It looks like there won't be a Vancouver Island Paddlefest this year. An announcement this morning on the Paddlefest website indicates that the event will take a break this year to develop future plans and strategies. "The Society recognizes the paddlesport industry has evolved greatly over the past 14 years and it is time to look at re-structuring the volunteer/business model to develop a new mandate which will accommodate the needs of the public as well as the contributing partners," said the statement.
Hopefully, Paddlefest returns next year as it's always a welcome part of the paddling calendar here on the island.
Hmmph. We finally win a kayak, and they shut down the next year. Not saying the two things are definitely connected. Just pointing out the timing....
ReplyDeleteWe'll certainly miss the event. Needless to say, it must take a huge amount of volunteer hours and effort (which is the "world" I work in and so can appreciate what so many generously give). It's always a great weekend. The folks behind Paddlefest need to know how much it is appreciated by both the paddling and the larger community. And maybe more of those of us who enjoy the fruits of their annual labours need to step forward to assist where we are able. D.
ReplyDeleteWell, we'll start by writing some e-mail notes to the contact person on the Paddlefest website. That'll let them know how much we'be been enjoying Paddlefest in the past, and what we might enjoy for the future.
ReplyDeleteAnd hey, let's meet in Ladysmith and go paddling, then eat a pizza! Duncan and Joan, are you game to meet us?
We were looking forward to the event being newbies but as an organizer of an annual charity event I kinda know what they might have experienced. After 10 years we decided not to have a 2011 event and re-tooled, re-energized instead and are now roaring back for a stronger 2012 event. The thing we found is that the volunteers started to get burned out and with the economic uncertainty the sponsors just couldn't commit like in years past. Sometimes a break is a good thing to make the future better.
ReplyDeleteMark
It is a great event, and I'm certainly going to miss it this year. Hopefully, all they need is a rest and it will return bigger and better.
ReplyDeleteI remember my first Paddlefest as a newbie, that was an eye-opening experience! Kayaks as far as the eye could see!
Hey Paula, paddling and pizza? You bet. :) D & J
ReplyDeleteSo that's going to happen, then -- let's meet in Ladysmith and go paddling. Bernie wants to hike the walking trails there, too. That pizza place was terrific, and there's also a nice coffee shop. Mark and Robyn, are you both going to come along, too?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFSUPAVk95o&sns=em I was searching for details on the rowing and found this post mentioning no Paddlefest this year. THere is another group apparently putting together a paddlefest.
ReplyDeletecheck it out.