This thread in response to the The thread that's become an us Doppler versus them Trackpoint thread, and is just meant to be a reminder about the philosophy of the GTC and a bit of a pep talk.
Just a reminder here:
Inclusiveness: That everyone in the windsurfing community be included from fun and social sailors, to the serious including pro's. Therefore we need to include all GPS’s that are out there, and have to include all available data which includes trackpoint. Remember that Inclusiveness generates a feeling of belonging and community. Inclusiveness helps us to focus on what unites us which is windsurfing. There are enough things that divide us, (Just look what's happening in the world where people are focussed on differences and what divides them
)lets not let Doppler vs trackpoints divide us.
Participation: That it is important to participate, to be involved, to develop skills and improve our Personal Best Times. To be involved all season, not just summer. Therefore we need to set rules and parameters that encourage us to participate, not discourage us. People have bought Garmin’s, people have limited budgets, Garmin’s do trackpoints, Garmin’s assist participation, therefore trackpoints are in.
Fun: That most importantly we have fun, and however you get it, from stacking it on a 15 knot run, to doing 40+ knots, or just having a beer/burboun/wine with your friends after a session. The fun is in the feeling of windsurfing and doing it with people who are similarly passionate about it. Do not lose focus on this.
Building relationships: That we connect people with the same passion, meet new people, create connections intra and inter-state, and generally just build relationships and grow our community. Focus on our shared passion and what we have in common, not on what divides us and makes us different.
Most of us like what we have created in the GTC. It’s not perfect and it’s not necessarily fair, but I think I’m right in saying that most of us really enjoy being part of it.
To me the GTC is about being part of something we all share in.
For those whom legitamately want to be involved at the elite level of seriousness, and as close to competitive fairness as is possible, then support your local state associations and get involved in their racing, and also support things, like Al Greens Speed Fortnight at Sandy Point and the Green Island comp by FNQ Mob.
Well said Hardie,
Its a great thing to have this GTC ongoing comp for ALL sailors, most of us are mere mortals and won't break any records ever so having a facility to record your own best efforts along with likeminded people is a fantastic thing.
Keep up the good work Hardie, your a great ambassador for our sport.
Promise I will post my next session
It's only fun until Larko and I go faster than Sam Parker at Sandy point in a week and a half and then it'll be hilarious
Some people seem to be taking this comp pretty seriously. Thats great in many ways. Its good to be enthusiastic about the sport we love. However some of the threads here seem pretty heavy. For those who are worried about their level of commitment and afraid they are losing touch with the fun side of windsurfing, there is an answer.
Move to Sydney.
