chittychat said...
Well, I don't think it was a great event at all last year. But let me explain why I think that and what could be improved.
1. As people were driving down the GC to find the event spot, they passed it three/four times because there weren't any indications for a kite event. All they could see was car advertisement.
2. Pedestrians passing were asking what was happening here. Why wasn't there any real big poster/flag with kiteemblems? An A-frame just doesn't do the job when you want to promote the sport and a world class event. Watch the footage of this years event in Sylt, Germany and get their ideas. That is what I would class as a world class event.
3. There were no facilities for riders to be able to do their job as professional riders such as internet access, or videos going or xbox-games going or anything like that as it is in other PKRA events.
4. A party tent in the nearby park would allow for the catering to be right on the spot and for some local music bands to perform. see Sylt, Germany
5. Sport equipement to try for riders and pedestrians such as Street Sup or easy to carry fitness equipment could attract more riders and people.
I know quite a few riders from overseas, and they were criticising the cost for accomodation, the lack of entertainment offers during the day, and the venues for the meals. Some of them were questioning the beauty competition. Does that really promote the sport or does it show how cheaply kitesurfers can be entertained?
I am not an event organiser but why would you try to invent the wheel new when you just need to look at the footage of other events such as in Germany or the Canary Islands or Spain and try to make the event even better. Wasn't it 150'000 the budget? Where did it go?
Sorry, that I did not point out any good points but I think there can be a lot improved for this year and I hope it has already started. Looking for sponsorship now is already a bit late. Isn't it?
Good luck!
I would love to see the PKRA in WA and I know some guys who would be more than keen on organising that event. I cross my fingers for them to get the Nationals there sorted within the next couple of years.
Thank you for taking the time to provide your suggestions. We will certainly take them on board for the 2011 event.
I think that the weather can be blammed for a lot of the negativity though. For example let me address some of your points.
1. As people were driving down the GC to find the event spot, they passed it three/four times because there weren't any indications for a kite event. All they could see was car advertisement.
- If it was windy and not raining then there would have been a few kites pumped up on the beach and flying in the air. The day that we did have wind there was around 50 kites on the beach and the same in the air. I think it was pretty obvious that it was a kiting event on that day !
2. Pedestrians passing were asking what was happening here. Why wasn't there any real big poster/flag with kiteemblems? An A-frame just doesn't do the job when you want to promote the sport and a world class event. Watch the footage of this years event in Sylt, Germany and get their ideas. That is what I would class as a world class event.
Same as above. We did have posters etc, but because of the rain we had to take them inside. Maybe they should be laminated in case of rain !
3. There were no facilities for riders to be able to do their job as professional riders such as internet access, or videos going or xbox-games going or anything like that as it is in other PKRA events.
We had considered this for 2010 but it was cost prohibitive. We may have it for 2011, with some flat screen tvs etc. Hopefully though we will get weather that will mean that people are kiting and not playing video games.
4. A party tent in the nearby park would allow for the catering to be right on the spot and for some local music bands to perform. see Sylt, Germany
Noted. We have been in negotiations regarding a three stage concert/music festival in the neighbouring park.
Caterng was on site. We had three different food types on offer but because of the rain they didnt open in order to minimise loss.
5. Sport equipement to try for riders and pedestrians such as Street Sup or easy to carry fitness equipment could attract more riders and people.
It was raining so hard that noone wanted to be outside. We had arranged for all of these beach activites but all were cancelled due to weather. We had organised Yoga in the am (which a lot of people did partake in), Zumba on the beach at mid morning, Segways for beach races at lunch, SUP for no wind days, $1,000 spot prizes for each day for kiting challenges. Parachute displays each day. Air Sea rescue display with Surf Lifesaving. Two Chinnuk helicopters for a display. etc Unfortunatly all cancelled due to weather !!!
I know quite a few riders from overseas, and they were criticising the cost for accomodation, the lack of entertainment offers during the day, and the venues for the meals. Some of them were questioning the beauty competition.
There are beauty competitions in pretty much every event on the PKRA tour. We didnt do one !!! We had a fashion show for three lines of beach wear. Unfortuatly because of the weather the show was restricted to a short display. I congratulate the models for putting on a brave face in the conditions.
Again, thanks for your suggestions. It is good to hear them. We are putting this event on for the benefit of the sport in Aus.
Thank for coming to check the event in 2010 and we hope to get your support again in 2011.
