2011 Race Venue Input

[SGettmann]

Hi All - I'm looking for some feedback on race site venues. We have the current courses that are popular: Parker, Pittsburg, Lakeport (which was a success), but I'm starting to do some homework on new venues for next season that are closer for Region 2 to get to.

Lake San Antonio, which is in central Cal - outside of Paso Robles, may be an option. I need to reach out to Monterey Country Water Resources and see what can be done. There are cabins there, a very nice campground - with hot showers - Lake San Antonio is out in the middle of nowhere. You would have to bring your food with you...camping style. What are your thoughts around this? The Lynch Ramp area has a large staging area, big paved launch ramp, and a marathon course could be set up there quite nicely. From the staging area, the entire course could be seen. Let me know your thoughts, though I still need to talk to Monterey County and apply for the permits, as well as present to NWSRA. (mainly - I don't want to put work towards racing in a venue you guys won't like or support).

If there are other venues that you think might be a good fit, please let me know so I can start making some calls, work with appropriate NWSRA region members, ask about the community requirements, and present to the NWSRA board. Currently some challenges that exist is having water access during the warmer part of the season.

Also - I should note that next year's Lakeport marathon weekend is scheduled for June 17th and 18th (2011) Chances are the weather will be a little warmer for us, and we (Region 1) will be hosting a circle weekend the weekend before. The idea is that families can come up for the week with school being out and enjoy the Lake and nearby Napa Valley (bike riding, kayaking, wine tasting, etc. etc). I should also note that the evening auto races on the weekend should be going on as well, and I can work on putting together a ski racing section for watching the races.

Thanks - Sean

 

[FASTJTBT144]

Lake san antonio would be a great place but keep in mind when you are seeking venues if someone was to get hurt its a was from the nearest city

 

[SGettmann]

Good point - King City - under 30 minutes for an ambulance team. Medi-vac could be there faster and to a larger hospital from there.

 

[FASTJTBT144]

just keep that in mind 30 mins a long time and what type of hospital?

 

[Crazyhippy]

I like San Antonio:thumbsup Solid Hospital in Paso as well, just over 30 min.

Maybe Mead? Lots of lake, so water should be do-able. Only downside is it gets a bit warm:skull Temple Bar area or Overton could be some great sites, but they are further from medical aid.

Where else have races been run historically? That should be an easier "sale" to the community, and the NWSRA. People fear the unknown:blah:

Mission Bay?
Marine Stadium?

Wasn't there a Race out @ Pleasant in AZ?:champagne: arty2:

 

[wildone]

I like San Antonio:thumbsup Solid Hospital in Paso as well, just over 30 min.

Maybe Mead? Lots of lake, so water should be do-able. Only downside is it gets a bit warm:skull Temple Bar area or Overton could be some great sites, but they are further from medical aid.

Where else have races been run historically? That should be an easier "sale" to the community, and the NWSRA. People fear the unknown:blah:

Mission Bay?
Marine Stadium?

Wasn't there a Race out @ Pleasant in AZ?:champagne: arty2:

we raced at pleasant when i was a little kid. great place but i remember lots of weather (wind lightening) in early spring

san diego is the best place to run circle races, but it is next to impossible to get the cities help. my dad ran the first 3 us opens down there, and it was a fight with every city, state, and county department.

mead was always a great venue. from what ive been told the water has been to low to launch and safely run races there.

the rest of the venues have just become to expensive or impossible to get the water. especailly during the spring and summer months.

Sean, the delta is the best place to race up north. what happened to sugar barge? that was a great place to race, big pits, docks, nice ramp.

clear lake is just too far for some of us to make the trip for two days, especially in this economy. sorry we couldnt make it up, but we couldnt justify going up there friday and returning sunday. and it was not feasible to miss thursday or monday to attend a race. im sure we werent alone in this.

san antonio and nacimento would be cool but the lack of hotels resturants ect.. might be a turn off for people. not everyone camps, or has rvs. i would go but not sure how many people would follow. venues have to offer something for everyone. thats why parker is such a good place.

 

[work2ski]

San Antonio sounds great to me. We would love to camp, although I understand some may not. How about Long Beach inside the breakwater. I seem to remember an event there about 7-8 years ago. What about Pyramid or Piru?

 

[Halvecto]

The Lower Lake at Castaic was a circle venue that was very close and easy to get to. I don't know why it stopped being a venue. Even using one of the Upper Lake arms could be good.

 

[FASTJTBT144]

Lower lake @ castaic is a great place as I remember it cost a few big bucks to get the water. Someone should check ming for circles it might work San deigo has a few lakes that would work also

 

[SkierTodd]

San Diego's Mission Bay?

I think the other SD (ski) lake (San Vicente) might be closed for water skiing as they are raising the dam.

 

[FASTJTBT144]

Mission bay big bucks great place is el captian open? how about chula vista they use race there years back parker is the best all around and the price is rite

 

[SkierTodd]

El Capitan is not open for skiing. Chula Vista (Otay Lakes) only allows rowing and fishing.

Now, we could try at the Tijuana River? However, the water quality might raise a concern or two. Imagine hitting a tire on a ski going 50 mph... Or a log??

 

[SkierTodd]

I just checked, El Capitan won't be open for skiing until at least 2014.

 

[flyingcolors]

Lower Castaic sounds good for circles
What happened to Elsinore?

 

[cking]

On the way to Lakeport my dad and I looked at Lake Webb close to bakersfield. Its maybe 3 hours for so cal and maybe 4 hours for norcal, and I loved it. Great campsite and we would race around islands...looked cool but now just have to look into it.

 

[AFUEL7067]

CKING im sure your dad remembers the race their in the late 80s it was a marathon it was fast and smooth

 

[work2ski]

Bakersfield area sounds perfect. half way between So. Cal & Nor Cal. Anybody thought of Lake Isabella?

 

[Trouble911]

Lower Castaic worked great when I organized it a few years ago and it was about the same cost as Puddingstone. IT also was an excellent lake for viewing a circle race.
I believe lake Ming may be a bit small but I am not sure.
I like the idea of a camping event at San Antonio
I also organized an event at Lake Pleasant outside of Phoenix and that went very well. The AZ folks supported the event finanacially and in person with support boats and personnell. So, I believe you would do well to bring another event to Phoenix.

 

[skifaster]

Here is my .02 on some of the sites mentioned. Bottom line is most come down to money unfortunately.

Clear Lake on Fathers Day in 2011 is a sketchy one at best. Not a fan of that idea to be honest. Especially since it will be my first Fathers Day.

I was wondering about Firebird Lake in Pheonix? Curious if that would work. I've only been there once when I was 10, seen pictures recently and seems like that could work?

Pittsburg - I love racing at Pittsburg, but it doesn't bring in new people.

Parker - By far this is the best location for ski racing right now. People love it and the event will make money. I'd love to see 4-5 race weekends in Parker each year. Maybe even a Parker series and crown the Queen and King of the River in each class? This year with 3 events in Parker, I think that is a step in the right direction.

Lake Ming - raced there in early 90's. Too small.
All the Lakes in Central CA mentioned sound fun, but if only camping is available I think you limit the people that will show up.

Lake Mead - would love to go back to Mead, i"ve heard it isn't an option because of the water level, but don't know that is true.

Long Beach - would love a race in the Harbor, but it isn't cheap.

San Diego - This is a great site, very hard to work with, very expensive, but a fantastic venue.

Elsinore - Surprisingly expensive and also has become more difficult to work with in recent years. But still a decent venue.

Lower Castaic - This was researched for 2010, they told Region II it would cost around $25K if I am not mistaken. KDUB can confirm that #. Obviously that wasn't in the budget. If it was affordable, it would be great to go back there.

 

[fennaz]

I think Firebird Lake is a great place, but the coarse is too small.

 

[ikester]

What about Havasu?

Firebird would be really fast.

 

[Halvecto]

Lower Castaic - This was researched for 2010, they told Region II it would cost around $25K if I am not mistaken. KDUB can confirm that #. Obviously that wasn't in the budget. If it was affordable, it would be great to go back there.

All good input skifaster. 25k!?! what does that go toward? What is normal (puddingstone)?

 

[skifaster]

Is Firebird too small because it is too narrow or too short? I thought it has over a mile straightaway? That would work for circles if each straight is a mile.

Havasu is OK depending on the time of year. Problem there is getting enough patrol boats. That is why we have raced in February there the last few years. Volunteers to sit in a boat all day to patrol are hard to come by.

Puddingstone costs $3K per day. But you don't need patrol boats or water rescue or ambulance since you have the lifeguard. That saves a ton of money.

 

[fennaz]

Firebird is to narrow and the turns are tight.

 

[ikester]

I dont think it is tighter than Bluewater at Parker

 

[FASTJTBT144]

firebirds water is shit heavy salt/ gas oil how about buena vista near bakersflield parker would be one of the best sites

 

[SGettmann]

You guys are throwing out some great venues. Keep them coming. I'm writing them down and will be researching them for options. Things to remember about Havasu - getting permits during the summer months is nearly impossible. Also, course markers cannot have anchors - which means it is difficult to manage boueys. Elsinore is expensive and needs to be planned ahead. Plus, the water quality isn't all that great. Long Beach is an option, though planning for permits would need to be planned from my understanding. Lots of homework to do on the lakes and venues in Bakersfield/central cal area.

The other component is how many races are desired by NWSRA members. It takes money to travel to the races. Personally, I would be very happy to have a race every other to 3rd weekend during the spring and summer months. However, not all want to see that much racing. Currently we have 5 marathons per year. We can shoot for 6 races next year, maybe 7, but participation is key for the sustainability of NWSRA. The Regional Clubs put money into permits, water access and safety teams so that we can race. It's critical to have the participation to ensure that we can continue to put on races.

All feedback is welcome. Sean

 

[Attitude Adjustment]

We used to hold races at Chula Vista... wasn't great for spectating but it was pretty easy to get the water and contol the course. Also, always had fun on the tight little course we ran on Puddingstone Lake.

 

[skiracer321]

How about Mojave in telephone cove, can lunch from the beach and camp. Also circles in Laughlin might be a good. In front of the casinos. They hold boat races there and you could possibly get casino support. Just my 2 cents.

GS - 321

 

[SGettmann]

Laughlin would be an interesting venue. Would need a few patrol boats to controll the PWC traffic (blasted things do about 75 mph and love to come up beside me when I'm on a ski_I know....ski faster...(I can hear Avila telling me that now)). Definately worth looking into. Sean

 

[Crazyhippy]

They've run boat races in Laughlin. The pwc control should be the same for a boat race w/ screwballs tied to the back:champagne:

 

[138]

Sean, look at your last post time.....Great number...

By the way Sean thanks for steeping up to the plate and trying to get new things going. The Lake Port racing was what our sport needs. Great job with all the hoops you had to jump through for that venue. Looking forward to going back next year.

Thanks for putting the time in,

Carl

 

[FASTJTBT144]

laughin would be great but real shallow and the water wont come up till around 11.00 am I was at a lake last year called lake topaz it would be a drive for so cal racers but nice hotel and casino it on the cal/ nev border 2 past bridgeport its a hike for sure nice big lake was there a week and it stayed flat only with a light wind in the afternoon. I think nor cal might have raced there before years ago.

 

[work2ski]

laughin would be great but real shallow and the water wont come up till around 11.00 am I was at a lake last year called lake topaz it would be a drive for so cal racers but nice hotel and casino it on the cal/ nev border 2 past bridgeport its a hike for sure nice big lake was there a week and it stayed flat only with a light wind in the afternoon. I think nor cal might have raced there before years ago.

X2!

Topaz is a beautiful lake. I think spectators would get a good view as well. It's a drive, but the Hotel & Casino make it worth while.

 

[racektm]

Back in to 90's we raced in Hawthorne Nevada, Walker Lake. Seemed like a good place.

 

[CycloneRacing]

Lets do more ocean races. What happened to Benecia in Nor cal? That was a fun race. Lets try and race in Long Beach Harbor again. I know its expensive but it would be awesome. Lets try and do a 21 foot catalina race this year as well. Even if its not sanctioned lets just do a race like the polar bear, everyone shows up and runs to catalina and back at the same time. No insurance or liability, everyone is on their own. What about a pier to pier race in Long beach to huntington and back. I dont know, Something fun like that.

 

[obnoxious001]

Back in to 90's we raced in Hawthorne Nevada, Walker Lake. Seemed like a good place.

Walker was so flat it was hard on boats.

 

[wildone]

Lets do more ocean races. What happened to Benecia in Nor cal? That was a fun race. Lets try and race in Long Beach Harbor again. I know its expensive but it would be awesome. Lets try and do a 21 foot catalina race this year as well. Even if its not sanctioned lets just do a race like the polar bear, everyone shows up and runs to catalina and back at the same time. No insurance or liability, everyone is on their own. What about a pier to pier race in Long beach to huntington and back. I dont know, Something fun like that.

id love for more ocean races... pier to pier would be cool. hooker stay tuned ron swans got something in the mix for next year...

 

[racektm]

Walker was so flat it was hard on boats.

I remember Joe Mitchell pulling Derek Odo (I believe) with 001...Fast!

 

[obnoxious001]

I remember Joe Mitchell pulling Derek Odo (I believe) with 001...Fast!

I remember Joe Mitchell breaking Mike Guardalabene's boat pulling Derek at Walker Lake after I had Obnoxious. I actually pulled Corey Cook in a mini up there, forget if he was testing a ski or why that occurred. Shelby observed in my boat and when she got out she said "never again"!. My foot was pretty well glued to the floor for the entire race!

 

[AFUEL7067]

Walker Lake was the last venue I raced OBNOXIOUS 001 at , The 20 footer loved the thick water and high altitude and Derek also skied very well, the next years Walker Lake race was my last ski race as Barry stated driving Mike Gs Crisp and Clean.... Joe

 

[obnoxious001]

Walker Lake was the last venue I raced OBNOXIOUS 001 at , The 20 footer loved the thick water and high altitude and Derek also skied very well, the next years Walker Lake race was my last ski race as Barry stated driving Mike Gs Crisp and Clean.... Joe

shoot, now you are not undercover anymore!

 

[Firecracker]

Is Firebird too small because it is too narrow or too short? I thought it has over a mile straightaway? That would work for circles if each straight is a mile.

Firebird has some really really nasty water... Ask any boat racer who has crashed there, and they've ended up with some sort of infection. If you have any kind of open wound at all, you're in trouble. When we used to race the K-Boat there it was 20x worse than racing in any salt water. It just ate stuff up so bad. Every time you pulled the boat out it was a full Tide scrub down to keep it from eating the hardware up. And the boat was usually in the water no more than 10-15 minutes tops...

It's a great venue for spectators though, and the course around the island would be a really cool one to run. If the water was cleaner and safer that would be a great place to race. It would be fast.

The other component is how many races are desired by NWSRA members. It takes money to travel to the races.

I'm one of those racers that in this economy right now, less races are a little better for me. I can barely scrape the money out of the bucket to pay for what we do have... I miss when we used to have either a marathon or circle basically every other weekend from April to October. But I think quite a few other people beside myself are finding it hard to get the money to just show up to what we've got. And when you can't take any days off of work to drive to any races, it gets even tougher... Pittsburg is doable, leaving Friday after work, and getting home late Sunday. I think anything on the Delta around that area like a few other people have suggested is great. It's just hard to find anything affordable, and where people will actually let us run.

id love for more ocean races... pier to pier would be cool. hooker stay tuned ron swans got something in the mix for next year...

I think this is a good idea. The ocean is such a fun place to race/ski, and the exposure we get from racing along the beach would be great. I mean, we can't all be on TV behind a jumping shark now can we???



In all seriousness, there are a lot of great ideas and places people have thrown out here. It will be interesting to see what is put together for next year. I think the idea of Laughlin and Lake Mohave should be explored a little more. Maybe there could be a marathon one day on Mohave, and a circle the next in Laughlin... Just a thought.

 

[FASTJTBT144]

I had a friend check out buena vista near bakersfield told me it would work
and they just built new motels right next to the lake and only 20 min from bakersfield in case of a medical issues.He said the whole lake is only 10 feet deep and stays like glass

 

[funkcity]

Lake San Antonio has great vantage points for spectators.
RVs can be brought in and set up from Paso Robles for campers.
They do have rental units for lodging, a small restaurant, marina and a long 17 mile lake to run on.

We just got back from our vacation up there and it was great. They hold a triathalon up there every year. As was said lots of parking area for staging at the main Lynch campground site.

 

[flyingcolors]

Long Beach Marine Stadium ?

 

[Rexone]

I remember Joe Mitchell breaking Mike Guardalabene's boat pulling Derek at Walker Lake after I had Obnoxious. I actually pulled Corey Cook in a mini up there, forget if he was testing a ski or why that occurred. Shelby observed in my boat and when she got out she said "never again"!. My foot was pretty well glued to the floor for the entire race!

I remember it too. :grumble: I still have that 2 pc crankshaft as a reminder why I no longer campaign a ski race boat. I was a 2-bit racer trying to run an 8-bit race program.

I still have the boat btw, which is for sale at this time.

 

[obnoxious001]

Long Beach Marine Stadium ?

I don't believe the stadium is considered a viable race site due to how narrow it is,, and the rocks on the south side are pretty nasty if a boat and/or skier doesn't make the turn. Not a bad place for an exhibition race during another even to get more people interested though?