GS Team Aspect - Needs Overhaul Regarding Partnering Requirements

It would be a lot more simple if everyone demonstrated the ability to self-rescue.  But that's kinda tough when most people have reels that can't get wet, multiple rods, etc...

It would be a lot more simple if everyone demonstrated the ability to self-rescue.  But that's kinda tough when most people have reels that can't get wet, multiple rods, etc...

You can do a self recovery WITHOUT your fishing gear on Friday following the safety briefing. If you have problems flipping your overturned kayak and getting back on it in a calm protected cove, you need to rethink your clothing and kayak rigging before heading out into the ocean.

All great ideas in theory...and I probably should just keep my mouth shut....but I like the waiver form you currently use, and think with the addition of VHF mandatory for each participant that may be good enough.

Also, in reality are you going to have someone checking each kayaker launching and then telling them they can't launch if they THINK they look hungover or if the VHF isn't working or their names aren't on the list as having passed the self-rescue test...

Maybe their scores won't count or they won't be in the tourney, but I don't think you really can control who launches or does not launch, and you shouldn't have to try...like it has been said many times already, the decision to go out in the ocean is an individual one that each person accepts (or not) and needs to live with the consequences....

Also, when we start saying that people need to committ to not drinking heavily over the weekend, who decides what is heavy and does that apply to people in hotels, private houses, campgrounds etc. So if someone celebrates a little too much after the tourney at the potluck and they pass out in their camp chair next to the fire (I do that all the time at home on my couch after paddling all day even after one or two beers) does that mean they were involved in excess drinking and would be banned from future events? 

And what about friends and family members etc? My wife gets crazy with the vino sometimes! 

One of the things I love about kayaking and NCKA is that everybody DOES do their own thing and has a good time, and as long as we respect each other then it should continue to be all good...

I just think simpler may be better, as long as you feel comfortable with your protection from any liability....

Maybe just make it so the only "official participants" that will be included in scoring etc, are those that have met all the requirements etc...so that way if you don't show Eric your  VHF or pass the safety test (or whatever gets decided on) your name will not be on the list and your score/fish etc won't count and for the intents and purposes of the tourney you aren't even there...

Eric, you know I have a ton of respect for you and this event...just some of this stuff sounds a little overboard to me and I figured I would speak up.

Hope nobody thinks my thoughts above are out of line, and I apologize in advance if anybody takes what I have said the wrong way.

Sincerely,

Jim

Well said Jim...

Its like your reading my mind, but can express it better on the forum. As I have been trying to advocate the same thing.

This thread sucks.

Your bit about liability hits it for me, Jim. That's really my only concern, so if I suggest that I may ask for a commitment on the application I'll be honest and say I definitely don't plan on checking - it's more about what is stated up front and agreed to - then, on the back end if there are problems related to a pre-stipulated detail I'll feel more confident defending my position.

Thank you, Jim and Ryan and others for bringing your input. NONE of what I've written represents something that has even come close to being decided on. I'm basically pushing buttons to see what the reactions are. I value all input here even I don't seem to respond to it directly.

Thx

Well said Jim...
Its like your reading my mind, but can express it better on the forum.

Yeah, he's good at that!

We're over analyzing the situation. Some of the theoretical suggestions are way over the top.
-Limit teams to 4 people.
-VHF, PFD, proper attire, and ocean experience should be required. I have a spare VHF and I bet another 30 guys have a spare too. That would solve one problem. So next year, we'll start a thread to make sure people w/out radios can borrow one.

Let's not let our reaction be more harmful to the event than the original problem. 

If the rules get too far out of hand or there are too many hoops to jump through, people will start to stay home. I would still go camping and hanging out with my NCKA brothers even if I didn't join the tournament, but it is more fun if I'm in it. 

I love this event.  I would hate to see it get complicated and ruin it for anyone, especially you Eric.  Organizing and running the event could become too much work if it requires self rescue demonstrations, equipment checks, etc. 

Agreed, Gabe - like I said, I'd want people to commit to some standards, but there's NO WAY I'd be checking people for anything - that would be impossible. 

Is it not obvious that trying to do any more than handing 150 people a schwag bag would be very difficult if not impossible?

Guys, don't let what's discussed here get you up in arms - it's only a DISCUSSION.  I'm not adopting anything at all until after much discussion, and if the discussion seems pointed toward significant change and added administration, believe me, it's just because I need to see all those perspectives.  I want nothing more than to keep the event as it is, but the reality is that some minor changes are likely very appropriate.

As for loaning your spare VHF, I don't recommend that - if your primary goes down it would be lame to not have your spare.  Everyone should have their own, and everyone should have their own spare too, but I'll just require one each.   

I've been involved in organizing large events before.  Its a ton of work.  A huge thanks from me for being willing to do that.   

I'm certainly not up in arms...just adding my two cents again 

Let's not let our reaction be more harmful to the event than the original problem.

Very well said, Gabe, and I intend to hold that standard.   

Everyone must abide by California DFG rules.

Everyone must abide by California DWB rules/guidelines (Department of Boating and Waterways).

VHF's are mandatory for tournament updates OTW (it just so happens they are also a safety device).

I like this.   

Again, this all adds to a decision to be made well down the line.  Thank you all for the input.

I do love this tourney but feel somethings should be changed. I feel it benefits an angler that spends a lot of time on the ocean or lives close. Many of the guys that come a long way to fish this and enjoy eating fish are penalized for keeping fish.  Unless they had planned on staying extra days and filling the quota then they would. But for someone to get the sportsman award then go out the next day and take a huge limit , what does this say? I feel there should be no extra points for picturing and releasing fish since most of the guys doing it will anyway. It would make it much easier to get results checked in I believe also since who can actually really look at each camera in order to see the photo clearly?
If I hadn't kept almost all my fish who would have sponsored the fish taco shack? Surely not the winner that released all their fish.  or 2nd  or 3rd.  Maybe we would have had a better taco shack had others offered to donate but it did seem to go fairly well.

1. Sign a waiver to release liability.
2. Confirm all anglers have radios and safety equipment.
3.At least let your team know where you are fishing
4. Catch fish and picture if you want


Just saying

Jimbo

I don't really like the release bonus, either, but it is what it is.

I actually think the release bonus is a good idea,
It promotes letting the better fish live.
I released my personal best ling (31) and still donated a 28 to the taco stand.
All this and It's a long way to the beach from Fresno, so I only get to hit the salt a few times a year.

Sent from my phone cause I can

What the hell is wrong with releasing fish for extra points. Its a tournament. If you enter the tournament I would think that you would want to score the most points possible to win. Or why in hell would you even enter? I released all my fish last year and it helped to win 2nd and get the sportsman award. I released all fish the next day too. When a 150 anglers descend on a small bit of water its good to have the release option to promote good vibes for the locals. Taco shack, eh, big deal.

Eric, you have done a marvelous job with all this. Take what you need and leave the rest.