There seems to ba a lot of jockying for position at the start lines these days. Starters have gone to great lengths to ensure fair starts but in some cases it takes an eternity (it seems).

Is it feasible to put the onus on the steers to get their boat to the line and keep it there by dispensing stiffer penalties.

The race will start in 10 seconds. Get your boats to the line. If you aren't there, tough luck. If you are over then you will be penalized at the discretion of the starter. Would this work?

agreed. the worst is when everyone is lined up and one boat can't get their **** together. Just go without them. especially if its on the 3rd attempt to line up.

It's far easier to suggest a way to improve starts than actually implement one. Festival officials would be too hesitant to give penalties.
I agree some starters are bad and take too long to get boats lined up, and everyone wants to get ahead at the start.

"There seems to ba a lot of jockying for position at the start lines these days."

Hey yeahhhh.... that's true. Because it never happened before.... Never, ever in the history of the sport. It's only happening "these days", since Orst started paddling.

Hey Orst, maybe you're a jinx to the sport, and should retire your pantywaist, b*tch, ass. Maybe then, nobody will be jockeying for position, any more.

At least then, we won't have to waste precious moments or our lives replying to your whiny, whingeing, nancy-boy, musings.

Held starts will eliminate most of the problems. Although, high winds can blow boats out of position and make the starter release all the boats to do a reset. Best held start were at the CCWC in Toronto last year with the "T" docks - drummer held with a pole from the side, steerer just has to make sure the boat is pointed in the right direction. Other held starts with the tail being held causes the boat to rotate and therefore the crew could be constantly doing draw strokes to keep it straight. But even with held starts, a good starter who can control the teams is still needed.

you posted this thread twice, and still spelt JOCKEYING WRONG!