Surfski Knowledge Base

David Hooper
06/23/16 #19547

Carter’s responses all seem reasonable, except my main complaint with the Gorge events is that in scheduling, the organizers haven’t taken into account the optimal timing with respect to my personal family schedule. In not planning these events to mesh with my kids’ summer camp schedules and the timing of my out-of-town family visit, they have effectively eliminated me from the competition. And that’s not even including the outrageous cost of $145 (which I spent 3x the amount at Costco last week keeping said kids fed with large boxes of Cheerios and Goldfish crackers).

I expect better next year, for the following reasons:

1. I am an internationally recognized paddler; that is, I am a paddler, and am also known by some friends in other countries as a pretty nice guy (when I’m in a good mood);
2. I lead workshops, usually on modelling the effects of changing biodiversity on ecosystem functioning. I didn’t see any such workshops being offered at the Gorge this year, which I perceive as a fairly large hole in the program;
3. Given the high cost of this weeklong package, I would like a personal shuttle, THERE, waiting for ME, no wait time. It should also include all meals, gas money for my transportation, a room for the week at a local B&B, and nightly back massages.

When all these needs have been met, I might deign to attend. Meanwhile, I’ll sulk at home that week, entertaining my out-of-town family with stories of how I could be surfing the best waves in the west, if only they hadn’t insisted on actually coming after I invited them.

Dave Hooper