|
 Much more paddling oriented than in past, nice work NOC New
- Forum: BoaterTalk
Re:  Thank you to all that came out to a great GAF weekend @ NOC. DD New
Date: Oct 01 2008, 13:38 GMT
From: ClayW
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Traditionally, I hate GAF - it's just a cold place to sell old gear and possibly pick up some old relics on the cheap when you could be paddling elsewhere. It's just the people you see that make it all worthwhile. But this year was really different.
Sure I was still working for Jackson Kayak sucking seats and pumping footbags, but this time it was under a warm sunny sky with lots going on besides just boat sales happening all around. We were demo-ing boats on the river, people were learning to roll from EJ, Dane, or NOC staff right next to the store in a HEATED pool, Shane was holding a race and ro-sham-bo, Spencer and Grahtman created Fat fighters, EJ and Nick T taught a play clinic, and I got to send people off Worser Wesser.
The weather was just perfect for boating or biking or just hanging out seeing my friends.
Sure I would have preferred to be on the Gauley .. duh .. but I do think this GAF lived up the the ''Festival'' part of the acronym and showed it's potential to become a true 'paddlers event' in addition to it's roll as 'end of the year gear swap' . Props to Sutton and Wayner and everyone else who took so much grief to change the date... the weather really does make a difference.
For Next Year -
Consider a short shuttle service for demos on the hour, guest speaker/seminar/slide show early evening, bike skills or maintenance sessions with a Specialized rep or staff, and a board or large 'price tags' so buyers know what's available and the price without having to ask.
Thanks to all who encouraged the 'upgrade' on GAF, and to all those that blew up balloons .. nice touch.
Clay
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
BoaterTalk 
