NYCkayaker Swim Support and a public meeting

[David Gottlieb]

Hi again...

I love the swimmers - they are incredible athletes whose stamina and
athletic prowess always amaze me - but the organizers of some of these swims
are just horrid....

But I will try to volunteer for at least one of these two swims that Tim
suggests are run properly....

I don't care about goodie bags, except that it demonstrates consideration
for our voluntary services. Without kayakers - these swims would not be the
same at all. Not to share refreshments with kayakers in totally inexcusable
- and to be treated as less than second-class citizens, unworthy of the
courteous acknowledgments that should customarily come with such volunteer
involvement in these swims - is unkind to kayakers - and only causes an
eventual acrimonious outcome - which is a shame. It is more than annoying
when some organizers pat themselves so heavily on the back, and fail to give
due credit to us kayakers sitting in our boats, sometimes for hours, in
support of the swimmers and the organization - not to mention all the travel
time and expenses that we incur.

Am I complaining to much... I don't think so... I just won't volunteer for
most swims anymore unless kayakers are given the courtesy and recognition we
deserve. I will just shrug my shoulders and rather than help out in a swim,
I will "selfishly" enjoy my day paddling by myself or with friends. I don't
like feeling frustrated or used after a long day of volunteering my
services. I welcome joining any groups who treat paddlers with common
respect that everyone deserves.

This is my last post on this topic....

David




On 6/30/08 7:08 AM, "Tim Gamble" <tgamble at syllog.com> wrote:

> All,
> 
> 1) Sorry about the last minute notice, but there is a public meeting
> tonight 6/30 about the Brooklyn Bridge Park. A number of kayak groups are
> sending representatives to check on the progress of kayaking in the park,
> continue to ask that a boathouse be included in the park, and check-out
> the design of the park for human powered boating.
> 
> The park has been supportive of community boating, and a number of boating
> groups are running an interim free program in the city park part of the
> Brooklyn Bridge park later this summer.
> 
> http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/index.cfm?objectid=D6544BF4-FF7C-D738-9EA9B9
> E1A0497DCA&navid=EE3D2621-3048-7098-AFB2FEDAB8C0CD7E
> 
> 
> 2) I echo the comments of Peter, John, and others about the MIF Swim
> support, but please don't lump all swim groups into this category. There
> are a number of groups in the city which organize swim races in addition
> to MIF.
> 
> There are two swims this summer that I would urge everyone to consider
> doing, even though you have to get up early to do them:
> 
> -July 20th NYC Triathlon, swim support organized by Sandy Sobanski and
> Paul Amico. Sandy posted a request for help with this last week. This is a
> great event. They will store your boat the night before, lend you a boat,
> and even offer a few free classes in kayak swim support the week before.
> email sandy for details:
> sandy sobanski <dragonsandy1 at yahoo.com>
> 
> -August 17th. I am organizing the kayak swim support for the CIBBOWS group
> in Coney Island. I can help arrange transport. We are invited to the
> breakfast with the Athletes, and they give us a gift-pack. After the race
> a group of us head over to Breezy Point for a little kayak surfing, and a
> gourmet lunch on the beach. Contact me: tgamble at syllog.com for details.
> www.cibbows.org
> 
> 
> Tim...
> **********************************************************************
> The NYCKayaker mailing list is hosted by www.rockandwater.net, and is a public
> service offered to the kayaking community by the Hudson River Watertrail
> Association. Learn more about HRWA at www.hrwa.org
> 
> To unsubscribe or change delivery options:
> http://www.rockandwater.net/mailman/listinfo/nyckayaker