Thanks Phill..
..anytime.
While we're thanking people I'd like to thank my friend Mick (MickV on this forum) who got there at the crack of dawn to help me set up and also helping me during the day..Thanks mate.
Phill.. The difference between a successful event and a fizzer event depends on the organizer..and this article (from a US event) shows how important the organizer is.
DJ
This past Sunday on memorial day, there was a Sup Race in San Juan organized by Velauno. It was a great setup, a very comfortable area with breakfast and lunch after the race. I was surprised by a low turnout. I expected 100 boards at least like at the Previous Race.
A dozen in the elite category was all that gathered. Disheartening, I felt sorry for the Velauno guy as he questioned himself up and down the area.
Start time was supposed to be at 8'o clock but the event organizer waited almost until 9 to see if more competitors arrived. To me it was ok to go around the course since it was my first time.
The race lacked the real "elite" sup racers and Sup bigwave riders from the west coast. Just one top five finishers from last race attended and he is a new guy and still catching up to the best. Ernie Alvarez in a Sup Race or Sup surfing contest is the man to beat in 2009. When the west coast group attend events, there is a Sup cult following. Next month there is another Sup Race and attendance will meassure race calliber.
This race was great practice for me and I followed the course as it was supposed to be, Everyone cut inside the outer reefs, but i did not complain for it was not worth it. The race was around all the reefs including the shallow outer reefs. I even saw a five foot hammerhead shark diving scared 30 feet from me at San Felipe del Morro fort entrance. What a great panoramic view!
I had a great time.
I think the reasons for low turnout were;
1. Last minute planning.
I myself found out a week before.
2. Public relations with the Sup Culture.
Back in April, I reached the finals at the first U.S. Surfing federation
historic SUP surfing event where the waves where 15 plus and epic. Velauno teamriders, never made the contests for whatever reason or being afraid for their lives from the swells that day.
At elite race arrival in this Velauno race announcer was mentioning only his boards as promo and team riders as the best sup surfers. I did not mind any recognition since I am recent to the sport, but attitudes toward people not using Velauno store brands will not help. I am another brands rep in Puerto Rico and to him i am a joke.
3.Boycot- dealing with someone or some organization as an expression of protest.
There are so many brandsand great shapers, that it is very personal for some people to choose their SUP board.
I am looking forward for june 26-27 to race with at least 60 boards.
Should Velauno organize more events as things are?
Should Velauno try to undo his Karma with the mainstream SUP community?
I think Velauno has failed to respect the development of the sport and it's athlete players in the island.
I thought I opened up this experience to discussion to see different points of view!
Are situations like this happening elsewhere or is it just in this tropical island nation?
