What would you do to Bring Ski Racing Back in the U.S.?

[AFUEL7067]

It seems like this post has come full circle twice .When the national body took over the clubs and ran them out in favor of the world team it was the begining of the end, and where is it now only world team members funding and racing.Back in the day people who ski raced were united and the worlds drove a wedge between the players .Why would you spend big money to support a orginazation that didnt care if you showed up or not?It was mentioned that the mini is popular because its only 30 minutes ,,,no shit when the marathons were 45 minutes they were full when they went to one hour to accomodate the world team the participation went down hill evrybody liked the mass starts international starts took the fun out of the start .etc etc etc..... National Championships made ski racing not World Championships......... There is nothing left and some still think the Worlds is the ticket ..... amazing

 

[Kdub157]

at the rule change meeting on saturday we voted to change the selection by points. problem solved.

 

[Kdub157]

its not that we think worlds is the ticket....its that all of us that are in the sport because we like to go FAST and are COMPETETIVE...thats why we like the worlds, thats why we like the selection races...we want to compete with the best of the best!
but on the other hand, i know about 80% of the world team skiers also enjoy the fun races...the problem is they stopped having circle races and the arrowhead fun races kinda died off...
like i said i hate to say that the world team carries us ski racing...but its true. BUT I am trying to change that/

the big thing for me here, is that everyone complains that there isnt enough circle races and fun races to get the sport going....well 2010 will bring plenty of both, but lets see if all you complainers and nay sayers actually show up and support these races. I myself along with cameron, Carl Johnson, and a few others are putting in a HUGE effort to improve racing for EVERYONE at every level....so how about everyone on here goes and dusts off your skis and race boats and come participate.

 

[River Lynchmob]

Huge step making it a points only decision...now if you didnt make it you weren't good enough or your equipment wasn't...period.

I have a boat and look forward to dragging it out to some of these fun races and maybe run it at Parker and the US Open as well. Plus I plan on skiing as well

 

[Kdub157]

ski racing is supported by its participants. most are on the "world team". that is why there is segregation." World teamers" vs also rans or the people who ski for the love of the sport.
If the world championships were to disolve would there be any races left ?

YES!!!

Would races like the Diamond race,Southern 80,Sydney Bridge to Bridge,and Catalina go away ?

NO!!!

These events would definately lose some participation, but they would survive. Most of there participants ski these races because they want to not because of the" world team"

Some say the big dogs pull all the skiers. Most due,but if you look back skiers flock to the new equipment. Skiers want to ski behind the best equipment possible.Some drivers have said " ski behind me and you don't have to give me gas money".
Little guys can't compete with the big dogs but they will try their best and that is good enough in my book.

I am thankful skifaster,firecracker,kdub are trying to shake up this sport that I LOVE.Ski racing needs new blood at the top and starting at the region level is great,but the national board needs a little wake up call.

If catalina was the only race left in america...i guarantee it would only take 3 or 4 years till you didnt have enough sponsors and participants to put the race on.

 

[wildone]

Will PEOPLE PLEASE JUST GET PAST THE FREAKING WORLDS. IF YOU WANT TO RACE THEN COME AND RACE. IF YOU WANT TO SIT ON HERE AND COMPLAIN AND NOT HELP REJUVENATE THE SPORT THROUGH PARTICIPATION THEN GO START YOUR OWN DAMN ASSOCIATION. IT IS WHAT IT IS. THE ONLY WAY THE SPORT WILL GROW IS TO SHOW UP AND SKI. PEOPLE ARE TRYING THERE BEST TO LISTEN AND MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES TO IMPROVE THE SPORT. IF YOU THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER THEN GET INVOLVED. THE NATIONAL BODY AND THE REGIONS NEED MORE HELP. EVERY SPORT, ORGANIZATION, AND EVENT HAS ITS DOWN SIDES. LOOK PAST THEM SHOW UP AND HAVE FUN.WHO CARES IF YOU DON'T MAKE THE WORLDS, OR YOU CANT RUN WITH THE "BIG DOGS" SHOW UP AND HAVE FUN. EVERY SPORT HAS ITS AMATEURS, ELITES AND EVERY LEVEL IN BETWEEN. IT'S THIS SIMPLE, IF YOU WANT TO HELP THE SPORT GROW SHOW UP AT HAVASU OR PARKER THIS SPRING AND GET INVOLVED ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

 

[Kdub157]

nice troy. a little harsh on the caps..but overall good point.

Lynch.....i better see you at all my region 2 races!!!!

 

[River Lynchmob]

nice troy. a little harsh on the caps..but overall good point.

Lynch.....i better see you at all my region 2 races!!!!

I'll get to as many of them as I can but won't be making any trips up north.

 

[Kdub157]

I'll get to as many of them as I can but won't be making any trips up north.

those are region one...no effort on my part haha

 

[schiadart73]

Wildone - People can't get past the "FREAKING WORLDS " because that has a lot to do with the death of ski racing. I know some of the people on here and they have excellent credentials to speak about the sport. Some of us have even been " FREAKING WORLD " team members and we still say that was a lot of the problem. Don't eliminate the " FREAKING WORLD " team, just don't put so much effort, time, money and publicity into the " FREAKING WORLD " team. Keep it all in the US.

KDUB157, Keep up the good work, I think your going in the right direction!

 

[Kdub157]

schiadart73~ thank you...im tryin my best!

I hate that people blame the demise of ski racing on the world team. the problem was, as people got more competetive, the able drivers got better boats, and then better boats...and then people got hurt, and then a couple people died. i spoke with someone today who's whole family used to race, and when Kirk Book died, they quit along with a lot of their friends. I know a lot of people who never came back when Karl died.

The circle races started to die out, and it wasnt anyones fault it was just politics and rules and money....
since the year 2000, we have seen our membership cut in half (Literally, 400 memebrs in 2000, 200 now.)
through all that, there have been years with no circles, no nationals, no fun races....but through it all, the world team survived. how do we rid of the only branch of ski racing that made it through the worst?

how about instead we try and give new members (and people who used to be members) the same enthusiasm for ski racing that our world team memebers have? I know personally i enjoy all types of skiing and i hope i can continue to race Lori Dunsmore style....(she is 52 and still competes at world class level - sorry duns, had to tell em your age)

lets all reinvent skiing....with everyones help and participation we can get back on track...increase membership....once we see a demand for circles we will put on more circle races....lets get some older boats out there that are "non-competetive" and make it a popular class again! i cant do it alone.

 

[AFUEL7067]

I do not see anybody complaining just stating fact and you asked.... What is the name of the thread? you cant fix it if you make the same mistakes . Some of the people stating shut up and just show up etc is the type of posting that shut down the NWSRA forum remember ?

 

[Kdub157]

we cant say shut up anymore? i swore i graduated kidergarden already....

the reason wildone and i are saying show up or shut up is because we show up, every time, we are there to support selection races, fun races, circle races, nationals, and any other kind....we are the ones keeping the sport going...and a lot of people commenting on here havent been to a ski race since Clinton was president...so its a little crazy to hear them saying the best way to bring back ski racing is shut down our most popular form of it..when they dont even know the who what what when where or why of ski racing in its current form.

thanks to everyone who plans to attend races in the 2010 season...it wont be just all about the world team. every member is appreciated.

 

[wildone]

Wildone - People can't get past the "FREAKING WORLDS " because that has a lot to do with the death of ski racing. I know some of the people on here and they have excellent credentials to speak about the sport. Some of us have even been " FREAKING WORLD " team members and we still say that was a lot of the problem. Don't eliminate the " FREAKING WORLD " team, just don't put so much effort, time, money and publicity into the " FREAKING WORLD " team. Keep it all in the US.

I understand this, but talking about it over and over will not achieve anything. I admire anyone who has been to the worlds, and has been through the ups and downs of this sport. My point was the only way to bring back ski racing is to show up and participate/ The only way for them to raise money to put back into the US regions and national body is for people to come to races, pay entry fees and participate. If enough people come they might actually break even on an event, or even make a profit. At that point they may even be able to lower the cost next time around. Or put on more fun events like puddinstone with out having to rely 100% on sponsors. It's simple business. The sport can not depend on sponsorship alone to cover the cost of events, especially with the state of the economy.

Any money donated to the world team is given because that is how the sponsors choose to donate their money. You go tell someone how they can and can not donate their money and see how much sponsorships you receive. The world team pays for it self through private fund raising and sponsorships that they go out and get. The national body has a hard enough time paying for regular races, as much as sponsors help they still depend on entry fees, until they can actually make a profit on a races on a regular basis they can not put money into other events.

There is no rules stating you can not come to a regular marathon ski the men's or the women's and not be formula 1 or 2. In fact we need more people to ski the age classes in the marathons. Pretty much everyone not in Open or F2 skis unopposed. Again disregard the worlds, If you want nothing to do with the world team then don't just show up and ski. Last year they lowered races times in the mens to 45 minutes so that non world team competitors could ski a shorter time and attempt to race with the "big dogs".

I my self am an average skier, that skis behind an "average" boat. I have no issues with the worlds. I do the sport because I enjoy it. We need more people who want to just come have fun and disregard any stigmata that they are not welcomed, or that it is controlled by 1 group of elite skiers and drivers. The bottom line is ski racing is a hobby. It is a competitive sport. But no one makes a living doing it. Its suppose to be fun. Make what you want of it and show up and participate. It will start to prosper when people start realize this.

People Like Katelin and Andy are world team members they are trying to help the sport. Support them by showing up and Participating next year.

 

[wildone]

we cant say shut up anymore? i swore i graduated kidergarden already....

the reason wildone and i are saying show up or shut up is because we show up, every time, we are there to support selection races, fun races, circle races, nationals, and any other kind....we are the ones keeping the sport going...and a lot of people commenting on here havent been to a ski race since Clinton was president...so its a little crazy to hear them saying the best way to bring back ski racing is shut down our most popular form of it..when they dont even know the who what what when where or why of ski racing in its current form.

thanks to everyone who plans to attend races in the 2010 season...it wont be just all about the world team. every member is appreciated.

You're my boy blue

 

[whiteworks]

So what is the current plan? All this he said she said is retarded and I can see why people quit showing up, hell this thread is not even fun to read now. From what I am reading here you guys are spread out all over the place and I have not read any clear and concise plan of attack.

 

[Kdub157]

On that note of world team money.....
liek wildone said all money that goes to the world team is raised by the world team....typically each member has to come up with 5 or 6 thousand dollars by themselves...not to mention the Randy Davises Scott Wendts Mike Avilas Howards Hoggins' and all those drivers that sponsor the worlds.....but guess what...they sponsor everything else to. so its not like the world team is taking anything away from US ski racing....your entry fees arent supporting the world team. trust me, ive been to 3 worlds and had to fund raise riduculous amounts of money....and watched my dad write $30,000.00 checks just so we can have the worlds....and ive also watched him write $5000 ones to go to the US ski races....

so basically everyone who is giving, is already giving to both causes.

 

[Kdub157]

So what is the current plan? All this he said she said is retarded and I can see why people quit showing up, hell this thread is not even fun to read now. From what I am reading here you guys are spread out all over the place and I have not read any clear and concise plan of attack.

look under my post titled "Everone please read- ski racing"

 

[MrWarpath]

There is as always so many people with different ideas as to what happend to our sport. Making racing just for World Team racing was for sure a part of its decline but in no way the only thing.For those of you that dont follow the history of our sport here is a brief rundown from someone that HAS been there for the history and has been a part of making the history.We didnt have regoins in the 60's but we did have lots of great racing.As a kid racing there was a lot of people to race and if you werent good enough to place they didnt start a class just so you could win something. Then we started regions and started the Nationals, but only the second year of the National program we lost one of our great skiers in a fall..........he was my dear friend Lou Arnould he died in a fall on 8-19-1972 and that fall was the reason we had to start to wear leg straps on our jackets. We lost a lot of people because of that fall because of fear.The couple years later when our numbers were starting to come back we had a fuel shortage that took out more people from our sport. In 1977 along came Robbie Woods and changed the way everyone was sking at the time. By the time the early 80's were here and with a very bad economic time on us we started having skiers at a very fast rate get there arms hurt. This was the reason even more people left our sport, no money and lots of people getting hurt real bad.In a late 80's the sport had some black eyes from the people that run the sport and caused some very large teams to leave our sport because they were not having fun any longer, guys like Pete Peters,Jerry Herbst,Vic Edelbrock left and we still have not filled that void.

When we got started into the 90's there were still people getting hurt and another bad time in the economy so we lost more. In 1994-1995 we lost Kick Book,Mike Swim and Pat Perry all to horrible falls and bad equipment. This again caused a large number of people to leave our sport. Now comes a time when we started to do more races just for the sake of the World Team and that took away a lot of the fun for a lot of people causeing them to leave as well. This sport has had many reason's for its decline and not all of them are people generated they are just a sign of the times.It is not 1960,70,80,90 or even the early part of this century it is 2009 and things have changed. People have changed the water sport industry has changed. We as people who love this sport just need to stop pointing fingers and start making an effort to have some good racing and most of all some fun. The real racers will be there no matter what but we need the ones that just are there for the fun and the love of the sport.Bring them back and we will bring the sport back !!...............just my take on it.........

 

[wildone]

The real racers will be there no matter what but we need the ones that just are there for the fun and the love of the sport.Bring them back and we will bring the sport back !!...............just my take on it.........

Well said my point exactly

 

[schiadart73]

KDUB - Don't age Lori too fast, she won't be 52 for a couple more weeks.

 

[Firecracker]

Wildone - People can't get past the "FREAKING WORLDS " because that has a lot to do with the death of ski racing. I know some of the people on here and they have excellent credentials to speak about the sport. Some of us have even been " FREAKING WORLD " team members and we still say that was a lot of the problem. Don't eliminate the " FREAKING WORLD " team, just don't put so much effort, time, money and publicity into the " FREAKING WORLD " team. Keep it all in the US.

KDUB157, Keep up the good work, I think your going in the right direction!

I would have to disagree on what you are saying about the "FREAKING WORLD" team. I was not a member until this year, and I was lucky to make it. Granted I haven't been in ski racing for a million years like half the people on here, but I have been in it since 2003, and I would have to say blaming the world team is quite unfair.

I would put more blame on economy, cliques, and people just not having the drive to do it. When I got into racing I always looked up to the people who were on the world team, and only hoped that I may have the chance to represent our country one day. It was my own personal drive that kept me going becuase I wanted to do it, and I was a die hard skier. Just like Avila says above my post... The die hard skiers will always be there.

If it wasn't for the people who do worlds I doubt ski racing would even exist in the states anymore. Because we make the majority who goes to 98% of the races. Region 1 or 2.

I have found myself this year scrounging $$$ to just pay for gas to get to my races, and pay for a hotel room, and the entry fees. And I have a pretty easy life, I have no home to pay for, and I only live 40 miles from work. But I do have bills, and we all know how much $$$ those can suck up. So I would have to say it is a bit harsh to blame it all on the world team.

I think we need to keep pushing forward with the Grass Roots races, and keep bringing people in. I know for a fact that, had there been races like that when I started racing, I would not have the opinion about people not being friendly that I had before. Not so many people will have the "I'm taking my ball and going home" attitude then. Not everyone has the drive, or what it takes to do something regardless of what the circumstances are. Just a harsh fact of human nature. But the more welcoming atmosphere will keep those people around, and they will all see how much fun we really do have together, and it is turning into a good close knit family atmosphere again. I can't tell you how much fun I have at those little races at Puddingstone. And it's hilarious to still see how competitive we all are, regardless of what we are racing one, or which direction we are going around the course.

I think as everyone can see by reading all of the posts on this thread that a finger cannot be pointed at one specific problem. It has been a huge combination of many factors that caused the fall of ski racing in the USA. We are working hard to bring it back, and the efforts we have been able to make, have showed, and proven that we did not make wasted efforts.

The marathons in the years that the Worlds are taking place should be longer and based off of the worlds format. Because it will only hinder those who are competing, and wont be able to perform at the level they need to. But even this year, we made accommodations to those who were not members of the world team, and had the option to come off the course at 45 minutes plus one lap, or continue on for the 1 hour plus a lap that the men's races run for world competition. We all understand that it cannot all be about the world team, and every other year, it is formatted to have nothing to do with it. So it is taken into consideration, and racing as a whole does not revolve around the world team.

So please, instead of trying to point a finger at the world team, just try to look at the big picture, and see that there are far more reasons beside just that, that caused racing here to fall. We are working to get it built up again, and I think we know what to do to get it there. It is not going to be a change over night. It is going to take years to build it up again, as it took years for the numbers to decline.

Please be patient. It will come back! The economy needs to get better again, and with the grass roots events, I think we can expect positive changes for sure. The new race format will also help tremendously.

 

[Kdub157]

KDUB - Don't age Lori too fast, she won't be 52 for a couple more weeks.

haha i know... we were talking about it this weekend......i had to age her faster to make a point!! haha

 

[Kdub157]

oh and p.s. to everyone on here.....

our world team memebers work their asses off to go over to places like belgium and ski on miserable ridiculous water conditions to try and bring home the GOLD for the united states like we have done SO MANY TIMES.....more than any other country in fact
HOW ABOUT SOME SUPPORT for those of us trying to make it work for everyone.

can i get a f*** yea for the 2009 world team!!!!!!!!!!! it was the worst water we had all skied in but we brought home GOLD FOR TEAM USA......AGAIN

 

[Kdub157]

Did you guys know that membership is actually UP about 15% from last year?

 

[Firecracker]

oh and p.s. to everyone on here.....

our world team memebers work their asses off to go over to places like belgium and ski on miserable ridiculous water conditions to try and bring home the GOLD for the united states like we have done SO MANY TIMES.....more than any other country in fact
HOW ABOUT SOME SUPPORT for those of us trying to make it work for everyone.

can i get a f*** yea for the 2009 world team!!!!!!!!!!! it was the worst water we had all skied in but we brought home GOLD FOR TEAM USA......AGAIN

F*** YEAH! :drnkfr

I've never skied in water so rough in my life! The ocean is a calm glassy lake compared to that water over there! Plus it's a bit cleaner... No poo poo, or dead animals floating next to you in the water either.

 

[RiverDave]

F*** YEAH! :drnkfr

I've never skied in water so rough in my life! The ocean is a calm glassy lake compared to that water over there! Plus it's a bit cleaner... No poo poo, or dead animals floating next to you in the water either.

Seriously?

RD

 

[Kdub157]

Seriously?

RD

seriously.....the porta potties over there have pipes that lead straight into the canals we race...literally you can watch your own poop flow right into the canal! fun for the whole family

 

[Firecracker]

Seriously?

RD

Seriously... Genk, the doo doo you took in the morning was floating next to you along with everyone elses doo doo too. Couple of the biggest fresh water eels floating dead there too... Oh yeah, and a couple of nuclear silos right off the water too.Wonder if the eels were fed by nuclear waste?

Viersel there was an abundance of dead rats and rabbits chillin' next to you if you fell. It was lovely skiing there 2 days in a row...

Needless to say we all kept our mouths closed as tight as we could. But it was really hard when you fall, and you are trying to stay afloat, and hold your ski up as high as you can so "You can push off of a boat if it is going to come to hit you"...

Was it worth it? Yes. Even though my tonsils were badly infected, and I have mystery bumps on my elbow still from being over there...

 

[JBG]

Seriously... Genk, the doo doo you took in the morning was floating next to you along with everyone elses doo doo too. Couple of the biggest fresh water eels floating dead there too... Oh yeah, and a couple of nuclear silos right off the water too.Wonder if the eels were fed by nuclear waste?

Viersel there was an abundance of dead rats and rabbits chillin' next to you if you fell. It was lovely skiing there 2 days in a row...

Needless to say we all kept our mouths closed as tight as we could. But it was really hard when you fall, and you are trying to stay afloat, and hold your ski up as high as you can so "You can push off of a boat if it is going to come to hit you"...

Was it worth it? Yes. Even though my tonsils were badly infected, and I have mystery bumps on my elbow still from being over there...

She said DOODOO:rotflmao:

 

[Crazyhippy]

She said DOODOO:rotflmao:

Is the Wombat coming Ski Racing?

 

[JBG]

You can bet on it!!
In one way or another!!

 

[Firecracker]

This may or may not have been posted, but just in case, here is this little bit of info... Any interested takers? Good idea? Bad idea? Anyone who wants to help? (Previously sent by KDub)

If your interested in water ski racing, already do it, or know people who might be interested...

Yesterday at 3:12pm
(sent this out to all email addresses i have, but posted it here just in case i didnt get to you. please tag any ski racers you know or email it to anyone interested. thanks.)



Hey Everyone,

Soo I just wanted to send out an email with some new info, get some feedback on some things, and any suggestions, questions, comments, concerns etc…

First off I want to start off and ask everyone what they thought about the format from the US open this year. I am in the midst of organizing the schedule and I am planning on most the region 2 races to be in that format, marathons and circle races. I also had a great suggestion to add another marathon, that will be like a mini, mini marathon. It will be about 15 min and its purpose will be for the newer members or returning members that want to give the marathon a try, but don’t want to ski as long, or against the faster members. What does everyone think so far? (p.s. region 1 and international will be holding 3-4 regular marathon weekends so we have a good amount of both)

Next, I am on a mission to recruit people. New people, old people, young, old, fast, slow. Drivers, boat owners (ANY boat will do) observers, skiers, spectators. I want to start the year off by having a ‘beginner’s day’ and I would appreciate as much help as I can get. This includes EVERYONE. That means you world team members. I want to make everyone a whole instead of having cliques and new members who are intimidated and dont know who to ask for help.

The beginners day will consist of drivers teaching drivers, observers teaching observers and skiers teaching skiers. I would really love to get everyone old equipment together (and even some new donated equipment) and match it all up with new people who need it. This means everything, vests, lifelines, ropes skis, bridles, bindings, etc…you know you don’t need that stuff sitting in your garage anymore; lets give it to someone who needs it. Everyone please send me back suggestions questions and comments about this, and please consider coming out and help our sport GROW!!

On that note, if anyone knows people who they think might be interested in skiing, please send me their contact info! I cant do all this myself so take 5 minutes of your time and send me the email address of a friend or 2. If you know anyone who has a ski race boat that they haven’t used in a while, or even people who raced 5 or 10 years ago, talk to them about the puddingstone races, they are cheap, easy, fun, and they really get people back into the sport without dealing with all the BS.

We all love the sport so help me out here. Im not asking for money (yet, haha) just a couple minutes of your time…and next year lets get some participation, even if the “fun races” don’t count for something, didn’t we all start this because it is supposed to be fun?

Thanks in advance for your help, I will be sending out the unofficial schedule in a few days so you all can mark your calendars to come out for the races.



Katelin Wendt

 

[Firecracker]

I just want to put this out there... I understand everything all of you are saying about politics, and how treatment goes. Trust me, I had my fair share of dealing with the politics in ski racing this year. I've had people dump me, or just flat leave the sport becuase one of their other skiers left, and I'm stuck struggling to find a ride in the past. I've been made to think i was a worthless nothing back there on the rope. I was ready to leave racing this year becuase of how I felt about myself as a skier, becuase of what people said to me towards the end of last year, beginning of this year. There were plenty of other things that were going on as well. But it was those very people who are on here fighting to prove that things are changing for the better, that made me make the decision to stay racing regardless of what happened. To come back and support the sport regardless, becuase things are moving for a better course. And boy am I thankful for them now. All of the people on here are great people trying to help this sport. We all understand that there has been a bad taste left in your mouths from past experiences, but please give us a chance to change this for the better to make it a more positive experience for everyone who wants to come out and play.

I may get pretty fired up on here, but it is becuase I am so passionate about the sport, and I get irked at things just like the rest of you. I'm just more likely to blow off my steam rather than keep it in. LOL

So please give us a chance to fix things, and try to improve on things. It's not going to all happen all at once, so bear with us on that. But we will make every effort possible to make it a more positive experience for everyone involved.

 

[whiteworks]

look under my post titled "Everone please read- ski racing"

Noted seems like race format stuff. (WW not a racer so whatever works for you guys is good) I guess what I am looking for is a multi faceted plan. promotion, advertiseing, venues, hospitality tent I think all the racing is good but in order to grow the sport each event must be promoted with the spectator experiance in mind. You grow the spectatorship and then you get them interested in participating. next thing you know you get press/media coverage and dollars from entities looking for exposure (SPONSORS). it all goes hand in hand. Firecracker said to be paient this will take years, It could or it could happen real fast with the correct strategy. Kdub I am down to help blow this shit up, and at your disposal for the cause. RDP snapped a few pics, tossed out a couple shirts, started a section on the site to bullshit about racing. I like to think of RDP as a spring board the harder you press the higher you go, can you imagine the possibilities of a large group effort focused on a single cause. NWSRA needs a presence at every boating event on the west coast promoting the shit out of waterski racing. There are so many untapped possibilities that could be pursued.

 

[Firecracker]

Noted seems like race format stuff. (WW not a racer so whatever works for you guys is good) I guess what I am looking for is a multi faceted plan. promotion, advertiseing, venues, hospitality tent I think all the racing is good but in order to grow the sport each event must be promoted with the spectator experiance in mind. You grow the spectatorship and then you get them interested in participating. next thing you know you get press/media coverage and dollars from entities looking for exposure (SPONSORS). it all goes hand in hand. Firecracker said to be paient this will take years, It could or it could happen real fast with the correct strategy. Kdub I am down to help blow this shit up, and at your disposal for the cause. RDP snapped a few pics, tossed out a couple shirts, started a section on the site to bullshit about racing. I like to think of RDP as a spring board the harder you press the higher you go, can you imagine the possibilities of a large group effort focused on a single cause. NWSRA needs a presence at every boating event on the west coast promoting the shit out of waterski racing. There are so many untapped possibilities that could be pursued.

I agree that it is something that could happen fast. I think that Catalina is the closest we come to having your scenario here. But the fact is, we are barely able to get enough money from the people who do so generously sponsor us at every race, to break even sometimes. Adding a hospitality tent just isn't something that we can fork out the dough for right now. But you really do have a point on it being a better spectator sport. When Jeff Barrus had the jumbo screen at Catalina a few years back, that was the greatest thing! You could see everything you never get to see with that race! Unfortunately he has never been able to raise the funds again to have that.

There are also things with permits that cost more money. Some places require you to pay for a vendor permit to sell food, and there are just some really ridiculous things that some cities require. There is a lot more involved in putting on an event than most people know, or even think about.

But any ideas that you do have to help this, and raise more money, so we can have the things you are talking about that would be great. But, I think the economy is still going to be a huge factor right now. I mean, Speedo, who normally supplies warm ups for the world team, didn't supply anything to us this year. Why? Because of the economy. I couldn't even get anyone to sponsor 8 jackets and warm up pants for the women's team only! I think we all feel the effect the economy has on everything. And it's not just with ski racing that it is an issue. John Force is even feeling the effects with his racing... So it's not just the "little guy" who is feeling it. Which makes me feel a little better in this situation, but not much. LOL

 

[wildone]

Noted seems like race format stuff. (WW not a racer so whatever works for you guys is good) I guess what I am looking for is a multi faceted plan. promotion, advertiseing, venues, hospitality tent I think all the racing is good but in order to grow the sport each event must be promoted with the spectator experiance in mind. You grow the spectatorship and then you get them interested in participating. next thing you know you get press/media coverage and dollars from entities looking for exposure (SPONSORS). it all goes hand in hand. Firecracker said to be paient this will take years, It could or it could happen real fast with the correct strategy. Kdub I am down to help blow this shit up, and at your disposal for the cause. RDP snapped a few pics, tossed out a couple shirts, started a section on the site to bullshit about racing. I like to think of RDP as a spring board the harder you press the higher you go, can you imagine the possibilities of a large group effort focused on a single cause. NWSRA needs a presence at every boating event on the west coast promoting the shit out of waterski racing. There are so many untapped possibilities that could be pursued.

I agree with all of this but where does the funding come from? Again it will take time, we need people to come and participate, bring friends family, who ever to come sign up and help out and particpate. It can not be done with out participation increases as we saw this year already. I see what your going at but hospitality tents, advertising, media coverage, traveling to exhibition they are all great ideas but where does the funding come from. The sponsors who we have now are all stretched very thin and already give a lot, its hard to keep asking for more. Plus there is the physical work involved in organizing everything. To start anything in motion we need more members and participation to collect entry fees, find new support, and bring in new sponsors.

When my father was national body president for over 10 years, it became a full time job when the association was at its peak in the 90's. He spend hours upon hours setting up exhibition races at the thunder boat races in mission bay, finding sponsors (including himself), finding new locations and venues, organizing permits, rescue, running races. It is alot of work. We need fresh blood and more people like K dub and Ski faster that are willing to participate and plan.

Again I am not putting down anything said by white works but this is ski racing not nascar. It will take a lot of time to get it to that capacity. I would love to see ski racing on tv one day and not just a 5 minute clip on the local news. It starts now at the bottom rebuilding our participation. It is sad to say but for now the greatest thing for the sport is the grass routes events, this forum and a positive attitude.

 

[whiteworks]

The races I see having the most potential are the Catalina race and the Puddingstone grass roots SERIES. I talked with Jeff Barris about the ins and outs of what he has done. He has the knowledge to capture the race and show it live to the crowd. What he has accomplished is amazing when you think about it. I think what needs to happen is the Puddingstone events need to be used as a model. The event should be promoted hard locally and held once a month. No reason (that I know of) there is not a banner on the hillside next to 10 freeway promoting the puddingstone event well a head of time. And for Christs sake what about Performance boats magazine wheres the love Chris? There are ways to do things on the cheap but creativity must be used. Cross promotion is always a good idea, No rerason not to partner up with some wakeboard event and mix it up a bit, an aqua fest if you will. Its time to do something different, unique and fun. Hell maybe we get Vans involved and set up a skate demo at the same time (Steve Vandoren is the king of Putting on events). IMO all these sports are kindred spirits and have a hell of a talent pool of atheletes to be tapped. These are just some random thoughts, do you guys see where I am going with this? The possibilities are endless, this is not 1960 shit happens fast and hard when the right people with a good plan get after it.

 

[red ant]

WOW!!!!! Is all I can say and still be nice. Here is the deal. The people who like to complain will do it no matter what. They are the same people who NEVER help. We have some board members here, that are really trying to fix the problems in USA ski racing. Give them a chance. If you have a good idea, let them know. Can you get sponsor money??? If you can please let NWSRA know. NASCAR and NHRA teams are having trouble getting sponsorships. Those sports are televised. A sponsor can actually see his money on TV in action.
YEAH to our new region 2 pres. Good Luck !!!! Season hasn't started and people are all fired up. Looking forward to a great 2010 season.

 

[Firecracker]

The races I see having the most potential are the Catalina race and the Puddingstone grass roots SERIES. I talked with Jeff Barris about the ins and outs of what he has done. He has the knowledge to capture the race and show it live to the crowd. What he has accomplished is amazing when you think about it. I think what needs to happen is the Puddingstone events need to be used as a model. The event should be promoted hard locally and held once a month. No reason (that I know of) there is not a banner on the hillside next to 10 freeway promoting the puddingstone event well a head of time. And for Christs sake what about Performance boats magazine wheres the love Chris? There are ways to do things on the cheap but creativity must be used. Cross promotion is always a good idea, No rerason not to partner up with some wakeboard event and mix it up a bit, an aqua fest if you will. Its time to do something different, unique and fun. Hell maybe we get Vans involved and set up a skate demo at the same time (Steve Vandoren is the king of Putting on events). IMO all these sports are kindred spirits and have a hell of a talent pool of atheletes to be tapped. These are just some random thoughts, do you guys see where I am going with this? The possibilities are endless, this is not 1960 shit happens fast and hard when the right people with a good plan get after it.

The hard thing about Puddingstone is to just cover the rental of the lake for 1 day is about $2500... And they are a very busy lake, believe it or not. It is hard to get the events scheduled that we do have there. For the last event we struggled to get the sponsors to pay for the rental fee of the lake to make the entries the profit part of the event. Is having the 50/50 raffle at the event a good idea? Is raffling off miscellaneous items going to get more people to donate? What do you want to see in a raffle?

The idea has also been there to go to wake boarding events... Sometimes the location of the event just doesn't have enough room for us. The water area that is available isn't large enough to have a safe course. But your idea is right on tapping into the resources of wakeboarding events.

Also, did you know that Florida has a statewide water way speed limit of 35mph? That is why ski racing is not a happening scene there. There actually was a gentleman in Florida who tried to develop a fiberglass race ski. Mike Bemis skied on it in a few races to test it out for the guy. But getting back to the speed limit, that is why all racing in Florida is done offshore. I think that Florida would be a great resource for skiers, look at how many world champion slalom skiers come from there.

Also, I know some universities still have water ski teams. That may also be somewhere we want to stick our noses in. I think Mallory is skiing for the UCLA team (Katelin may correct me on the school), that could be a way to get it out to new people too...

 

[wildone]

The races I see having the most potential are the Catalina race and the Puddingstone grass roots SERIES. I talked with Jeff Barris about the ins and outs of what he has done. He has the knowledge to capture the race and show it live to the crowd. What he has accomplished is amazing when you think about it. I think what needs to happen is the Puddingstone events need to be used as a model. The event should be promoted hard locally and held once a month. No reason (that I know of) there is not a banner on the hillside next to 10 freeway promoting the puddingstone event well a head of time. And for Christs sake what about Performance boats magazine wheres the love Chris? There are ways to do things on the cheap but creativity must be used. Cross promotion is always a good idea, No rerason not to partner up with some wakeboard event and mix it up a bit, an aqua fest if you will. Its time to do something different, unique and fun. Hell maybe we get Vans involved and set up a skate demo at the same time (Steve Vandoren is the king of Putting on events). IMO all these sports are kindred spirits and have a hell of a talent pool of atheletes to be tapped. These are just some random thoughts, do you guys see where I am going with this? The possibilities are endless, this is not 1960 shit happens fast and hard when the right people with a good plan get after it.

I see where your coming from and I would love to be able to race every month at Puddingstone. But again, how do we pay for it? Who is willing to step up and organize an event there on a regular basis. Andy (skifaster) spent weeks organizing the two fun days we had there. And they are fun races, as many new members came we still need to run regular races to keep current members happy. You would be surprised how many current members did not participate at either Puddingstone fun days. K Dub, international, and the national body are looking towards tons of new venues like bass lake (rumored) , beginners days, and more circle races/mixed weekends. These events will hopefully appeal to both beginners and current members. Jeff is a great producer and promoter for our sport but the time involved kills him. He pays for it out of his pocket and does all his editing after hours. I don't think he ever finished the 08 Catalina DVD. Hes a great guy. Too bad he doesn't have the support to help.

Again all this will take place over time. We just need to focus on new memberships through the steps already taken and expand on what progress has been made.

 

[Firecracker]

Dylan (WhiteWorks) has a ton of great ideas to help us out. He WILL do what he says he will do if you give him the chance. I know this from personal experience. He is a great guy, and just wants to have a good time, and help things grow. I think we should take his ideas, and note them for when we are able to do all of these things. And we should use him for what he is offering to help. Maybe he does have contacts that will help us out...

Both RD and Dylan are good at getting word out about things. Hopefully we will really be able to use them both, and make them sick of ski racing because it has them doing too much work!!!

 

[whiteworks]

How much does it cost to put on a race at Puddingstone? Ive heard $2500-$3500 a day for the water. Not sure what other costs are involved but I am sure there are some. Now the fact that it took Andy a shit load of time to put the deal together I will not argue, but I would think having done it twice he has a good idea of what needs to happen and could delegate tasks. running all over and starting new venues is some what pointless at this time (IMO) for the purpose of growing the sport. You guys are right this is not NHRA or NASCAR I think of it more as the Reno air races something very unique and rare. You guys all wine about lack of funds, Lets say there was a million dollar endowement in place to create an annual budget for the waterski racing in the USA. How would that money be used? There needs to be that kind of thought process behind what is happening for this to go big. I will give you a funny example of raising funds, occasionally I work for a private college doing renovation work to there small buildings and houses. They have a hell of a time raising funds for small projects but there are donors standing in line to cut multi million dollar checks for new buildings with there name on it. My point being that money can be raised but a comprehensive long term plan must be in place.

 

[Firecracker]

How much does it cost to put on a race at Puddingstone? Ive heard $2500-$3500 a day for the water. Not sure what other costs are involved but I am sure there are some. Now the fact that it took Andy a shit load of time to put the deal together I will not argue, but I would think having done it twice he has a good idea of what needs to happen and could delegate tasks. running all over and starting new venues is some what pointless at this time (IMO) for the purpose of growing the sport. You guys are right this is not NHRA or NASCAR I think of it more as the Reno air races something very unique and rare. You guys all wine about lack of funds, Lets say there was a million dollar endowement in place to create an annual budget for the waterski racing in the USA. How would that money be used? There needs to be that kind of thought process behind what is happening for this to go big. I will give you a funny example of raising funds, occasionally I work for a private college doing renovation work to there small buildings and houses. They have a hell of a time raising funds for small projects but there are donors standing in line to cut multi million dollar checks for new buildings with there name on it. My point being that money can be raised but a comprehensive long term plan must be in place.

I guess you could say that that kind of funding is uncharted territory for the new board members (mostly the first year for everyone). But with people like Wildone who do have resources who have been there with big money, we could get the help to direct the money in the right direction, and spread it throughout the sport in advertising, media, etc...

Like it has been said time and again, we struggle to get the funding we need to put a race on. I couldn't even imagine what we could do with a generous donation like that given to the organization. It's just never really been a thought, because it has never been offered or brought up until you presented it...

 

[wildone]

How much does it cost to put on a race at Puddingstone? Ive heard $2500-$3500 a day for the water. Not sure what other costs are involved but I am sure there are some. Now the fact that it took Andy a shit load of time to put the deal together I will not argue, but I would think having done it twice he has a good idea of what needs to happen and could delegate tasks. running all over and starting new venues is some what pointless at this time (IMO) for the purpose of growing the sport. You guys are right this is not NHRA or NASCAR I think of it more as the Reno air races something very unique and rare. You guys all wine about lack of funds, Lets say there was a million dollar endowement in place to create an annual budget for the waterski racing in the USA. How would that money be used? There needs to be that kind of thought process behind what is happening for this to go big. I will give you a funny example of raising funds, occasionally I work for a private college doing renovation work to there small buildings and houses. They have a hell of a time raising funds for small projects but there are donors standing in line to cut multi million dollar checks for new buildings with there name on it. My point being that money can be raised but a comprehensive long term plan must be in place.

Again, i am not arguing with you. We do need a long term plan. People like Kdub have started to work on it. Its just like any business, where you need a business plan to get funding from investors, same thing applies, you need a long term plan to gain new members, plan events, and raise money. When my father ran the sport, he ran it as a business, and funding was not an issue, it came down to man power and people stepping up and following through.

White Works does have great ideas for the long term. I am going to have to stick to my original message through out this whole thread though that for now we need to focus on new participation as the association did last year, and as new members join, larger steps can be taken as funds through entry fees, and new sponsors, man power, and general interest increase.

 

[whiteworks]

Looks like this thread is back on track, just trying to stimulate the thought process. Had I hit the lotto tonight the endowment concept would have become a reality I went over to the NWSRA website and looked into becoming a member, can it be done on line? Have you guys ever done a membership drive? might not be able to get $50K out of someone but $50.00 is quite doable

 

[Firecracker]

It is actually a work in progress to achieve just what you are talking about... And hopefully you will be able to register for the races online as well. That way it will benefit everyone. Organizers will have a real time list of participants who have signed up, and it makes it easier for everyone to not only join the organization, but sign up for the races.

 

[gar163y]

seriously.....the porta potties over there have pipes that lead straight into the canals we race...literally you can watch your own poop flow right into the canal! fun for the whole family

Next years Diamond Race fixed in the calendar for weekend June 26th/27th. Hope to see some of you there.

 

[Kdub157]

Looks like this thread is back on track, just trying to stimulate the thought process. Had I hit the lotto tonight the endowment concept would have become a reality I went over to the NWSRA website and looked into becoming a member, can it be done on line? Have you guys ever done a membership drive? might not be able to get $50K out of someone but $50.00 is quite doable

All great ideas....banners, Advertising in performance boats....

but ive got enough on my plate as it is...why dont you guys take over the advertising.

ill officially make you part of the region 2 board...whiteworks you are officially named advertising chairman for the 2010 season. readyyyy GO!

 

[Halvecto]

Here is an idea...it seems that often one of the barriers for people to get involved is the unknown and intimidating nature of the sport.

What about setting up kind of a mentor program. Get some of the very active members to be a mentor of sorts. Each new member would be assigned a current member. It is not a forced friendship, just a phone call to reach out and say "i am here to help". It would be great for getting questions answered, identifying necessary equipment, sharing of equipment, help getting an observer, skier, etc.. It is very helpful to have someone to call and ask those basic questions. I was fortunate, in that, my wife raced when she was younger and we had some old equipment around that could get us going. We also knew the Anderson family, so being able to call Glen with those one off questions eased those early efforts. What was also very helpful was I connected with Gary Heinbuch and was able to call him on a number of occasions early on. Simply helping me get some Lifelines to use that first race was great.

Also, to have someone there at the race that you know and can connect with makes that initial arrival much easier. To show up knowing there is someone there to walk you through the steps to get a boat inspected, check your equipment, find an observer, get signed in, introduce you to some key people, etc. is HUGE. It makes the whole day so much easier and more enjoyable. Those that have been around the sport all their life underestimate the potential awkwardness of driving up with the family cruiser boat and seeing the big teams and twin turbo monsters. But admittedly, just getting through that initial period, it becomes much easier. We have never been close to being competitive in most races, but as a family, we are having a blast in a very unique way. We cannot get to all the races, but in between all the other activities with kids, this one is very fun.

There are some great people in the sport, and many terrific families. If the goal is to get new families with just "normal" boats to give it a go, I think a program like this would be great.