Ok, here I go. I'm kind of getting worked up hearing about the races not being put on because there is no "MONEY!!"
I have had this idea in my head for a while now and i think it's time I share it. I mean, why not????
I can understand how everyone asks or looks for sponsorship for their teams or for the association/races. But that's the "old" conventional way of doing it and I think the corporations or companies that we ask don't want to sponsor the races or teams any more because they see it as a one way win situation. And they're not on the winning side!
So....Basically, I think we need to look at the what we do have to offer the corp/companies that we ask to sponsor!! And what we have are numbers!! And that should be used to our advantage. HCRA has what? maybe 5,000 members throughout the islands. IVF has maybe double that with our international counter parts? What I'm trying to get at here is that we need to use that to our advantage to get these companies to want to sponsor us.
Here it is. We need to take our memberships one noch higher. Make it like a AAA, or costco membership. Where if you're a HCRA/IVF memeber you get a discount by showing your (HCRA/IVF) membership card at say, I don't know zippy's for a 10% discount, or special deals at Costco, or discounts on airfare/hotels/rental cars. Use our numbers to our advantage to give these companies traffic in their places. And give our members incentives to want to go to our sponsors when they are traveling/shopping/whatever!
I'm not quite sure if this came out as clearly as it should. Or if it even makes sense to anyone???? But what do you all think? I mean, i ain't no genius and I by no means know how to get started with this whole idea, but I would hate to see our sport get down graded because of lack of funding or support. ALOHA!!
Submitted by AlfredVG on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 9:12am
Great idea....
the other thing is voting....getting our politicians to hear our plea's for kokua. I think as a block, paddlers might be able to change the outcome of voting. Once our politicians see that, they will listen more intently to the needs of the paddling community. From venue's to park improvements, to facilities, I am sure politicians would come to the aid of the paddling community.
Jaws Out.
#1 Thu, 10/16/2008 - 11:06am
What the sponsor's want to see is their products and stuff on TV..We need to get more advertsiers, which will enable more national media, which will enable and force companies to support the events themselves.
We have to call the news media, especially in Hawaii....etc etc etc.
Terry
#2 Thu, 10/16/2008 - 12:12pm
Check out how many sports and how many athletes Home Depot supports. Sure it's the olympics and we are far away from that, but here's someone who can make the difference and really have some influence. Hawaii has Home Depot branches. What better way to connect and give back to the community on the local level as they do in Carson Ca.
This is from their web page:
The Olympic Games
As the world’s leading employer of Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls, The Home Depot is committed to amateur sports and to the Olympic Movement. Since 1992, The Home Depot has employed more than 660 athletes through U.S. Olympic Committee’s (USOC) Olympic Job Opportunities Program (OJOP) and similar programs in Canada and Puerto Rico. Through OJOP, The Home Depot offers athletes full-time pay and benefits for a flexible 20-hour workweek to accommodate demanding training and competition schedules. To-date, more than 340 athlete-associates have competed in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in thirty different sports including wrestling, field hockey, rowing, shooting, taekwondo, track & field, badminton, speed skating, snowboarding, skiing and ice hockey, among others. THD athletes have earned a total of 212 medals including 95 gold, 68 silver and 49 bronze. The Home Depot will continue its sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams through 2008.
This is their website:
http://corporate.homedepot.com/wps/portal/Olympics
I can see Shell Va'a versus Home Depot Va'a
The Home Depot kanu will have to be ugly-ass orange though, but you can get all parts in aisle 14 from your favorite paddler, who is employed there.
Talk to Lowes as well and you got yourself a corporate competition and that might do the trick.
OPT versus Lowes = ?
Hey I'm trying!
#3 Thu, 10/16/2008 - 1:10pm
And everybody is blaming Shell !!! ???
#4 Thu, 10/16/2008 - 1:19pm
Touche Hiro C. ...
by the way Hiro, aside from going to Tahiti (which is in the plans, in two years), is there any informative videos on the Tahitian stroke available anywhere, where we can learn more in detail about it ?
#5 Thu, 10/16/2008 - 9:30pm
don't know of any "technical" vid... just some footage from races on tv.
#6 Thu, 10/16/2008 - 11:04pm
Paddle_easy,
If you can understand all that rocket science bla, bla, bla, on Tahitian Secrets forum.... it's all there....
videos..., check on "youtube"....
What really works?! It's TIME IN THE WATER!
In anything/everything you wanna be good at, you gotta practice!
I learned that many years ago when I was a violin player. If I took 1 week break I could feel the damage already..... practice, practice, practice!
Big executives don't have lives... they work all the time!... otherwise they can loose money/contracts...
That's life.... or "c'est la vie...."
And "painteur" that's some interesting information you posted!
We gotta get a good Sports Agent/Manager into paddling!
Laid Hamilton only got famous and sponsors (all that) thru a Sports Agent/Manager......
Let they do the bla, bla, bla and we (paddlers) do what we know best: paddle.
#7 Thu, 10/16/2008 - 11:51pm
Good topic , thank you for starting this one Alfred.
One question that comes to my mind is , why does Shell sponsor Tahitian paddling ?
What does Shell recieve for thier efforts?
Its pretty clear what the paddlers get from being sponsored.
Usually when corporations get involved with sponsoring a sport its because the sport has an image that the corporation wants to be associated with.
Paddlesports in general are cheap and easy to become associated with if you are a corporation looking to become involved in paddling.
The wheel doesnt need to be reinvented to understand the relationship between the sponsorer and the sponsored.
For example , take a look at where Dragon boat racing is these days. It is huge and its all over the world!!
Look at Surfski , again , huge and all over the world.
Look at bicycle racing , huge and all over the world.
Look at almost any sport thats heavily sponsored and you`ll probably find that its very big and all over the place.
As an outsider looking in , what I see in Hawaiian style racing , is a sport thats not being exported properly.
Look at the growth of stand up paddling !! It is smoking past OC paddling with warp drive engaged!!! Whats the cause of this?
I don`t pretend to have all the answers but, I do think that part of the reason other sports grow better and faster is because of "infrastructure"
Surfing is an old and established sport , SUP can be viewed as a new wing of that sport. All the manufacturers of boards and paddles and other gear are ready right now to help that sport grow.
Surfski racing can be viewed as the epitome of kayak paddle sport, its at the top of a pyramid that has a very wide base.
For example , you can travel to any town or city just about anywhere in the world and find a local kayaking school, ready willing and able to help beginers get started, This is the grass roots level of surfski racing .
Can the same be said about OC paddling ? absolutely not, at least not yet.
#8 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 2:05am
Correct me if I'm wrong, Hiro et al, but doesn't Shell sponsor the team to appease the local people and culture?
#9 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 2:41am
What about non-profit (5013c) designation for your outrigger club? Won't that help with sponsorship/rasing money for your club? I would think a "big" company would be more willing to sponsor you if you're non-profit. Just a thought...peace.
#10 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 6:55am
I would go...
Had a hard time understanding the rocket science. Time in the water and practice is definitely key...but understanding and developing good techniques can only be beneficial in the long run. I'm just wondering whether there is a video like the Danny Ching + Johnny Puakea series from the Kamanu opening shindig...which I learned a whole lot from. I just love to learn about how different strokes developed differently in different areas.
#11 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 8:45am
Paddle_easy,
I totally understand you, 'cause I paddle only for 3 years, and every year someone would tell me that I had to change my stroke, and there would I go trying this new technique, and it's not easy to change......
I've seen people with bad technique going fast and winning races.....
I heard people saying that Manutea Owen had a bad technique, but he kick asses!!!!!
So I realized that you gotta feel what makes YOU go faster.....
As Danny Ching said on that video, a short guy will have a "shorter" reach than a tall guy, but you gotta find out what works for you, I mean find a efficient stroke for you, and that you'll find out after many hours on the water.
And since I stop to trying to adapt to whatever people would tell me what and how to do it, I started to go faster.
When I asked a Shell paddler what's the secret, he told me:
be aggressive and strong in the water, recover fast, and keep the speed.
Trying to find the "perfect technique" can be frustrating..... so you gotta find your way to perfection.
So many years I heard that Tahitians had a bad technique 'cause they paddle with their arms.... (that's what a lot of people in Hawaii used to say).
But now, they proof it works for them....
Find out what works for you. =)
LET'S GET MONEY INTO THIS GREAT SPORT!!!!!!!!!!!
SUP got all that attention fast 'cause Laid Hamilton did all the publicity....
He SUP all over the world.... crossed a channel in Europe (I'm not sure which, but somewhere around England).
We gotta find what's the type of public that we get attention from, like age group for example, and go after companies that would be interested in that kind of public...
In my opinion in Hawaii would be:
*Beers companies
*Water companies
*Gatorade kind of companies
*Toyota, Ford, Nissan, since most of paddlers has trucks, and you gotta have a good truck to transport a OC6 - can be a good advertisement...
*GPS industry
*Safety industry
*Boat makes - since we all depend on a escort boat on channel races....
goes on and on....
#12 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 9:58am
Bernie
I don't think that the 501c3 status of a club makes a lot of difference to a donor corporation. If they are not writing it off as a charitable donation, they are probably writing it off as advertising. It may help with an individual giving a sizable amount (few and far between).
#13 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 9:59am
501 (c)3 nonprofit status is very helpful for your club to have. you have that and a youth program (esp. disadvantaged youth), and there are plenty grants that you can chase...
you also want to make it as attractive for a potential sponsor to give you money- it can't only be "help a bruddah out" kind of pitch... the way the sport is currently, there will not be a true payoff (advertising,etc) for the sponsor, so either they do it out of goodwill, or they do it for some other reason (youth program, helping low income kids, environmental causes).. the more the club has on it's resume besides "we race canoes", the more funding opportunities there are, especially in areas where our sport is still relatively obscure- it becomes a vehicle for something else... it allows those companies to talk about how socially conscious they are. you want to make it easy for them to say that.
some people may say that it takes away from the sport doing all those "extracirricular" activities (it may not be for every club), but at the end of the day, it's still about perpetuating the sport and culture, but to get there, there may be other things the club may need to do.
and it's a good thing to do anyways, just because.
#14 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 10:30am
Yeah the youth program is probably one of the biggest selling points in getting community support.
#15 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 11:28am
I wrote a long (and probably boring) essay on this issue under the 'Tahitian Secrets' topic.... essentially what I was saying is that you guys all have good ideas, and existing arrangements. However, until somebody starts to coordinate all this and you act in a more unified way, you just won't attract the big sponsors or govt. support - because they are not seeing any cohesiveness, nor are they dealing with a centralised, unified organisation.
Most funding agencies prefer to deal with parent organisations - as it ensures their money goes further. As a business, you are also getting far more coverage. Like somebody else on here said - it is a two-way street.
Lastly, 5-10,000 registered paddlers all supporting a concept or a funding proposal is far more effective than 50 or 100 people.
#16 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 3:09pm
coconut, agree with you on that, but it's more a question of "what can we do now" vs. "what we should do"... it would be nice to influence the larger organizing organizations, and if they do then that's great, but until they do, then individual clubs got to do what they got to do.
but your ideas are solid no doubt
#17 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 3:26pm
Dacho, yeah thats true - that is really why I was suggesting that some real leadership at the top is what is required, and sooner rather than later, to effect the necessary change.
But to be competitive with Tahiti (across the board - so to speak) it really requires some long term solutions and longer term planning, especially at the youth/grassroots level.
#18 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 4:09pm
I was impressed with auntie Hannie's call to action during her interview of the Na Wahine O Ke Kai on Ocean Paddler. If you didnt catch it, she basically was asking the state to step up to the plate.
#19 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 4:37pm
the biggest flaw with any solution that requires any real leadership at the top is...... that it requires real leadership at the top.
#20 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 7:31pm
Jim, Shell Va'a is not sponsored by Shell International... I even doubt that they care about va'a at all !
Albrert Moux runs Shell petroleum in Tahiti. He has a contract with Shell but that's His business... He is the one sponsoring Shell Va'a. He is a great fan of va'a, and need to advertise. We are just lucky he doesn't love soccer or golf... Anyway they will soon change their name in Pacific Petroleum Company.
#21 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 10:51pm
If the state would step up that would be great but it seems that they are not interested in the state sport. It seems that mass public interest gives everyone motivation to financially back paddling (sponsors, etc...) or whatever is popular at the moment. Look at UH last year. After the season they had everybody was in full support. The state, boosters, everybody. In lieu of mass public interest we have to look within the paddling community. Sponsors are great and let me tell you I really appreciate all that they give to our sport. One option is making the sport so attractive to the public that it motivates sponsors to REALLY kick it up a notch. Look at professional surfing. Unfortunately, we do not have a spectator sport. But that's no excuse. Look at the Honolulu Marathon. The winners get big bucks. And thats what I think draws not only attention, but a real incentive for paddlers to take their training and dedication to the top levels. I got some ideas but if I am for real I will do something about it rather than that just chirp online. One of these days I will stop talking and start doing.
#22 Sat, 10/18/2008 - 1:12am
Why is it that some of you people want to get the "state " or the government involved in your sporting activity?
Not everyone likes to paddle you know and the government doesn`t have any money at all untill they take it from someone who does through taxation. HELLO?
Why would you ask folks who have no interest in your sport to support it for you?
Leave the government out of paddling .
#23 Sat, 10/18/2008 - 1:58am
Maybe we need to subsidise our paddling costs..... by running corperate reggattas?
I paddled for the Brisbane Club a whiles back.
They run a very successful and lucrative corperate reggata.
Well they Run the Brisbane and State Corperate reggattas.
I think they had 72 bussinesses buy in the year I was there.
Those bussinesses that wanted to be competitive were alocated 2 or 3 weekends where they had access to coaching and the Outriggers.
The Brisbane club supplied the steerers for the races (and training)
Steerers were only allowed to poke and not paddle during the actual races.
The Brisbane club does not want for much as far as resources go. So they are a success storey...in my book.
The NZ world sprints still has a $61,000 debt owing from the last world titles held there 2 years ago.
Brisbane Outrigger Canoe Club had a lot more than that in the bank when I was there.
The brains behind this set up was Erika and Tracey. Most international paddlers that have been to Australia would have paddled against them. They kicked Butt in the Tahiti World sprints...Open and Masters.
Maybe just maybe National Bodies could run such events and the monies spread accordingly.
I don't think exposure is all the answer.
New Zealand has accessable clubs for instruction.... and at all levels. The Univarsity of NZ, runs a Nautical Sailing programme that has a huge outrigger component.
The Teachers Training college Physical Education Programme has a Waka Ama (Outrigger) component.
Outrigger (Waka Ama) is the biggest aquatic sport in the country.
The worlds and National events are viewed on national TV.
The local Newspapers give plenty of postive writeups of the many world champion sprint paddlers there.... but the National Body is still in Debt from the world sprints.
The National body has good leaders too.
So maybe we need to go for the corperate dollars in a different way. supply compitition and let them pay
Maybe even the tourist dollar?
This way there is some cash flow to subsidize/self sponsor the huge costs involved with organizing events.
Hiro C, mate...beside the big 3.....are there any other full time sponsored crews?
If not .....then Tahiti is really in the same boat as the rest of the paddling world.
#24 Sat, 10/18/2008 - 2:42am
Read This
#25 Sat, 10/18/2008 - 7:38am
jc
LOL. You think OCP is above or below 38%?
#26 Sat, 10/18/2008 - 10:15am
I seem to remember posting this last year - here it is again..
good resource for the race director or the individual paddler.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0070138605/?tag=powersponsors-20
#27 Sat, 10/18/2008 - 10:33am
fuzerider, don't spit your conservative bullshit here. Yes, it's bullshit.
The problem transcends politics, the State has some responsibility here. Whether we hold it to its obligation, I guess, is up to us.
In short, with more help from the government in paddling - social, economic, and physical problems will wain.
The wa`a is more than a vessel for sport and competition. For some it is a carriage of safety, direction, and discipline in their youth. A raft of sanity in the concrete jungle. For many, a link with the past.
#28 Sat, 10/18/2008 - 12:44pm
It would be awesome to have big corporations sponsor paddling in Hawai'i--- but i think that that's a couple of steps ahead of where we're at right now. The people who should be sponsoring and supporting races, paddlers and teams are the companies who are benefiting (financially) from the sport. Isn't it the surf companies who make the biggest effort to push surfing, because they have the most to gain? Not to say that there are no companies that are helping out, but i do think that there should be more support from the paddling companies themselves.
#29 Sat, 10/18/2008 - 12:47pm
rutterless canoes would be cool too.
i think we are head and shoulders above the 38% here jibofo
#30 Sat, 10/18/2008 - 1:02pm
Big 3 ? Shell, OPT, who is the 3rd ?
Those two teams can be seen as semi-pro. They are NOT paid for paddling. They are given jobs... jobs they have to do, otherwise they're fired ! They don't have to worry about the cost of a canoe, they don't have to take care of their paddles (someone else's job), they have a great coach, they don't have to worry about the price of the plane tickets to go to molokai... they have indeed a lot of advantages over the other teams. All the others are true amateurs.
#31 Sat, 10/18/2008 - 1:54pm
Why in heck would anyone want the government to run sports activities? Why would the taxpayers want to sponsor sports they did not participate in?
Sadly, on any given day there are more folks who would like watch sports than participate in them. Having the government sponsor sports would kill sports that were fun to watch. How would the government decide which sports merited monetary support and which would not. By participation? By measured aerobic benefit result per participant? By measure strength benefit in a particular muscle group? By the number of day time spectators? By the number of night time spectators? The pie can only be cut into so many pieces and we aren't anywhere near the top. Is there a college OC-6 team somewhere outside of Hawaii?
By registration numbers, the most Americans are registred as participants in soccer and swimming. Most of those are under the age of 12.
Cheerleaders, coaches, trainers, photographers, timers, publicists...who would pay them?
Be happy we are for the most part a club sport. Once the government gets its hand in things not only can they give you something, they can also take it away. You want to practice with your hometown team? Sorry you have to practice away up the coast. We want hot teams, not social teams.
You know what geographical entities won the Molokai? Hawaii, then Califormia, and next Tahiti...because they had the most participants show up and finish.
Do we really want to get that professional? Those who want to get professional will find a way. Those who don't care so much, won't get so professional.
But who knows who is happier? No one will ever be able to measure. Least of all the government.
~~~~~~~~~~
YankeeHo'okele
"Anyone can steer the ship when the sea is calm" - Syrus Publilius
#32 Sun, 10/19/2008 - 8:39am
government sponsored sports in Hawaii:
June Jones $900,000 (including benefits)
#33 Sun, 10/19/2008 - 9:39am
any sports stadium is now majorly funded by taxpaper money, by tax breaks or incentives... seattle sonics bailed because city wouldn't pony up more money... excuse is economic benefits, cultural benefits are just as valid.
#34 Sun, 10/19/2008 - 11:15am
The Sonics are a bunch of bone-heads.
#35 Sun, 10/19/2008 - 1:18pm
Plus its too rainy and cold in Seattle for basketball.
#36 Sun, 10/19/2008 - 1:24pm
i could say it is too cold and rainy in seattle for paddling also, but that would be a flat out lie. when i paddled there it was so friggen hot (over 90F) and sunny that i went back to oahu with sun burn and a headache from dehydration. whoever tells you all that horse puckey about weather in seattle has obviously never been there.
oh, and yeah, we need to find more sponsors for everyone. once i hit the megabucks i'll sponsor every race possible.
#37 Sun, 10/19/2008 - 5:15pm
Rich guys have big bucks. it's hard to get it out of them that's why they are the rich guy's. they do like to play golf and if a team was to hold a tournament they could make some of them big buck's. they would need some one to organize it?and retrieve the donations for prizes, you would pay the green fee which is a few hundred to start and charge 90$ or so and make maybe 50$ a golfer times 120 or so it adds up
Gambling places are always looking for tax write offs casino's bingo hall's
#38 Sun, 10/19/2008 - 9:45pm
I heard you're a bone head too!!
............................................................
I think that the state or government can help to support the sport without monetary donations.
Example: The finish line at the Molokai (hilton). Isn't it shitty that we have to carry or roll canoes all the way to the back of the parking lot? why can't we save the closest parking lot for canoes and make everyone else park back there?? And why all of a sudden can we not put our trailers up to the beach? 50 years of it and then all of a sudden DLNR has to regualte it? I just don't see any support or brains being put into our "State sport" by anyone in the state or gov't!! beautiful stuff!! Tahiti get's days off or national holidays when the hawaiki nui is ran. What do we get? sand in the mouf!!
#39 Mon, 10/20/2008 - 11:54am
that's what they say.
#40 Mon, 10/20/2008 - 3:47pm
no, not you mulu's......my bad
#41 Mon, 10/20/2008 - 3:51pm
its cool
#42 Mon, 10/20/2008 - 3:54pm
We don't have national holydays... We just choose a date matching school holydays. So we can use school classrooms to house paddlers and shool kitchens to prepare the food. Paddlers take days off from their jobs. That means less holydays left with family.
But we have some help from gvnt. They are in charge of the transportation of canoes from Tahiti to Huahine and then from Bora to Tahiti, they bring beds, camping style WC, etc.
#43 Mon, 10/20/2008 - 8:35pm
If you live in Paradise ya don't need holidays, every day of your life is a joy.
Hiro, down here we call what you described above as "Billeting". Some of the best times i've eva had is 'Billeting" with 50+ blokes all in one bid room. Beat's the hell out of being boxed in a concrete condo and don't know who's racing till you hit the beach next morning.
Cheers Rambo
#44 Mon, 10/20/2008 - 8:46pm
My best time "billeting" was being one of the 3 adults sleeping with 60 children (12 years old) in a Dojo for 3 nights !
They don't ever sleep. They talk and laugh all night. The 2 other adults snore. And the Dojo smells like my socks !
And living in paradise is an everyday joy !
#45 Mon, 10/20/2008 - 9:18pm
We went to world sprints @ Samoa, Apia, and stayed with the people there that was one of the high points in my life.
#46 Tue, 10/21/2008 - 4:22am
so back to getting companies that paddlers support to support us, in turn. hawaiian air? island air? what else, gangy?
big props to those companies that always seem to sponsor big races here, kialoa, xcel, makai mag, pacific paddler mag, bud light. superferrry jumped on board for the channel races.
#47 Tue, 10/21/2008 - 9:23am
Hiro C.
Your Bora Bora Mayor was awsome in supplying free transport to all paddlers at the world sprints that were held in Tahiti.
That was one on many cool memories from the event.
#48 Tue, 10/21/2008 - 4:51pm
As an FYI, the reason why Auntie Hannie and many people who live in Hawaii feel the state should help to support paddling is simple. IT IS OUR state sport. Hawaii spends MILLIONS on sporting events (golf, pro bowl, fishing, etc etc) that take place in Hawaii, but very little $$$ support is given to the paddling community and events.
#49 Tue, 10/21/2008 - 5:27pm
so, how do we get the state to better support our state sport, esp w/budget cuts on our libraries, our schools, etc. we have to give them a good reason to include us in their budget how, is the question.....
#50 Mon, 10/27/2008 - 2:38pm
Push the juniors. Do they want the kids being delinquents, or getting tired out paddling. Plus paddling is different from other sports in that respect and tradition are integral parts of it. And as Terry said, it is the state sport.
#51 Mon, 10/27/2008 - 3:51pm
You know..one more thing, ask the companies you work for if they have grants...If they do, (and most large companies do) find out how to apply and what it takes. You could always write a grant for your club. This is a great tread and everyones idea's are wonderful..
kisses
terry
#52 Tue, 10/28/2008 - 3:07pm
I recently heard something about the Hawaii visitors Bureau, or I think it was? That they sponsored a funny car team like a couple million? I could be wrong but this just something I heard. I'm sure someone out there knows something?
How about sponsoring the NWOKK OR the mens Hoe? Every single canoe has to paddle past Waikiki beach?
Ahhhhhhhhh......blah blah blah....blah, blah blah........................................BLAAAHHHHHHHHHHH, blah blah.....blah....blah............BLAHH!
I quit paddling already!
#53 Tue, 10/28/2008 - 11:00am
VG, QUIT? Don't be a bone head.
Let's write a letter to HVB then! www.gohawaii.com
#54 Tue, 10/28/2008 - 11:23am
suggestion:
1) someone start to compile a list or a database of people to write to (elected officials, organizations, corporations, news organizations)... post contact info: phone/address/fax/ email...someone can start it and others can add to it
2) someone post a form letter as an example, to show what points to hit (don't copy, just use as example)
3) organize through this site, paddling associations, paddling clubs, and get everyone to write letters/ send emails, faxes, or all the above.
4) have someone keep track of activity so you can focus energies (ex, if you need more letters to news, put out word, get action, etc)
5) publicize efforts
6) support sponsors
7) be persistent
8)publicize efforts
#55 Tue, 10/28/2008 - 12:36pm
Me? A "bone head?" .....I think someone else has already staked a claim to that title!!
#56 Tue, 10/28/2008 - 1:46pm
The best thing I can think of to do is to write your local congressman and tell them you want to see paddling get more support from the state. HTA, HVCB all get their funding from the state. The HTA has done what they can for our sport in both the molokai hoe, Na wahine and the hsca sailing canoe events..But there is more money out there other then the state grants. I have a bad feeling the grants will get cut because of the cuurent economy..I sure hope I am wrong.
Another idea is support media venues that support you, our show,Ocean paddler TV, Makai Magazine and Kanu magazine to name a few. The more media, the more attention and larger companies will start to think hmmm..I want my name attached in that event.
Another thought, ask our local TV stations why they dont make more effort to show the events on the news.
again my humble thoughts..But I do have some experince in this area!!:)
Dacho - your idea is really good..You should do the letter.
#57 Tue, 10/28/2008 - 3:11pm
Just reading a little article on espn
Shaun White is every snowboarder's dream realized. He rakes in millions per year, is recognized the world over, and when he goes to resataurants, he gets the corner table. The corner table! Now, I don't want to hear about those of you who claim you wouldn't trade your life for his even if it would cure cancer. About how you're happy leading an anonymous and peaceful life, free of paparazzi and super models. I'm just not seeing it.
What I am seeing is Shaun's substantive contribution to our sport—the guy is keeping snowboarding on the mainstream map. More people snowboarding, more healthy companies; more healthy companies, bigger sponsorship budgets. And he's doing it in the most legitimate way. (There are those who would argue differently, i.e., the value—and style factor—of halfpipe riding, but such discussion goes far beyond Shaun.) Yet still the point: From developing the next biggest thing in video games, to leading the way for snowboarding's increased popularity in the Olympics, it's in this way that we're all benefiting from his success. We just don't get the palatial Southern California estate. Or the Lamborghinis.
#58 Tue, 10/28/2008 - 6:56pm
terry,
i know i was dropping suggestions without stepping up, but i haven't lived in hawaii in 12 years- i probably wouldn't be the best guy for that...there's a lot of posters here who write well and know the issues.
in my club (here in ca) we have to deal with our local govt for various issues, as well as organize for developments that affect our club. there's a lot of leverage in a group of people who are organized and informed. alot more than you would think...
it would be great if hawaii can establish an infrastructure that can offset the tahitian dominance (they have a head start at this point)
#59 Tue, 10/28/2008 - 8:49pm
Just asking for money doesn't work. What you need is a "cause" and the paddling community needs to be proactive in supporting and promotion the "cause".
As we paddle and enjoy the Ocean and it's environment, this is the perfect cause to choose. Doing this will attract money, sponsorships and grants. It 's a win win situation for all involved. Government receive community involvement and volunteers, the Ocean benefits, companies that come on board benefit by association and media love the stories that they can tell.
Simple things, like 300 paddlers turn up and cleanup beaches, organize fun learn- to -paddle days for kids, do food drops for the homeless, etc etc . When big numbers turn up media take notice. Then when you ask for support or money, you are more likely to get a sympathetic ear and be successful.
These are just a few ideas, but you need to give before you can get.
Cheers Rambo
#60 Tue, 10/28/2008 - 9:37pm
Aloha Alfred,
A few years back, maybe 15-20 years, maybe more, the State of Hawaii wanted to spend a million dollars on sponsoring a funny car that would race down a drag strip in the mainland. I guess it would have been a "Top of Mind Awareness" effort, for tourism, and for all the race fans that went to these events across the nation. Through a lot of voices in the community the whole thing got dropped! --
Like you, and Terry said, paddlers have the voice in the community, we need to get involved with the ideas, but also with the action. Talking to the folks WE elect in office! And making sure they follow through with their campaign promises.
By the way, mahalo for your support!
Malama Pono!
#61 Wed, 10/29/2008 - 6:41am
This might give you something to think about.
This is the media coverage of the Hawaiki Nui Va'a this year.
Eleven media people from five countries are covering this year's Hawaiki Nui Race, the GIE Tahiti Tourisme reported. They will be coming here from New Zealand, Spain, France, Italy and Japan. Two journalists from Japan plan to publish 14 pages of coverage in each of four magazines with a combined press run of 1.4 million copies. The publications are Nico, MUFG Card, UFJ Car and Grand magazines.
An Italian journalist plans to publish coverage of the outrigger canoe race in three magazines—two pages in Donna Moderna (circ. 655,984); four pages in Men's Health (cir. 247,360); and six pages in Class (cir. 131,097).
Three Spanish journalists plan to cover the race for TV Nos Vamos, which has 800,000 viewers. They are planning 30-minute reportage on the race plus a special report on the Tahiti and Her Islands destination.
Two New Zealand journalists plan to publish 6-10 pages of race coverage in Adventure Magazine and 4-6 pages in Yahoo Travel, both of which have press runs of 10,000 copies.
Two other New Zealand journalists plan to publish four pages on the race in Sports Unleashed and Seaspray. Both magazines have press runs of 10,000 copies.
Agence France-Presse will be covering the race daily for the French news agency based in Paris.
The GIE Tahiti Tourisme is handling the arrangements for the visiting journalists. Air Tahiti Nui is providing roundtrip tickets, while the GIE is covering the accommodations and is providing an escort boat for the journalists so they can follow the race up close. The GIE budget is some four million French Pacific francs (US$43,500/€33,520).
Last year, Shell won the opening leg from Huahine to Raiatea. Team OPT won the second leg from Raiatea to Taha'a and Shell won the final leg from Taha'a to Bora Bora.
#62 Tue, 10/28/2008 - 10:03pm
why don't we all just run for office and give craploads of kala to paddling races and organizations! any takers?
#63 Wed, 10/29/2008 - 8:20am
Well guys and gals, at least you all have ocean paddler TV!!!
We too have camera guys down there in tahiti filming the events. Alex will make an unreal show out of the footage..More shows about the molokai hoe and na wahine will be coming out..
Anyways, what ticks me off the most is, outside of Hawaii, on the mainland..paddling would be considered a sport, here in Hawaii it is a way of life for thousands and thousands of people. Go to states, there will be 10 thousands people there. The TV news guys will show a 10 second blimp of footage, that by the way, came from us..Ocean paddler TV!
We have paddling happening in most of the high schools, right along side the football, base ball and other "mainstream" sports, we have guys like Aka, who are doing great things with disabled body people who LOVE the ocean. We have the
Merimaid foundation using the sailing canoe with their "at risk kids", lets not forget about the Hokulea, and so many other things happening around the canoe. PADDLING IS HAWAII'S STATE SPORT!
One would think that because I am a part of ocean paddler TV, I may not want to see anymore TV media present, I have my own personal agenda..NOT true. Our agenda is to bring more attention to the lifestyle, sport etc..I sell the advertising for the show, you would think that would be super easy considering it is Hawaii and our show is broadcast out side the state as well..NOPE, trying to get companies to advertise is not easy...It isnt because of the economy, and it certainly isnt because our show isnt good..You all have seen it, we have one of the highest quality TV shows here in the state. We know by the ratings hundreds of thousands of people watch each episode and download our videos off the site etc.
Lets not forget about the print media paddling has, Makai, PP, and a few others..
SOOOOOOOO....what is it? None of it makes sense to me..I guess all we all can do is keep talking, support each others agendas..
Keep watching Ocean Paddler TV, Keep reading Makai and PP...We will get to the level of tahiti.
In closing, support the companies and business's who support Ocean Paddler TV, Makai and PP..Support the companies who do throw down cash and prizes for the events. Send them letters to say thank you.
Off to work:):)
Mahalo nui to all of you.
Terry
#64 Wed, 10/29/2008 - 10:01am
iam all for Paddling in Hawaii to step up to the next level and maybe have a paddling status like some tahitian paddlers, although one of the main problems for young paddlers and aspiring paddlers is we have to work ( most of the time not flexible enough to paddle every day twice) or we have to go to school. Paddling doe not pay the college tuition or bills. something needs to change for some or else why should kids paddle instead of playing other sports that can help with school or maybe a job? for myself, i love the sport and competition but it leaves me to aspire for bigger goals first, then to come back to paddling after these goals are given a shot.
#65 Wed, 10/29/2008 - 1:25pm
Little Dolan,
Finish up college, run for office, give more tax dollars to our state sport. I'll sign wave & vote for you :)
Any interesting updates from your brother in Tahiti?
#66 Thu, 10/30/2008 - 12:13pm
Jamie is right "little dolan"...To make changes you must get to the top..I will wave signs with you as well:)
terry
#67 Thu, 10/30/2008 - 9:54pm
This has been a great thread and lots of great ideas tossed out for sure. One of the key components to gaining sponsorship is usually selling an audience or market to a company which is attempting to appeal to that market with matching demographics. It would be really helpful in this vein to have some substantial demographic information of the paddling community in general to sell to companies. Companies are always open to listening to organizations inquiring about sponsorship. However, letting them know you need money and you have x amount of members or you have an event is not enough. Being able to give them a breakdown of income levels, education background, profession, money spent each year on equipment, travel to races, hotel, food etc. The more info the better. In many respects, this is an expensive sport if you have an OC1 and travel to races. Even those who live in Hawaii who do inter-island events spend their share.
Good information about the paddling public works for acquiring larger, sponsorship that matches well with the audience that company is trying to reach. However, this same information is helpful on a local lever. A race like the Queen Liliokalani race dumps a good chunk of money into the Big Island economy each year. Add up all the expenses of the participating paddlers, canoe transport, airfares, hotels, food, souvenirs and so on. That influx gets turned over in the economy seven times, so say $1 million spent over the course of the weekend by participants is worth the equivilent of $7 million to the local economy. That kind of information speaks large to local and state officials.
How much is spent each year by paddlers from out of Hawaii coming to the islands to either race or just hang out? I'm sure it's substantial and that is the kind of information we as a sport need to gather, organize and supply to potential sponsors not just in Hawaii but wherever paddling is going on. I believe Randy Botti did a demographic study similar to this before the World Sprints were held in Hilo. I never got a copy of the info but it would be helpful and a good start.
Another challenge is our sport is not known much outside of the traditionals paddling hot spots. It's funny, at races in California and having discussions with folks there to here them talk about how challenging it is for the sport because no one knows about it. Well, I'm in Texas and think about us or the guys in Florida where it's still very grassroots. It's growing but we have a long way to go. There are tons of pluses to this sport, we can do it anywhere there is water unlike surfing. Now with OC1's, if you can afford the upgfront cost, you can paddle anywhere, you don't need six people.
One of the local Texas marathon paddling officials said what makes outrigger so appealing is "it's sexy". To be honest, he's right. When you are at a race and see all these healthy women and men of all ages, it's quite a sight and a true selling point. If we as a sport can package good, current demographic/psychographic information with the sex appeal of this sport, I think we would see sponsorship come much more easily. Too, I don't think we have to be a certain size to attract major sponsors, we don't need to wait, it's time. This is a worldwide sport with incredibly exotic and beautiful race locales. We are the most amazing sport that not too many people know about. We are lucky, we get to participate. Still, I'm all for sharing this goodness with more people.
Thanks for the great and needed discussion!
Tom Derrah
Team Hokulele
Houston, TX
www.hokulele.org
#68 Sun, 11/02/2008 - 7:33am
Nice Post Tom, and well said.
To gather the information that potential sponsors would need or like, would surveys do the trick? Say if they were passed out with entry fees for the Molokai Hoe or the Na wahine and be mandatory to turn it in? Or even if the different race organizations shared information about participation turn out and where the participants came from?
Aloha
#69 Sun, 11/02/2008 - 6:52pm
Hi Alfred,
Well, the gathering of information can happen in several different ways. For sure, like the methods you suggest at specific races. Also, a survey could be posted on a site such as this and people could do it online which is easy. The thing to do would be to encourage all your club members and paddling friends to go to the site and take ten minutes to fill it out, click and send. Another way might be to start at the organizations, have them work through their clubs who in turn the clubs go to their members to make sure there is a good sampling. We have a member who does market research for Fortune 500 companies and I'm sure she would be open to help craft such a survey.
Since this a global sport and many of us travel to events, it would be good to share this info with all interested outrigger organizations and groups. Once the process is started, the survey can be refined over time as presentations are made to companies to help include information pertinent to their needs.
Many participant sports do not realize the potential marketing and politcal power they wield if they come together. Too, I have a good idea what the demographics of outrigger is and we are a desirable audience for many companies, I am sure of that. I would like to see our sport get the information we need to get the sponsorship so races like Molokai Hoe and others aren't going in the hole to stage an event. This information is also helpful when clubs are attempting to gain access to water or if their access is being threatened by development etc. When facing city and county councils, this kind of information is important. Such info can help sway the issue in the sport's favor. It would be a worthy exercise, the necessary due diligence to help move us forward.
#70 Tue, 11/04/2008 - 6:18am