wdric is spot on.

As appealing as the sport is to us, there is little chance of thousands of unrelated persons standing on the beaches to cheer us on.
Even a world champ in their discipline, might only draw a few dozen extra spectators in Australia.
The crowd at our local events are largely competitor based, and perhaps close friends/family, much like a junior school sports days.
Expect if you look at the average of age at our racing events, we are many decades away from being in junior school.
Very few racers in their early twenties, and almost non in their teens.

If we want events to to drive bigger crowds we need to provide a broader point of accessibly to these events.
Freestlye is naturally seen as an opportunity for this, but entry numbers are down. Most don't have the level or range of tricks to feel they are competitive, also as it is score based its not directly competitive where its you against and along side another.
Also not many kiters travel interstate for a freestyle or waves event. The likes of L2L has shown many more are willing to travel for a distance race.
TT racing is now a IKA class, and many major and international events now include TT racing and a long distance event to help bring publicity, kiting community support and crowds.
The likes of TT-cross races in Ireland with inflatable obstacle is a crowd favorite and well supported by casual kiters.

Much like a Super V8 race weekend, its not just the star events that attract and keep people track side over the course of a weekend.
Classes such TT racing (slalom style), TTcross & distance races allow younger more causal kiters to enter at a lower price point.
This would bring more competitors to an event, more friends and more family.
These class also provide a development gateway to the likes of foil and formula, and a pool of kiters to buy up used formula/foil gear, more second hand gear = more kiters making their way into the events such as foil/formula.

That said the this is Nationals, and changes to make events become inclusive rather than exclusive need to start at the local level.
Regional events are where the opportunity lies to develop support and crowds for events such as Oceanic, Sail Melbourne, Brisbane, Townville etc. and local club events by adding more casual classes to the events.

I see absolutely no reason why you can't have a foil race included in whatever National Titles are held, similar can be said for other niche categories (kickers/ sliders etc). There will always be people who can't afford this and that, yes we should give them as easy entry as possible but it's not our place to hold back those with the means to progress it.

All my previous comments were merely directed towards the publics perception of the sport. Besides the annoying truth that most sponsorship dollars are raised by outside benefactors I see no reason why we can't do what we want. If sponsors really want a show, you just get a few jumping larrys to go out and do dingles all day in the same spot and everyone is happy. National competitions should be based on two things, one being progression of the sport in this country and the other being having a bloody good time with mates!

AndyHansen said..
wdric is spot on.

Wise words Andy

AndyHansen said..

Classes such TT racing (slalom style), TTcross & distance races allow younger more causal kiters to enter at a lower price point.
This would bring more competitors to an event, more friends and more family.
These class also provide a development gateway to the likes of foil and formula, and a pool of kiters to buy up used formula/foil gear, more second hand gear = more kiters making their way into the events such as foil/formula.

Sadly there have been many enthusiastic organisers of events with willing and able competitors, but their enthusiasm is tested to the limits when one element is missing

WIND !

Luckily for the formula class in the last couple of years the equipment has allowed the competition to continue in conditions when all other forms of kiting dont even bother getting outa bed

Well sadly they ran it the same time as PKRA so I won't be able to attend or judge. I think we really have to get our sh!t together and run the Nats in WA, even if it's only a small event with no prize money or legit organisation, just having it at a good time and at a good spot would make all the difference.