I apologize for the off-topic post - I know there are several fellow
kayakers on this list and wanted to ping you all.

I am polling for interest in performance-based kayaking in Portland/SW
Washington. While there may be many "recreational" paddlers out there
we're targeting those interested in the "pursuit of excellence" in the
sport at an athletic level - analogous to a cyclist more interested in
recreation than someone involved in a club or team. You don't have to
be fast, or have much experience; genuine enthusiasm (and $35) will
do!

Before considering a full restructuring of our current boathouse
association, we'd like to get an idea of current levels of interest to
forecast potential club growth.

Would you be interested in participating in a group with fees similar
to OBRA and a structure similar to cycling clubs?

- ~$35 annual fee;
- weekly paddles structured like a team ride: show ready to paddle
at X place, X time, do X miles, and nobody gets dropped;
- general technique/peer coaching provided during paddles;
- additional coaching/race kayaks/wing paddles available for
(reasonable) fee; and
- limited boat storage on the river (additional fee).

Please RSVP your answers to me:
- Do you currently own a kayak? Longer than 16 feet?
- Approx. when was the last time you paddled?
- Have you ever entered a kayak race (multi-sport, whitewater, sea,
surfski, etc)?
- Do you currently work out on local rivers/lakes? Do you avoid any
local rivers/lakes?
- Prefer to paddle alone or in a group?

Thanks for your time,
Jeff
jeff@jnorville.com