just wondering what role the association has in each state - as an addicted windsurfer and person who enjoys the socal side as well I see very little promotion of our great sport in my home town other than what individuals or small groups of sailors arrange.
Am I alone in this - I am very reluctant to join the assosciation - other than for the insurance as I don't see events etc being organised, promotions at social events or even retailer arranged events etc - or am I just missing something?
This isn't about any individuals or having a go at anyone - its an enquiry - this is about windsurfing in general - and it is an area that locally the Kiters are walking all over us - their assoc is active and promoting the sport - may be because its in its infancy as a sport - like windsurfing was 20 years ago.
Interested to hear any thoughts -
I agree somewhat. Obviously in WA they organise a sh!tload of events and do really well with them and the social events also. That side of things they have nailed.
However I do think they need to do more media type stuff with respect to getting some flash footage on the news just after an event.
I thought SA looked like it was having a bit of a resurgence. There's been reports of events and you've got the Robe comp coming up. Thats always a good party. I don't know how long it's been since they had the boardsailors ball over there but that was always one to look forward to.
I don't really see the relevance of comparing it to what the kiters are doing. Seems like there are some active people in SA at the moment ,why don't you hook up with them and get something happening.
This was covered a few months ago (perhaps even a year ago).
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=38644&SearchTerms=association
"Australia Windsurfing Association" is an administrative function that facilitates some legal issues (including the third party insurance policy). They also coordinate the proposed dates for major events (that are proposed by the state associations), and class affiliations.
I understand that you cannot join the AWA, but rather pay membership to state associations, who kick any national or class affiliation fees to the Australian Association.
The function of the State associations is to organise events, collect dues and facilitate any requirements of local clubs. Their focus is driven by the enthusiasm of the members. In NSW there is nobody on the committee that focuses on social aspects - this is because nobody has volounteered to do this function. There are representatives for racing and wave sailing, so naturally the focus is on these disciplines.
If you want the state association to organise something outside its current area of focus, find someone who is enthusiastic, get them to sit on the committee and organise the event.
So - if you want to revive a "boardsailors ball", ask your state association (or club) if they have a social secretary you can talk to, if they dont then volounteer your services. The more hands on deck the better.
JB
edit - looks like JB types faster than me
russh,
The AWA basically governs the sport at the national level - so they do all the stuff like chasing insurance, liasing with YA and so on regarding olympics. The help you are chasing needs to be done through a state body - which to my knowledge SA has lacked for some time.
I have spent some time on the Qld body and am now involved with a local club. To be honest we have done more for the sport from a club level then I could have ever done from the state body level - as there are so many areas to look at (slalom, wave, formula etc). Qld divided into clubs for this season and it has allowed those interested in their discipline to drive it - both by arranging events and through the media.
hope this helps
AWA is good,
has been very helpfull for the wanderers.
5 thumbs up.
they also give australia a voice internationally.
contact them, tell them your issues and see if they can help. Dont wait for them to call you, if you dont ask you won't receive.
JB
reading between the lines here it sounds like it's your state body that you are talking about and not the AWA?
That is terrible form.
There must be a mechanism whereby you can put someone else forward to sit on the committee. Give them written notice of your intention to run for a position (or if you have a group of people run for all positions). Then do a whip around of all the WSA members (you can use the sailnumber list to see who is currently a member), get their proxies and HAVE A BLOODLESS COUP.
Have a chat to the AWA about the issue and get their position on what to do. If you can get enthusiastic people on the committee in SA then the sport will reap the rewards.
I feel sorry for your predicament, but things are quite different here in NSW (I cannot comment on any other state). Windsurfing NSW is an incredible group who are worth their collective weight in beer.
JB
The AWA has in the past "co-opted" people into AWA positions. Basically, that means that if you go to the AWA with a good idea, they may decide that you are now the AWA rep in that specialty.
You may not get power, fame and fortune, but you can get some sort of cred that allows you to run things. It seems to work pretty damn well.
