Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 CSE Recap2011 CSE Re-Cap for Vail Whitewater Kayak Demo Alpine Quest Sports/Alpine Kayak 34510 US Hwy 6, Edwards, CO 81632 970.926.3867 The Vail Whitewater Kayak Demos were orchestrated by Alpine Kayak. The event took place at the Vail Whitewater park on Tuesdays evenings from 5-7pm from May 17th thru June 21st. The demos offer a spectator event in Vail village and an opportunity to highlight the unique aspects of having a whitewater park in the center of town. Alpine Kayak hosted teams of professional kayakers from Team Pyranha, Team Wavesport and Team Liquidlogic. The ability for spectators to see professional kayakers perform is very rare outside of the Teva Games. In addition, there were instructors from Alpine Kayak performing tricks in the wave and stand-up boarders were trying the wave. Also, experienced boaters were able to demo kayaks and stand-up boards from Alpine Kayak to add some spectator participation. On average there were 20-60 spectators during each event. There was a wide range of ages watching from small children to seniors. People would stop to watch the demo while strolling thru Vail with their families on the way to dinner or on the way back to their hotels or condos. People spent an average of 15-20 minutes watching the demo. The spectator counts were determined by our instructors taking a manual head count 2-3 times during each demo. We are unable to conduct surveys due to limited funds. Additional funds could be directed toward an Alpine Kayak employee performing surveys. The demos were advertised by the large TOV sign board that was placed each week on the International Bridge the day of the event. Alpine Kayak also promoted the event thru Facebook, Twitter, e-mail blasts, KZYR ads and in-store signs. This is the aspect of the event that could be improved upon the most. With a small amount of additional funds we could expand the advertising with 4-color posters placed throughout the valley, Vail Daily ads TV ad time. A expansion of advertising the event could potentially draw over a hundred spectators to each demo. This year at the Teva Games, the semi-finals and finals of the kayak freestyle event was viewed by several hundred people crowding around the whitewater park to view the event, The same draw is possible with more advertising dollars. The budget allocated for the event was $2000. Expenses Instructor Fee $2100 Marketing $300 Total $2400 The cost of event was $400 more than funds received. The event does not produce any material waste. The signs for the TOV board are the same from the past 3 years, most of our marketing is electronic and we only drive one vehicle to the event. The majority of the spectators are already in town. While the event does not directly add to the room count or directly lead to more spending in Vail, it does add to the sense of community. The event highlights river activities that interests a wide range of people, and provides a spectator event during a time when there are fewer events in Vail. Town of Vail spent a considerable amount of time and money to create the whitewater park, and any opportunities to highlight the features of this park should be encouraged.