Contest vs Gathering

[Surfdad]

I have a delima. Our second stop of the NorCal INT League was scheduled for 6/9/07 at Modesto Res. The only problem is that the location that was reserved is currently at a depth of 3 and less feet. Anyone own a boat that draws less than 3 feet of water and tosses a great surf wake - OH and are there any surfers than can fall and not hit the bottom in 3 foot or less of water?

Our first contest, which I really didn't do much to advertise had 27 people compete and it took us about 4 hours from start to finish. The NorCal INT League folks are relocating their contest BACK to Villa Lagos and guess who is at the bottom of the totem pole?

So, here is my question, it looks pretty much like we won't be able to have a contest on 6/9, and trying to find a suitable venue is becoming hard, so...in lieu of a contest, I'm wondering if folks would be more likely to attend a gathering where you could ride different boats, demo virtually every board currently manufactured and watch other folks ride? As part of the incentive to attend, I have a ton of prizes that we'd most likely distribute in some fashion, again - boards, swag, etc.

Opinions? Also, I haven't made this change public yet, so folks that frequent WW, if we could keep it amongst ourselves here, please.

Thanks.

[da.bell]

I guess a change of venue would be short notice. How about bringing it up to Folsom Lake, CA? The local dealership (now, I could vouch for them and if they would participate but I don't see why they wouldn't) is Capital Water Sports in Rancho Cordova and the owner, Kevin, is a great guy along with his staff. I could probably help out also. What is your thoughts about this?

[NICKYPOO]

Just last night I was wondering how it was working out with the time slots and the INT. I like the idea of Folsom. Much easier drive for me.

[Surfdad]

Nick, if you can imagine...I was a little...uuum what is the word I am searching for? Grumpy when I finished the discussion with our INT League coordinator, so they are contacting the Nevada Coordinator to see if they would be willing to be present at the 6/9 contest at the Modesto Res but we'd have to locate the actual contest out in the middle of the lake. I had doubts considering the lack of responsiveness you've experienced.

There are a number of venues available to us if we do a gathering rather than a contest and locating it close to sac makes sense, although Folsom is a NIGHTMARE on the weekends, don't you think?

I guess my basic question is would a gathering and demo day be more appealing to folks? I have a good concept of the number of people that will attend a contest, but I'm unsure about a "gathering".

[da.bell]

Folsom Lake, CA: That would depend upon what is going on that weekend. The south fork isn't too bad unlike the north fork. There some good spots in the rim of the main body also. At Granite Bay boat launch, there is tons of parking since the levels are down this year compared to last year. But, I wouldn't say that they are crazy on the weekends (except memorial day weekend or 4th of July).

[da.bell]

Here is the website for the lake also: http://www.folsomlakemarina.com/

[Surfdad]

So we know that you and I will go I think that Dennis and his daughter would attend and bring a boat...anyone else?

[NICKYPOO]

If you do it at Folsom or somewhere in the Sac area, I'd be all over it. Red Bluff is a stretch for me.

[da.bell]

I would attend but my boat would not be used since I don't have any additional ballasts but could take people out if needed. The luxury of a 24Ve..... I could also contact the local Tige shop to see what they could do also.....

I PM'd you with my cell number.

[NICKYPOO]

I'm sure we can scrounge up some sacs for your boat Dave.

[da.bell]

I am sure you could....

However, me being almost 200 pounds does help out.

[NICKYPOO]

However, me being almost 200 pounds does help out.

Haha, yeah me too. "Drop two bills!"

[ragboy]

I am sure you could....

However, me being almost 200 pounds does help out.

I am a couple hours north, actually villa lagos is only 1 hour north for me. But I would be willing. I also don't have sacs for my 24Ve, but I tip at 375#, I should have a shirt that says "Ballast for food".

[da.bell]

Well, between ragboy, Nick, and me, we just added 750 lbs of ballast to anyones boat.

[NICKYPOO]

I also don't have sacs for my 24Ve, but I tip at 375#, I should have a shirt that says "Ballast for food".

We can stick a few rocks in your pockets and have a new call, "Drop 4 bills!"