Thought we'd start another topic as the "Moffits Downwind" is almost at 3400 reads which proves the topic/debate of downwind races, categories, boards, rules etc is obviously a popular one. As the Moffits race is now over I thought we move it on.
Tonight Oliver, Teetrea and I had a meeting and Teetrea came up with the idea of "just paddling for fun, forget all the categories and rules and after the race we'll all have beers and a bbq."
So we came up with the following suggestion:-
1."Choose Your Weapon" Series of downwind races where you can race any board you like. Stock, 12', rudderless, 18', whatever !! There are no categories and no prizes. Just fun, beer and a bbq. Entry fee could pay for this.
I then thought of the following variation:- (I couldn't sleep Oliver)
2. "Draw Your Weapon" where you rock up with your choosen board of any kind. All names and corresponding boards go into a hat. You draw out of the hat and whatever and whoever's board you draw..you paddle and race. That way you get to paddle all types of boards at each race meet and if you're lucky you may draw one of the 16' or 18' Ocean Race boards. Then we'll see if it's the man or the board!! Whether the experienced guys with the big boards can still go allright on a 12' stock and whether those who say they can't afford a 16' or 18' can make a difference on one if they draw it. Sounds fair doesn't it? I believe the entry fee for this one could be a six pack (beer not abs) and the winner takes all...or shares with his mates at the end of the race along with that bbq.
But again the problem still is, who's going to step up and organise it? Teetrea may organise one on the Gold Coast. He already has a course drawn up..in his head.
So on behalf of Oliver, Teetrea and myself...we declare this topic offically OPEN !!!
As long as you don't get a punter hack your rails! Great idea though, I'd enter with a 9'3" because the odds of drawing my own board are pretty slim. Another way to do something less division orientated is to have handy caps, either Handy capped starts, or HC point/multipliers. You would work these out after the first race, then adjust them each race. Someone would then be able to win on a 9'3" if they really wanted to do distance on it. Handy capping works really well for sailing when you plan to have a series, and it doesn't disciminate for size. you get a line honors winner then a HC winner.
Just a thought.
JB
i think everyone drunk to many beers and forgot about the paddling. I'm keen to do something and will help out with what i can.
Jacko
yep its allways easier to leave up to some one else , but i cant talk! Im just an ideas Man!!
obviously those on the planning committee have to have a bbq and drink to plan the thing for the rest!!!! 
thats a great idea just wrong its amazing what inspiration you can get after a drink of the golden nectar.
OMFG - you are amazing Sue - a born organiser. Well done. I didn't want to comment on this thread cause I don't live up there, and couldn't really contribute to it, but I just wanted to say I really admire go geters' like you. I love grass roots stuff like this - random forum people, no sponsors, no bull****, just downwinding, surfing, friends and beer. Sounds as if you are going to have lots of fun.
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I'm going to beat you to this Sue: The 18th October is International "Choose Your Weapon" Day. No matter where you are on earth
Sounds like fun - about three weeks away. I've got a feeling that's when the meet is in Torquay.
hang on it is:
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=40559&SearchTerms=torquay
Hi Sue
Great idea about the choose your weapon paddle day. I'm in and I'll work on some other Goldy boys.
Clarky
how serious does this have to be ????
How about start at park just past the highway bridge in currumbin creek, up the creek to sand beach on inside of the dog beach, pick up your board and paddle and over the dune where u have to eat a cold pie, back in the water and out through the surf and paddle down to the groyne at 15th ave at palm beach, into beach and scull a beer, cordial could be substituted for under age or non drinkers, back out and back to currumbin alley and surf a wave in but you have to switch foot for a minimum of 10 seconds, then it's straight back up the creek to the park. The park has heaps of space for kiddies and pleanty of bbq's.
That sounds fun Chris (Just Wrong), but i think people want to more of a downwinder?
Ur race would suit me on my 8'9 
don't think it would go so good on a downwinder.
TELL YOU WHAT IF WE GET THIS THING GOING OUR BUISNESS WILL DONATE A COUPLE OF CARTONS , OR MORE , AND SOME SAUSAGES IF I CAN SWING IT.
ok so maybe the beer sculling and pie eating is off then ... bugger .... that was the secret weapon !!!
Hi Sue
here's a couple of ideas
1. Meet at the Alley and do a couple of car relays to Coolangatta (southerly)Miami (northerly). To finish at the Alley for a surf and BBQ.
2. Meet at Jack Evans boat harbour paddle from there to around Cook Island and around to Coolangatta Beach, which is just over the road from Jack Evans Boat Harbour. Surf and a BBQ at Cooly Beach.
3. If it's ugly out in the ocean, meet at Broadwater Labrador where there are some BBQ's (near grand hotel) and have a paddle around Wave break island through soverign islands, back to start.
4. If it's ugly out in the ocean, plot a course up Currumbin Creek.
Feel free to comment or add better ideas.
good ideas Clarky i was thinking get down early to the park next to Gecko at currumbin grab a good spot , head out from their through the bar and if its not to much of a head wind paddle to tallebudgera ck and Or to vikings and back or a course up Currumbin ck.I guess it depends on Huey!Probably be a few kids so i dont think we want do do a marathon first up?Maybee a couple tag team events 200 to 400m across the river fun stuff!And cant forget the beer.(most important)
agree that it should be a choose your weapon, not a draw your weapon. too many dollars at stake in some of those boards to actually enjoy the paddle if you didn't own it.!!
I agree it should be a choose ur weapon race.
But then again i wouldn't mind racing on a bigger board.
I wouldnt mind someone riding my board but i can see why you wouldn,t lend your brand new Vortice or Penatrator to some one you dont know!
so the date is set, course will be decided depending on wind etc. Already some have put the hand up for helping out and even donating stuff. So looks like it's a go. hey , the 18th doesn't clash with Mambo in Merimbula does it?
