Hi Guys, after seeing the numbers and names that turned up to the recent "Race of the Lake of the Sky" in Tahoe, it got me wondering what the secret formula was for the event. Granted, the location is one of the best in the World, but that can't be all.
They only ran a handful of races over two days, including a BOP style, a short and a distance race. And some stuff for the kids. And many of the larger manufacturers turned up and filled the expo with shiny new boards. There was also -no doubt- a few beers around the fire on the Saturday night. Sounds like a winner to me.
If there were to be a flatwater race that you were interested in, what would you need it to look like to make you put it in your calander for years to come.
I know you all have opinions on what you would do if it were your race, so please be forthcoming with your comments. We have some World class paddlers in Australia, and we need a format that encourages newcomers in a positive and fun enviroment.
Look forward to your input.
Personally not really in to flat water races myself but if the place was novel enough and the race/event format interesting enough then why not.
Maybe Lake Jindabyne in Summer might be good? Port Phillips Bay in Melbourne would a likely thought in a more mainstream location.
Probably the biggest issue in OZ light be that we are spoiled for choice with a great coastline.
Good thought though. Great to see something big happen.
Sam.
Pretty simple. Prize money and lots of it. If you get the Pros there and make it interesting for the punters as well with novice divisions, board lengths or workshops from the pros as well as an product expo with payment to exhibit to help fund the prize money you could have the race around a public toilet block and have a good turnout.
A nice location would just be a bonus.
Get the big names and put them to use, make them earn the sponsorship not only in results but helping the development of the sport.
Central event location in the sense that all races/events start and finish at the same place so you don't have people all over the place.
Don't think it needs to be in a major city either, people will travel and use it as a holiday if travel is involved.
Being over a weekend would help and also gives you the option to run events for everyone elite, amatuers, women, men, children, long distance, short distance etc.
Good weather.
An over 45 or 50 division as well. Some of us older guys still want to race.
I agree with Sam. Melbourne would be good, as would Jindy or Port Stephens. Another great spot to paddle is the Forster area. Good for flat water , BOP and downwinders in both enclosed and open waters. Everyone is able to stay in the one area and socialise. Have the pros do some clinics and involve families with kids races. It seems to be working in NZ. Run it over a Fri - Sun and most people would be able to attend. I know the Forster council would support it and while it is a little way for the Vic guys it is about the closest central area to Qld and Sydney that offers so many different variables from both a paddling, accommodation and eating/drinking perspective.
If you are putting on a event and want it to be big do as CMC says plus get in contact with all the big companys and smash them to get their good riders there!! but have a plan and think of it as a business and what you can do for the company, tell them you are going to have a 100,000 people come through the event and the web steam will go out live to a million people!!! if you think BIG it will be big!!
Have plans in place and the whole event planed out with 3 or more back up plans if the first plan goes south.
Think of how companys are going to make money out of the event if you cant think of how they are going to make money from your event then why would they give money for nothing, if you tell them they will sell a hundered boards and give them a plan on how they will do it you watch the money roll in!! you have to make them feel like if they dont get involved then they are going to miss out big time!!
This is still only part of the whole event and next is to look at what is working to get people at the big events already and one of the biggest things is FUN!! if the event is to serious then it's great for the pros but sucks for the guy just in it for a good time. People want to feel like they are getting something for there money weather they win or just come in last.
