Hows about a thread for posting constructive feedback for next years festival. Hopefully we can actually get more useful posts than mindless rantings for a change.

Here are mine.

1, Take the top 24 finishers from this year and put them all in the same lane combinations for Saturday. Makes it fair and limits the amount of bitching we all have to endure. (GWN did it and it worked great)

2, If you have two boat types make sure each team races once in each on Saturday. Again, this is common sense and will help reduce the bitching we have to endure

3, Kill the island party and just put up a huge beer tent with a BBQ. You wanna make money and have happy people? With many finals now ending in the morning maybe some teams would go grab a beer or two and lunch. (Resist the urge to overcharge for the beer and burgers)

4, Ok had to at least post it up cause someone else will. Make it cheaper. Yeah, I know it isn't going to happen, but heck this is our list and for us, cheaper would be better.

On a positive note, the weather was ridiculously awesome and the event ran virtually on time like clockwork the whole weekend. The held starts really helped keep the pace and there was little or no farting around there. Volunteers were plentiful, friendly and helpful

The course itself was cleaned up about as much as could have been reasonable expected without getting special equipment in to rip up the weeds underwater in lanes 1 and 2.

Perhaps you didn't race lane 1 or 2.

and a loudspeaker in the atheletes village to announce who should be marshalling.

They should use smoke signals

Not flawless. I heard that on the very first race of the weekend they started timing from a "test" starters shot. Ooops.

All unknown teams....could you imagine the squawking if it were any of those Olympic wannabee teams.

were even with the rest, I just said I think they did what they could outside of dredging the course or something. They were literally impassable earlier in the week.

So if you want you can add, find a way for even out lanes 1 through 6 as a suggestion.

Giving all the top returning teams the same qualifying lanes, basically makes it a level playing field so if you do end up in lane 1 or 2 for your final, at least you had an even chance to set your own fate, just like at GWN.

Olympic wannabee teams.

**********************

Didn't think it was an Olympic sport!

"Re: Island Feedback and suggestions June 27 2005, 12:34 PM
and a loudspeaker in the atheletes village to announce who should be marshalling. "

or MORE speakers

No but unfortunately some team behave like they think its an olympic sport.......usually teams around C or D division.

It seems that the price hikes at TIDBRF have actually accomplished something positive. The number of teams have been culled down to a level that they can handle without keeping you on the Island well past sunset.

Great job done by the organizers and volunteers to keep things on schedule this year. Any time they fell behind they caught up pretty quickly. They were also very accomodating for paddler/steersperson pickups on the water. Much appreciated.

As for the course, it's not great but it's not terrible either. I think if you were out in Lanes 1 or 2 then your time was going to suffer a little, but it's not the "lane lottery" that some other festivals have become. Too bad they can't dredge it all out to be dead even, but what the heck, at least they cleared out the worst of the weeds.

I also have to give a word of appreciation to the teams this year. There was a great deal of good sportsmanship shown out there. No holds barred racing, but no B.S. Just the way it ought to be.

Cheers, and see you next year.

What's with the lack of centre island practices, unless your team had one of their practices cancelled?

Also, what's with the corner-cutting and giving out quarter-circle medals? They weren't even shiny this year, and ours were a little tarnished too. Cheap spray-on paint. Waterloo's got the best medals and prizes, IMO.

How was the Island after-party?

What a stupid comment. They had medals for top 3 finishers of the devisions and it was nice to see they changed the medals since they were the same for years.

I too thought it was a good festival overall. The lanes were not all even but no local race has that. If that is what you want your best bet is Welland or even the Basin in Montreal.

Good work by the organizers and volunteers. By the way I love the idea of a giant beer tent and BBQ.

"also have to give a word of appreciation to the teams this year. There was a great deal of good sportsmanship shown out there. No holds barred racing, but no B.S."

Probably because there were many "B" & "C" not there.

I agree with the lane idea – assign the top 24 the same lanes – ‘cause really, anyone who had lane 1 or 2 was screwed.

I agree that changes have to be made to the Island party. Every year fewer people are going b/c the ticket price is really high for what you get. I’m tired of getting gouged for crappy food and then have to buy beer at inflated prices. I really like the venue, though.

The money has already been made on all the corporate tents, sponsorships, money from the gov’t and the race entry fees (steep for 3 races!). Could we stop trying to make money off the party too? If the ticket price went down to $10 for same party, you’d probably make more money anyway b/c more people would go.

Only "A" division got medals (and the industry cups). Not even the winners of the lower divisions from "B" on down got any medals.

Simply rediculous given the number of teams and revenue generated from entries. At least some medals for division winners would be the bare minimum. The Island gets beat here by the smallest local festivals in Ontario. Simply embarassing.

pickering used to give out medals to top 3 in every championship bracket. now its only top 3 overall.
there's an argument for it - now the GSB actually mean you finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd. you don't have people (and this does happen) saying "our team won pickering" but in fact they really won the G division.

who is to say that the 6th place team in A deserves medals but B division champions who finished 7th deserve them? these divisions are logistical divisions there's just not enough water to have everyone race at the same time - the 7th place team did nothign in the qualifying rounds to warrant a medal more than the 6th place team in the 'a'.

having said that, the island devoted more money to make the medals look better (less material, but looks WAY more professional) and the ribbon shows exactly what was won. premier mixed, hospital cup, bankers cup, whatever.

but on the other hand, since it is a FESTIVAL and not a sport race, perhaps extra medals for the lower divisions would still be appropriate.

All I require is bragging rights.....I'm mean who really cares about a metal anyways? Is that really how you measure your accomplishments? Pretty sad if it is?

I believe that medals should be more frequently awarded ... they're pretty cheap considering how much the charge for this event and they're great for making individual's feel appreciated ...

Considering over 6000 paddlers came out they only gave medals to a select few races ... i'd say under 10 teams got medals out of 200+ teams which is pretty bad ... teams don't even get to keep the cups they won ... all they really get is a plaque ...

every year they raise the price and nothing really changes with regards to prizes ... sad ... next year i'd rather go to ottawa

For many teams, getting hardware is something to look forward to. I must admit, their plaques look much better than previous years. I just think they did a shoddy job with the medal design (we got gold, but they looked like bronze). Personally, I like the shininess from last year's gold medals. As for the design, I think the cast-design is better than previous year's printed design.

Considering that the TIDBRF is one of the most publicized festivals in Ontario, they could at least have better looking prizes. Their trophies leak beer, too.

I couldn't agree with you more.

Gatineau Gino loves you.

If you missed the Island this year, I'd have to say: too bad for you.

It's this event that started most of in the sport and it's still the best. A beautiful venue, maybe one of the nicest in the world, (I didn't say most fair but there are a lot worse), lots of people, color, culture, people excited aout being champions of 'm', fake tattoo's, blue hair, samples of stuff, great close races.

It's always fun and renews my joy in the sport. A touch expensive, yes, (organizers are you listening?) and if that effects the formation of new teams then we're all in trouble, but hands down, the best, most fun event.

island practices were available, all you had to do was book them.

for all you complainers about the lanes, you didn't notice that SRS had their fastest time in lane 2.

I just wish people knew what the fuck they are talking about.

I'll post a link to the results
http://www.dragonboats.com/pages/result.html

Then I'll even copy SRS results from that page:
Race 12:
Lane 5 Team SRS 1:58.70
Race 27:
Lane 2 Team SRS 2:00.26

On to the Sunday:

Race 85
Lane 4 Team SRS 2:03.74

Race 106
Lane 4 Team SRS 2:01.18

Which lane was their fastest time from again?

First of all the medals
How old are you people? You need a medal for every race you go into? You think that they should supply a medal for 1st-3rd for all the A-Z finals? And lets think about this, how many sports actually supply medals to every B and below final? The A final is what counts, strive to get there then you'll get your medal.

Now as far as the lanes. Don't analyze, true competitors can race in any lane, you deal with the conditions, you go harder you finish where you finish. If there was more wind on one side of the course I'm sure you would complain about that too. You have chosen a sport with weather and course conditions, if you don't like it then maybe you should try a sport in a more controlled environment.

"...true competitors can race in any lane, you deal with the conditions, you go harder you finish where you finish."

Everyone HAS to deal with the lane they get, whether they are a "true competitor" or not. But if you think that results are dependant upon effort, and only effort, then you're being a little naive.

Here's a test. Go outside and run a 50m dash. No go and run a 50m dash uphill. Did your time increase? Well, I guess you must not be a "rue competitor" because otherwise you would have been able to "deal with the conditions" and go just as fast.

F'king twit.

hahaahahahahaha

It always cracks me up when people say, just shut up and paddle or only loosers and whiners complain about lanes.

To be honest, I don't think anyone has been posting on the forum saying they got screwed because of lanes. Doesn't mean teams didn't, but they realize bitching about it does no good.

Bottom line is that other than SRS most of the next few teams are two close to overcome a 2 second lane bias between each other in heats let alone head to head.(rough diff between lanes 1/4 this year for example) Still no one is complaining about it because we all new the deal going in. Doesn't make it any better, but it just is what it is.

As a couple people suggested, having the top teams all qualify on Saturday in the same lane combinations would pretty much eliminate the issue entirely. Everyone would then at least have an even shot at racing their way into an inside lane.

As for medals, we have been comparing it other events in ontario and Canada. Does TIDBRF have to give any medals and/or prizes... NO, is it fair to compare them to other festivals... YES.

Even little tiny festivals do a better job then the Island does for medals and such. And yes people like the little keepsakes. When you race your last race against those five other teams that are all close competition to you and you win, then why shouldn't you get a medal? Something to hang onto to remember the race by.

One teams entries could have covered the cost of medals for the top team in each division if not a lot more. TCBA is just cheap. That's it, that's all.

The last poster should run for president!

"I just wish people knew what the fuck they are talking about."

Well buddy, clearly you don't. We raced pretty hard in the first race, and sort of cruised most of the second.

I've raced at the island for years and am well aware that lane 1 is a little slower. I can't tell you how much. These lanes are pretty wide. If you stay to the right of lane 2 it's no different than lane 3/4. I will say that I coached a crew in lane 1 and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It's part of the sport. Stop crying.

Clearly buddy, you jumped into the middle of a conversation.
Someone was saying how SRS' fastest time was in the lane 2.
It wasn't. It was from the lane 5.

Clearly buddy (and I mean the last poster), your reading comprehension needs work. Summer school starts next week. SRS says they went fastest in 5 but went hard, went slower in 2 and went alot easier. Doubtful therefore a 2 second difference between lanes. I think even you can undertand the rest of the post. I can help you understand the posts on the rest of the threads if you'd like.

Buncha complainers!Shut up and paddle!

I'm surprised that nobody has COMPLAINED about the goose shit!Hahaha.

Who cares about the hardware.I paddle for the glory!

I think it may very well be the same idiot whining on each thread.Here's a diaper for you ,you little baby.
WAAAAWAAAAWAAAA

Can they do something about the goose shit, over ther? I mean really it was disgusting. I puked four times, and my team was distracted by it, also did you guys notice the balloon in lane 3 on Saturday around 10:00? When our boat hit that it was like hitting a brick wall. I recomend for next year goose and balloon patrol.

I can't stand the way everyone kisses SRS's asses. If anyone else came along and bragged about how they were so good that they were able to cruise down the course and still win, people would be all over them.

Nobody is listening and you're all idiots who can't comprehend.

The poster said SRS had their fastest in lane 2. Period.

The next poster corrected the first poster and said their fastest time was in lane 5. Period.

The tangent that was taken by SRS bragger and the rest of the losers who got cought up in it didn't have anything to do with the coversation.

Maybe I can help you understand the rest of the thread. That is if you can get your head out of SRS's ass long enough to think for yourself.

SRS does not need to brag.Results speak for themselves.

If by chance,they eased off in the second race a little,why do you take such offense to that?or have to deem it "bragging"?It's sometimes preplanned race strategy OR they were far enough ahead that the cox didn't ask for a finish.

BTW,I am not with SRS.

Either way, the person posting as an SRS paddler should stay off the forum.

Can they do something about the goose shit, over ther? I mean really it was disgusting. I puked four times, and my team was distracted by it, also did you guys notice the balloon in lane 3 on Saturday around 10:00? When our boat hit that it was like hitting a brick wall. I recomend for next year goose and balloon patrol.

Now,that's more like it!!!!!!!I really hope your team filed a Balloon Protest!!

"Clearly buddy (and I mean the last poster), your reading comprehension needs work. Summer school starts next week. SRS says they went fastest in 5 but went hard, went slower in 2 and went alot easier. Doubtful therefore a 2 second difference between lanes. I think even you can undertand the rest of the post. I can help you understand the posts on the rest of the threads if you'd like. "

I know what he said. I also know that the only facts we have are the official times. In those, their lane 5 time is 2 seconds faster than their lane 2 time. What he "felt" like it has nothing to do with anything as it's totally subjective.
Now go through the results again, pick some crews, and find out which lanes were these crews faster in.

Look, SRS is the national team or close enough to it to make little difference. They are obviously going to be the fastest thing on the water at any time in any place in our little world we call DB.

They went hard enough to win, and that is all. They had gears they didn't even need to apply. Anyone who doubts this is a fool. They admit it themselves if your around to listen. They will tell you that they had to go all out and that the gap is closing blah blah blah, but it would be like the Toronto Maple leafs trying to convince teams in your local corporate hockey tourney that the gap is closing lol.

What's my point, I don't really have one, just stating fact. They are welcome to attend, and will enjoy the trip next year. I would do the same and so would any of you.

The new long-ways docks were nice to paddle into after each race.

Isn't it funny how this weekend, as well as any DB 'festival' you go to in the world, there is always one old chinese guy with a megaphone standing there trying to tell people what to do when he has no clue. Always a hoot!

nothing against SRS, but they didn't seem too excited about winning the island. They don't have the same kind of enthuasim that most dragon boat teams have when they win such a big event. I guess for them it's just another dragon boat fun thing to do for them. Can you understand the difference i'm talking about here?

And if they acted excited,they would have been accused of GLOATING!

Do you understand where I am coming from?

They are dammed if they do,and dammed if they don't.jmo

There was no reaction because it was a forgon conclusion that they would win. I have no doubt they were happy, but it's no where near the accomplishment or life highlight for them as it would have been for BMO or IMPS a few years ago or most of the other teams there this year. Might have gotten a reaction if they had somehow managed to loose. Someone bumping into them and them loosing would have made for some pretty sweet entertainment I am sure.

We are simply no competition for them. Go to the worlds and watch them paddle there. Plenty of emotion and excitement. I am not saying we suck or that they are poor sports or anything, it just is what it is.

When it comes to lanes, I really can't sya much or complain, since it is now way after the fact, so why bother?

but what I would suggest is moves teams around from lane to lane from one race to the next. How did we end up in Lane 1 twice from three races? Do the math and see the odds of a team getting the same lane twice out of three races. The odds are pretty steep, but some genius at the organization seemed to meet those odds, cause we got Lane 1 twice.

I don't really understand....i'm kinda new to all this, can someone explain to me why lanes are such a big deal or how being in lane 2 automatically meant u were screwed?

You were in lane 1 in the final because you were in last place of the teams in E division going into that final... the teams are assigned lanes based on average finishing times from the previous two heats, with the faster teams getting the most central (and arguably better)lanes.

The problem for teams like Smoke is that they did a heat in Lane 1 as well, so when their final is in Lane 1 they feel put upon.

They could have just as easily been in Lane 4 in F division (one more spot down). If they had qualified 7 more places up, they would have been in Lane 6 for the D final. Or something like that.

If we were in a central lane for the final we could have got 2:14. Thats all I have to say about Lanes.

We all know that in the world of dragonboat racing, nothing compares with the Toronto Island races.

Dragonboaters like to bitch and complain but everybody loves racing and having fun at the island.

Can't wait until next year.

Smoke on the Water, if you would have been fast enough to make it to D division, you would have gotten smoked on the water. Uh uh uh!

you must have been smoking something on the water if you think you could have gotten 2:14, everybody's times had been decreased on average by 3 seconds due to the current. Consider yourselves lucky that you even made 'E'. Put the money where your mouth is next race.

Thats why I love this sport.

People fighting over what the could have done in Final F.

I mean really. You should be hiding under a rock instead.