Comments for Perth World Cup 2007 – GPS Tracks and more Photos! at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 2 out of 2 comments http://www.surfski.info Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:10:31 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/594/147/#pc_1873 Marsh. That is about the most sensible piece of writing I have seen on the subject of the 'issue' in the Perth race & the sport in general. It seems to me you have a lot to offer the sport & it's participants in our charge into the future. - Gavin Dickinson Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:56:58 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/594/147/#pc_1870 From some years' experience as a competitor, director and commissaire for other sports, nothing makes me more uncomfortable than unsafe conditions, followed closely by squishy application of rules. My credo as an official has always been "safe, fair, fun" in that order. While I certainly mean no disrespect to Oscar, and do not for a moment believe he sought, or likely gained any advantage from cutting the buoy, he did improperly leave the course. I have no feelings one way or the other about the size of the penalty, nor the effect on the standings. I wasn't there and can't judge that. That said, surfski racing is becoming a 'big time' sport. With prize lists large enough to fund traning and travel habits, I can only see good things coming to the sport, particularly when racing is good, well attended and fairly run. On the other hand, the fastest way to ruin a competitive sport, wind up with 'outlaw' leagues and race series is to arbitrarily apply rules, inadequate safety, and bait&switch prize lists, bringing (at least in the US) - lawsuits:-( I continue to be amazed at the incredible skills demonstrated by so many top competitors, and the willingness to share their expertise (and war stories). Also with the high level of organization and talent involved in promoting these races. Not to mention the investment made by ski designers and manufacturers in growing and promoting this sport. Guys like Oscar and Greg deserve a round of applause just for doing that. In no small part to the enthusiasm and knowledge found on this site, I have two friends here in the frozen north who have made the investment in skis, having never tried a ski at all, just in anticipation of next summer. Paddle on! Marsh Jones Minnesota, US - Marsh Jones Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:40:32 +0100