able to talk a few pro-aussies (as I mentioned in the other thread) into coming up.. I have a feeling we could pull off a pretty strong international showing.
If a piggy-back concept is attempted, one thing that concerns me a little, is the type of surfing event that we choose..: If we don't choose a partnership with a 'progressive' or 'high performance' surfing contest, then I am afraid we may miss out on the 'youth' aspect that we are all hoping to aim for (in terms of promotion).
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Post by radamski on Nov 9, 2005 3:18:01 GMT -5
I like the piggyback idea, but my only reservation is how many slots would the waveski division be given? If you get the word out, I'm sure you'll have more than enough top international talent attending, perhaps too many.
I still like the concept of a $500 reward to any boardie under 25 (maybe 18) who can pull off air at either that event or the next one. YOu can use those posters for advance notification or announce it at the event to encourage converts. Count me in to help.
Roger
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Post by Jeff Guy on Nov 9, 2005 9:57:31 GMT -5
Anything to showcase waveski surfing in the stand-up community can only be good, so they understand that we do not ride kayaks straight into the beach. I guess the key to getting people from overseas is the timing and cost. You are not looking for people like me (as Ashley suggested), but some top 25 riders. The timing may be the biggest issue. With the worlds in South Africa next summer, how much leave will the top riders have from work for another international contest in the US? The west coast is a long trip from Europe, Africa or Aus/NZ and most of these guys will have there focus elsewhere. However, there may be some of the manufacturers who surf who would be prepared to come across as a marketing trip (from France or Aus) if there is the prospect of good exposure in the US. Hope this gives you a few ideas, Jeff
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Post by hotrod on Nov 9, 2005 13:00:18 GMT -5
Clyde has a particular contest in mind to, if possible, "start things off". At this time I'm not at liberty to say which contest it is, but as soon as I get the OK, I'll post re which contest and what the format is. Jeff's point is well taken re the timing. At this point we'll just have to see. Re Roger's thoughts: My thinking is that at this point, we (being the West Coast waveski community) have nothing, zip, zero going. No contests and only the January Faria getogether. Maybe some kind of beginning, no matter how humble is better than what we have. On the other hand, Clyde's interest isn't altruistic...he'll want to promote waveski business...so he'll do his best to generate a significant venue. My initail thoughts re the type of waveskiers we should try to get would be the most spectacular ones...not necessarily contest winners. Nick Boon is tough to beat for big inverted airs. Neal Stephenson is hard to beat for air-bourne acrobatics. But after all is said and done, we'll have to "take what we can get". This brings up the issue of $. We'll, probably have to underwrite the participation of these top people. Any ideas? Rod
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Post by Ripp on Nov 9, 2005 13:23:41 GMT -5
G'day chaps, after having competed, attended, sponsored, hosted waveski events for much of the last 7 years - & also having competed at several of the recent world titles & seen how we are progessing in terms of performance, here's a few comments from an avid fan of the sport, a waveski surfer, a competitor & also sponsor & event organizer; Roger's idea with the aerial - i like it - but why not put up a challange that will see the best from both surfers, the stand up & the waveski surfer - how about the biggest aerial, period, no matter on what ? entries allowed for boogie boards, surfers, waveski surfers etc - i'm sure if we put up a good $$$ prize - the hot shot stand up groms would be there - as I think that they would think it's a quick buck - but we all have seen & know that a waveski can get major air. It would give us the abilit to exploit/expose on surfline.com, swell & all the surf orientated sites - money talks.... Re events; We can not & must not run any event where we are not putting on something "major" - the last west coast titles was a shambles & embarassing & i'm being polite here.... it was a disgrace - pure & simple & after returning from Guadeloupe with the highest high from competing in the '03 worlds, only a few months later, i saw the saddest day for waveski surfing in CA. I think several of the athletes from the u.s. who made the trip will agree/confirm. We need some big advertising leading up to the event - well in advance - we need a good location & it needs to be (if doable) during the summer - ie; we need to get people to be at the beach to see it - not in Jan/Feb in Ventura when it's 40 degrees & bitter cold. We need a *secure* location - so that everybody knows what's going on & we have the spot exclusive - otherwise it's just a disaster waiting to happen. That means it will cost...that means sponsors.... I would suggest an event where we try to include all the waterman aspects; surfing, boogie boards, surf life saving, outrigger, paddleboards, body surfing, kite surfing, - the more people participating the better & the more "cross over" people we get involved the better - as we need to be realistic - we are a huge minority - & just by us being able to be on the beach with all the above various watermen/woman - will give the sport alot of exposure. The event should include the lifeguards - as by doing that - we could put $$ towards their organization, they could then assist us by putting on a surf rescue demo - with jet ski's, paddleboard maybe even a helicopter rescue - as this always generates alot of interest & is great for the crowd - & that would also ensure the area would be clear - we need to see youth, youth, youth, youth - that is the only way forward & having them on the beach seeing all the various ways that a wave can be surfed, and/or how to enjoy the ocean - we are pretty sure to have one or the other youngster find a waveski cool - The event would need to be posted & advertised at schools (locally) boy scouts etc - the more youth, the better. Maybe even getting a school to put on a waveski /paddle clinic as part of an after school activity for a while - leading up to the event & then having a youth division ? I liked Rod's idea re including a major surf shaper/manufacturer - we need newbies to the sport & this is a great way to do it. Whatever it is we might end up doing, it's a huge undertaking - I think we should find out where & what current happenings are in place & then go about seeing if we could be included in an even where we could fit. If we need to manage this ourselves - it will require a full time job for somebody for at least several months - and without being paid - who's willing & who has the ability to do that ? So, i've said alot - let's hope we can start & *maintain* soem kind of communications - thoughts/comments anybody ? Look forward to reading/catching up on all the posts after getting back from a surf trip to central america Ripp
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Warren
Junior Member
Posts: 28
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Post by Warren on Nov 9, 2005 23:15:01 GMT -5
I (instinctively) agree with Ripp that we need to do it BIG. We would naturally have to plan it some time in advance so that the proper preparations can be made... Actually, I agree with pretty much everything you put forward Ripp.. In terms of 'who's to run/manage/organize it... I am tempted to volunteer to be the 'point person' - but I dont have much one of the crucial luxuries: time not to mention lack of contest organizing experience. I am a 26 year old running my own graphic design and web design business ( www.graphicvendor.com) and I just couldn't do the full-time thing that Ripp mentioned.. However, I be very interested in doing it if I could count on partnering up with one or two other people to make it happen. I do have some experience organizing events etc..My schedule is somewhat flexible, and my energy and background might be assets for an event like this. I am more than willing to design posters and other media, write press releases, contact & meet with potential sponsors etc, and help organize..There is no way I can do it alone. And it sounds like maybe some of you might actually be willing to join me? Did i just hear myself volunteer?.. Any other takers? cheers, -warren
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Post by radams on Nov 10, 2005 11:05:59 GMT -5
I like the idea of going big, but if we are piggybacking on an existing boardie event, I don't know if we will have that much control. I would have to think that from the boardie perspective anything other standups in there contest is just an after thought.
I think a big waveski event is a great goal to have, but we must not forget that sponsers want a return on their investment and currently there's not much return to be found in waveskiing, lets face it, its a fringe sport. I would advocate starting small, and trying for converts. And the way you get converts is to bring in good young talent to showcase the sport, and that means bringing in an international contingent of big name team riders to pull off aerials in 2' slop.
What we need is a business plan to get to Ripps big event, and I think we may have to concentrate on the intermediate steps that need to be taken to get from point A to point B.
Good thread lets keep it going,
Roger
PS at some point the yakers are going to see this thread, which will touch off that whole other discussion of skirts versus skins, a paddle is a paddle thing, and why not combine the two classes to make the event bigger.
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Post by hotrod on Nov 10, 2005 12:59:51 GMT -5
Maybe some of you remember the story of Eric Borgeson's son. It's worth. Until he bacame injured, Eric was an enthusiastic participant in the Ventura/Oxnard waveski community. His youngest son (don't recall his name) started to be a fairly hot waveskier. Steven (Wavemaster) offered him a place on the W/M team. The kid refused because of the peer pressure from his friends not to ride a waveski! At this point, neither Eric nor either of his kids are waveskiing. My point is this. I believe that we could have the greatest waveski contest in the world, with all the hotest skiers, and still not see any growth in popularity of waveskiing. Until we get cross-sport recognition, that situation will probably persist. Clyde Beatty, who is a semi-legend in the surfboard industry, is willing to lend his name to promoting waveskiing. I think it would be a real mistake not to put our collective apples in that basket. Rod
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Post by radams on Nov 10, 2005 13:23:12 GMT -5
I vote to go Rod's route. We need someone from inside the surf industry to promote waveskis if we ever hope to have Ripps big event.
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Post by hotrod on Nov 10, 2005 16:05:44 GMT -5
Roger...I see the "lights went on"! There's really two issues here. One is having waveski contests. For that purpose, combining with kayakers, or however, is fine. BUT, that is not going to grow the sport in the US. Increasing the the US waveski market is the other issue, and to my way of thinking, this is the crux of the matter. If, however we do it, we can get it to be "cool" for the kids to ride waveskis, then we'll have a vibrant, growing sport and a viable market for sponsers.
Warren: If, and when, Clyde gets to the point where he could use some help, you're in a great position to do that. Will keep you posted.
Rod
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Post by radams on Nov 10, 2005 17:24:48 GMT -5
In the mean time, lets just surf!!!! A good swell should be arriving this weekend. I'll be at my usual place - C Street, unless there is interest in somewhere else like Rincon or Rods Point. I want to see Warren get air! I'll be hitting C Street around 11 AM on Saturday, and probably earlier on Sunday.
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Post by radams on Nov 10, 2005 18:19:38 GMT -5
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