Why do we want to get new people into Windsurfing?

[thombiz]

In another thread there is a discussion about marketing windsurfing to which age group, however, there is a bigger question. Why market and promote windsurfing at all? Why not let those interested seek it out on their own and forget all this promotion jazz? Getting more people into the sport is just going to crowd the venues, so why not just let participation seek it's own natural level, a bit like dinghy racing has done?

[swchandler]

I'm of the mind that promoting windsurfing really doesn't work. Now, I'm not against promotion of the sport, because there's always a slim chance that new folks could ultimately become windsurfers, but I think that most promotional efforts usually come down to simply entertaining folks for a period of time. Of course, for some of those promoting the sport, it's a business. But, I wonder whether those that are exposed through the promotional side of things will ever really become windsurfers on their own, buy the equipment and show up at the beach on a regular basis. There's a big difference between a casual fleeting interest in windsurfing and making it part of your life over the long haul.

I wonder how many of the 170 students that Britt mentioned in your other thread on the topic will actively become dedicated windsurfers. My thought is not many, but if even 5% start windsurfing regularly, that would represent some kind of success that would make the effort worthwhile.

[spyder]

[human_catapult]

I couldn't disagree more. Windsurfing with friends is way more fun than without. Sailing alone, to me, is totally boring.

Also, all your beloved uncrowded spots could easily be closed to windsurfing if no one was there to make noise about it.

Perhaps economies of scale would make the gear less expensive if there were more windsurfers.

[coachg]

Why promote? Do we want more sailors? Equipment issues and crowds aside, I think promotion, and thus increases numbers, would increase access. The more people you have doing a sport, the more people in power you have involved the better the access you will get and the better the facilities will be at the sites you sail at.

I’m sure we can all think of a place that could use better access or improved facilities like TI? So I guess by my logic we should promote to older people because they have voting rights.

Coachg

[rsanrafael]

[thombiz]

One of the reasons to promote the sport is that promotion will eventually speed the development of better equipment. Competition between manufacturers eventually leads to the development of higher performing and more durable kit.

I also think the social factor is a huge one. It's great to show up and see friends there to share the experience. Although I frequently sail alone, it's always good to see a friendly face, talk about whatever, and wind-up or wind-down a session. The stoke of some new faces is exciting and stimulating for my own passion for the sport.

[ctuna]

There has to be enough interest to keep the equipment part going.
But I don't want it to get as crowded as surfing has.
I can remember some pretty thick traffic an near collisions in the 90's
Now sometimes I have an entire sailing spot to myself and that's pretty lonely and maybe a tad dangerous.
Also now its hard to even give your used equipment away let alone sell it
for some small amount . yet the new stuff is Super expensive. ( compared to
what it was,no inflation yeah right.)
I wouldn't do this sport if I didn't live in place that has great wind most of the year.
which most people don't.
Also compared to something like skiing or surfing its very complicated and
equipment intensive.
You have to be on a mission to really get deeply into it.

[U2U2U2]

[haterrater]