clubs and club politics

Hello everyone,

I am looking for some feedback on how people deal with the club side of surfskiing.

How does your club deals with access to facilities, organizing events, fees, for-profit events and activities, etc.?

For my part, I need a place where I can store my boat and I realize that this comes with accepting the rules of the organization. Yet, I cannot help but notice some disfunction in the club where I am, which is unfortunately souring my taste for the sport.

Cheers

Hmmm, no issues & no worries from our club in Fish Hoek.

We pay our subs, get racks and warm showers; all kept clean by a fantastic gentleman who's dedicated his life to maintaining the place (more than just his job, it seems to be his passion).

You want to rent the place for a function, I hear the rates are really good. Want to just hang out in the afternoon, well pull on through.

Sorry its not like this everywhere...

I came to ski paddling via my local surf club and although the number of people who actually paddled went up and down over time there is great value in having people understand what you're doing as well as having people to train with. The other good thing about a surf club is that it's part of a much larger national and international movement. Having said all that I've been lucky and other than the usual disagreements that happen whenever you get groups of people together the club has been a great place to be.

It's unfortunate if you're part of a club that isn't like that. I guess your options are to stick around and try to make a difference or to find somewhere that isn't so dysfunctional. The right way to go will depend on how badly dysfunctional the club is and what you think your capacity and ability to have an impact is.

I think here in South Africa, the whole club thing is a lot more casual than, say, in Europe.

Perhaps you can just use the club facilities for storing your boat and form a training group of your own to get away from the club politics?

I had the privilege of living in Perth for 2 years and be part of the IOP (Indian Ocean Paddlers). Awesome coastline, best downwind events, great management and a cross of surf-club participation (and not as elitist as the NBP - they're led by a Major and has a Knight as honorary member. Tough club to get into ).

A big shout out to BVI (Bermy) - Christen the S2E this morning - Ski is great - This old engine needs a lot of work! Be sure to pack your paddle for December. If you thought NBP was exclusive - try joining the 'gingernuts'

Hi
I was storing my boat at DUC but have moved to the Cape. If you are looking for a place, you are most welcome to take over my spot. it was in the blue container where the hobie cats park.
Graeme should be able to give you a key ?