RE: [Paddlewise] disaster in the making

> > I'd be interested to hear what the Coasties say. > Carey
> 
> The local CG officer flipped out when I showed him the web site. He
was
> deeply concerned not only that kayakers may get in serious trouble but
> that
> his fellow CG members will have to risk their lives in the rescue.  He
is
> notifying the Coast Guard Commander in Juneau.

Be fore warned, this is a bit of a rant....

I've never been in a race, much less worked one, sponsored one, or
anything of the sort.  BUT, I can't help thinking that "if" I were to
organize such an event, I'd get local authorities (Coast Guard, Police,
other Rescue personnel, local media, etc etc) involved at the outset.
Not just for the sake of safety, but for advice, endorsement, goodwill,
etc.  It boggles my mind that the guy got as far as he has and the Coast
Guard is apparently completely unaware of it.  What would he do if he
got further down the road, and suddenly discovered that it's illegal to
land at his desired camping spots, or something like that?  I'm not
familiar with Alaska, but here in SE Virginia, there are National
Wildlife Refuges where you can land but not camp, military property
where you can't even get within 100 yards of shore, so on and do forth.

I'd also have previously pitched the concept to the people I would be
trying to sell it to.  I sure wouldn't undertake such a project without
some sort of feeling that networks "might" be interested, at least in
the concept.  You've got to take risks to get big rewards, but it's got
to be a "risk" not a "gamble".

I don't get cable TV, but on the regular networks, I've never even seen
the reputable, well established races aired on TV (or am I just missing
them?)  If the Water Tribe race, or the Texas Safari, or others can't
get the air time, why would an inexperienced, first time, upstart
shoestring budget race like this one expect to hit the jackpot?

OTOH, maybe the guy actually will make some money with this.  Afterall,
what's the grand prize these days on America's Funniest Home Video's -
$100,000?  I shouldn't have said that... if this race does proceed, I
share then feeling that the results won't be funny.

Also, did you notice the stuff about non-paddling competition?  Poker
for paddling time?????? If I'm watching a paddling race, I want to see
other paddling competition, if there is to be competition other than the
race.  Perhaps a rolling competition, or how long you can hold a
sculling brace, or how long you can stand erect in your cockpit before
falling, or something kayak related.  But poker for time..... sorry, not
interested in the slightest!!!!

Just my opinions.  Sorry for the rant, but I "do" feel better now, thank
you very much.

Rick
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