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August, 2007
Letter from the Prez: August
What are the secrets to a getting a good turnout at a flatwater race? Perhaps Faye Brown knows the answer. I just got back from the Chief Worumbo and have to report that it is without doubt the best attended flatwater race of the season. I don't how many boats there were but there were a lot, mostly rec, mostly kayak. My guess as to the secrets are as follows:
1. Have an organizer like Faye who puts in a lot of work! And good helpers as well.
2. Hold the event in conjunction with some larger festival or happening. (This used to work for us in Skowhegan when the Southside Tavern race was part of "Log Days" but now there is no more Log Days) The Worumbo is part of the Moxie Festival. This may help.
3. Have a course that is downriver, from one place to another. Most rec paddlers just don't get why anyone would paddle upstream for any reason, no matter how gentle the current. Makes the whole thing more of an appealing journey. Seriously, I think this is big.
4. Marginalize flatwater extremists like me. At the Worumbo all flatwater "pro" racers are lumped together in one class. Weekend warriors! Maybe this serves to open up the race for greater participation, psychologically speaking.
5. Have a good feed and award ceremony at the end!
Maybe if we follow these simple rules we will attract more new participants to our sport who may even develop an interest in more competitive racing, attracting more weekend warriors, and growing the sport. Anyway Hats Off to Faye Brown!
Cheers, John
Email nick [at] noumbrella [dot] com with your questions, comments and concerns.
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