Would any paddlers be keen in racing in a world series circuit? Each race accumulates points (based on your time and ruddered or rudderless division) and the winner is crowned 'World Series Champion'.
Say a race in Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Canada?, Brazil? Race organisers race agree to a points system, ie fastest cumulative time (ie add up your time to get a fastest time overall - will obviously benefit downwind surf skilled paddlers as you cant make up as much time in flats or headwind as you can in downwind surfing).
Obviously easier to raise sponsorship as an athlete, team or race organiser if you can say you are part of a world circuit (greater brand coverage, etc).
Was wondering what some general ideas/concerns are.
Kingi (Aotearoa)
Submitted by k on Tue, 05/20/2008 - 1:47pm
Of course we would want to, but whether most of us deserve to be on a world tour is another matter.
But seriously, surfskis have a world series like what you are talking about, and if OC paddlers want our sport to step up to the next level of professionalism it will have to happen. The big names will have to be willing to travel, and if the name surfskiers can do it, no reason why the equivalent OC paddlers won't be willing and able.
There will be a fight between the paddlers who are happy in our little niche, and the paddlers who want the sport to explode in size. Both points of view have valid arguments.
#1 Tue, 05/20/2008 - 3:24pm
mahalo bro. didnt see that other thread. cheers for the link. wanted this to be more about world circuit points system than the discussion on the word 'world championship' . Some fun polls for people to consider...
Q1 Should there be a world circuit? <br/> ( surveys)</br/>
Q2. What place would you want to be in a world circuit? <br/> ( surveys)</br/>
heres the surfski world circuit stuff for 2007-
http://www.surfski.info/content/view/432/147/
1st = 10pts
2nd = 9pts
ASP tour
http://www.aspworldtour.com/2007/ratings.asp?rRat=menwct&rNav=Men
1st = 1200pts
2nd = 1032pts
#2 Tue, 05/20/2008 - 5:38pm
http://www.ocpaddler.com/node/3554
K, check this post out, see if it helps...
#3 Tue, 05/20/2008 - 4:13pm
How many people in Hawaii (or anywhere else really) will paddle in pretty much any race near home? How many people would travel all over the state, all over the country, all over the world, to paddle in a race circuit? Id love to but cant exactly afford such a thing.
#4 Tue, 05/20/2008 - 8:05pm
Hawaii is "Outrigger Mecca" for ruddered paddlers.
Tahiti is "Va'a Mecca" for rudderless paddlers.
Nothing will ever change that, and nothing ever should.
Then there's every thing else Hamo, Vaka Eiva, Blackburn, Catalina, etc ,,, all different, all great races and places, but you can't play around with tradition.
Good things are happening with PA'A and other organizations in Hawaii, good things are happening in Tahiti. Let's just all support the people and the races we have, know way we could attend them all in one year anyway ... be your own "World Champ" and paddle for you.
Cheers Rambo
Kingi, you goin' Hamo in 4 weeks time?
#5 Tue, 05/20/2008 - 11:52pm
dude i would love to, it looks to be awesome - 25 years centennary. i love that race, just looking at my bank account and its not that healthy unless i sell a few canoes... you?
#6 Wed, 05/21/2008 - 3:15pm
Never miss it, Kingi. Yep, looking at my bank acct after the latest camera purchases, i'm glad I've got a few places to crash there. All the old crews from years ago are reforming for the big one, should be good.
Await ....... Hamo 2008 - The Anniversary Movie.
Cheers Rambo
#7 Wed, 05/21/2008 - 5:47pm