There are those who will not like what I'm about to share, but whatever, here's my two cents. 

I'll be the first to say the PPBall's held the last two years were indeed good times.  Great turnouts, incredible give-aways, and some fun action events.  But for all that there is no replacing the time spent on the river with comarades in arms. 

I have a hard time understanding why there is a perceived need for any events at all.  No need for an events coordinator, stage with lights, ramp (bigger or better than last year), chilli cook out, or even a venue that officially host the event.  Why not impromptu the unofficial river rendezvous at some undisclosed location in the woods far from citizenry with a truck load of pallets and kegs of beer.  Sheeze, doesn't even need to be next to a river, or in the state of Washington for that matter.  Better yet bag the whole kitandkubuddle and crash someone else's river party. 

 

 

Good friends, Good times, Good food, in a Good setting. Thats my 2 cents.

 

Or more local, the East Fork Lewis Race (Replacing Canyon Creek this year) April 11-12   http://www.northwestcreekcomp.org/09_update.htm - http://www.northwestcreekcomp.org/09_update.htm

 

I am sure both events would welcome the company, and they are already planned. 

 

A yearly PP Ball 'Crash' could follow the NW events like a plague.... don't tell the organizers, and post when/where/what, the week before the event that is to be crashed for the year.... then scrable to load into rigs and blast out.... like we do an a weekly basis in search of flowing rivers.

 

Either way, boaters will be boaters and show up wherever there is beer and water.

 

The reason so many vibrant events in the NW have fallen away on the past years is thinking 'bob' will do it all and 'bob' burns out.  I can't make the meetings, but Leif and James know what I am committed to for the Ball, and I will get that done. 

 

One thing that would make this event unique is new places.  It seems that most people tend to migrate to the same place time and again.  IMO the event should be on a different river each year, bringing a different demographic of community paddlers in, and exposing the rest to... maybe something/ someplace new.... 

 

 

 

I personally would like to see a large gathering of paddlers without a lot of organized events taking place.  Set a location and date, let everyone know, and let's go paddling.  The PP ball shouldn't be a festival. 

 

I do have to ask about the definition of "super secret"  The 2nd ball location couldn't have been that secure.  I managed to find it without much trouble right along with about 100 of my closest paddling friends.

 

One thing's certain: I'll NEVER reveal the location of the "Super Duper Secret" Camp spot!! Mwah ha ha ha ha!!

 

I'm elated to get everyone's two cents and agree with most of you in a general sense(D4--you're just being a w**ker as usual) .I normally prefer the smaller, tighter knit camp fire, like Slickhorn. But like Texas Dave, I kinda want one event out of the year that pulls a crowd, and I agree with him that it should be a gathering and not a festival.

Overall I share James' "go with the flow" attitude.

 

Larry is right, camping beneath Trees are good. last year, no trees.

Like Mike, I have my reclusive side. But camping near the river is important. Right alongside it is better. What about reserving a large group camp up icicle, and not doing events? Just hang out and paddle. Then again...

 

Tony had the best ideas in a lot of ways: Chief among them that we hold it on a different river every year. there's events all year long and we should crash all of them as a disjointed semi unified front, also (in addition to an anual party that we throw)

I don't think last year's events were elitest. There was something for everyone.

 

Leif- We had this disscussion a while back (growth for the sake of growth) but I'll breifly repeat what I said then: Growth for the sake of Growth serves no purpose. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. The sport is plenty big. It just needs better organiztion as far as important issues are concerned. Better to leave that mission to AW and lend them support. But getting more unorganized clusters of aimlessly wandering boaters together won't help. Sometimes I think you place too much importance in all of this. AND NO- informal and small doesn't automaticly translate to "exclusionary and eliteist". That's B.S. People have had ample opportunity to Participate in their "community" by planning this and deferred. Why does every joe-driftwood deserve to be included if they aren't even willing to provide feedback in the planning stages?

 

If it's in the cards to be  a low key event, let's just accept that and have fun with it. Although I did think it would be fun to organize some very informal events. There will be other opportunities. I do plan on organizing at least one Full Moon paddling event this year.

 

We don't need the whole day scheduled, We don't need t-shirts, We don't need a check in/out booth, It does not need to be overly planned.

 

I'm not trying to offend anyone, and I don't think I'm the only on who fells this way. You wanted our 2 cents so now you have mine. Don't go threating to cancle the Party just because you disagree. Let's get everyones 2 cents and plan the Ball accordingly.

 

And thats all I have to say about that.

 

I will be the first to say, i do not suggest that one bit.  But being at the meeting via webphone is a good idea.....  I'm a high tec red neck now!

Leif you gonna wear your pasties? To the party, I mean. I don't expect you to wear them to the meeting.

 

Thinking about having 2 classes, New and Old School - kayak length will determine your catagory.  Prizes, well there will be some.

 

 - Adam