park run...

Originally posted by Rupert Maybe there is a catalyst to make an umbrella organisation and popularize the image, drawing more people in.

Guess that’s what I’m getting at really, should there be as you say an umbrella organisation that organised and promotes it? More big thinking as a group of clubs together than indivual/protectionist thinking.

Originally posted by KazRob One thing Park run has in it's favour is its generally early on in the day, so once you've turned up, and ran for a bit you still have the rest of the day available for other things. I can't help thinking that moving from mid afternoons to mid mornings may help modern life sit better with racing dinghies and still allow other things to be fitted in on the same day

Great for lakes and less tide restricted venues if holding it weekly. One of the benefits of a tidal
Club is occasionally you get extreme start or end of day sail and still get the family time in if they’re less inclined to sail.

Originally posted by Old Timer Originally posted by Oli Originally posted by Old Timer We constantly struggle with this, people don’t want commitment these days.  Park Run is the ultimate easy option. No payment, no advanced entry, no rules (almost), no equipment .... turn up do it clear off ... That’s what people want these days, Sailing is not a good fit with that mentality.  your right about it being the ultimate easy option, but why is sailing not a good fit?  why cant we make it a good fit?  why not change some of the parameters, if it doesnt work what harm is there, change it back. Because sailing requires boat ownership, club membership, boat insurance, a big bag of kit, specialist knowledge, compliant weather / tide ... it is a ball ache but we think it’s worth it but of many it’s just too much hassle to learn and get to the good stuff.

Your points are valid to an extent, you don’t have to own a boat, hire one of the venue allows, insurance would be in that too. My op was about non members able to turn up and go so a change in what’s available from clubs has to change there. Kit, well yes that’s tricky, but if the clubs had old kit donated by members then that’s less so. Knowledge is passed on in the coaching format, especially if crewing for an experienced helm. Weather and tide are indeed unavoidable obstacles that will rain on ones parade occasionally.

Agreed, old used kit is not appetising but, TBH, if you can spend on the kit you need for a park run (which I'm sure most who do more than the odd one will do) with half decent trainers costing £60+ it isn't such a huge step to buy the kit you need for sailing. Sure, it does cost a bit more but it can be done for under £100. And, anyway, if somebody is keen enough to try sailing/surfing/kayaking/SUP they probably go to a centre first anyway and use a hired wetsuit so that is obviously not enough to put them off.

Originally posted by Rupert For this to work, I can imagine a local sailing centre lining up a dozen Picos, some Teras, Fevas etc and renting them out for £x per session on a Sunday morning for people to imitate other people running round a park. That post was supposed to be positive, but a I wrote it, the sadness of sailing school Picos round a simple course every Sunday morning just depressed me.

Especially if I had to do it early before the world warmed up and there was wind!

Could work. I already use yoga postures in terms of teaching sailors to sit upright on a side deck, rather than hunching over the tiller extension. Downward facing dog could be tricky!

Oddly, I only find sailing clears the mind if I'm racing.