1.) Why was the water so low?
It wasn't. It was discharging at 420 cubic feet per second. There is a gauge located on the Outlet that records the flow and height of the water just above the starting line. Information can be found at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=04235000 Past derby's have run with less water and others have run with more water. Ideally, some want it at around 500cfps and some want it at 420cfps. The discharge is determined by the City of Canandaigua and mother nature. It is what it is, build accordingly and cross your fingers.
2.) Why was the Street Dance in the Parking Lot, where were the Bands, and so on?
This was the first year for a WWD Street Dance. The free Street Dance was moved to the public parking area out of concern by the Village of negatively impacting local businesses trying to make a profit during difficult economic times. At previous street dances (non-WWD), the Chamber would absorb the cost for as many as 3-4 bands. Without exception, every year when the live bands played the dancing stopped or was greatly reduced. When the DJ started up, the dancing restarted. Additionally, due to the unpredictable weather (as was the case Sunday), we do not have the funds to pay for multiple bands that may not play due to weather. None of the bands were willing to refund the money in event of cancellation. Whatever the event plans are, they must be very flexible so that they can be cancelled with short notice. Assuming that we will have the funds in the future, we will look into other alternatives. In the mean while, if you know of a band that is flexible or volunteers willing to help in the planning, please have them contact us. Suggestions are always appreciated.
3.) I lost some material in the derby or would like to locate barrels for next year. Where can I go?
If you lost equipment, please let us know as we will be cleaning the Outlet and a few miles downstream and commonly pick up reusable paddles and barrels. The material will only be saved for a limited time and will then be recycled. Barrels can also be purchased from Marine Blue in Canandaigua at a reasonable price.
4.) Why was the day changed?
The event has been a 2 day event for several years. There were / are multiple issues with hosting the event. Manpower in the past has been a huge problem as most of the volunteers are exhausted after the Derby and it was difficult to have adequate workers for the Slaloms the following day. Moving the easier handled events first allowed volunteers to work the full 2 days. The addition of the Regatta added to the work load. As was hoped, this was the first year we had all volunteer stations manned for both days. We also had our largest crowds for the Slaloms since their introduction.
5.) Why not run everything on one day?
It is physically not possible. The regatta takes 3 hours of in water time, the Slaloms take 2-1/2 hours of in water time, the Derby takes 4 hours of in water time and that does not include safety meetings, registration time, set-up and pulling out of slalom gates, raft parade, and similar. If we could condense it, it would require an estimated 60 additional volunteers. Additionally, the Regatta attracted 54 paddlers and could possibly grow to be several hundred rather quickly.
6.) The last weekend in April next year is Easter. Will the Derby be held that weekend?
We have given each 2010 derby team a survey to fill out asking their opinion. The options are to run it the first weekend in April, Good Friday Weekend, Easter Weekend, or the weekend after Easter. The results are also overwhelming to move the derby back to Saturday in lieu of Sunday. We will post the results of the survey shortly. If you are a paddler, send us your opinion.
7.) Do you have any more sweat shirts or T shirts left?
We are virtually sold out and have only a few left. Contact bpollock@rochester.rr.com if you would like a shirt or a WWD mug.
8.) I did not make it to the awards. How do I pick up my paddle trophy?
Matt Schaertl has them at his home (4286 Shortsville Road). You have two weeks to make arrangements (585-289-9594).
9.) I have a discrepancy in my finish time according to my watch, I should have a higher ranking?
Timing starts when the starting team lets go of your rope (not when you go under the bridge). The start time is at the beginning of a minute (no seconds). The finish line is in the general area of the bridge with the finish line sign on it. The finish Line team has a specific reference point they go by - it is not necessarily as you break the plane of the bridge and it is not when you exit the water.
10.) Why is there such a gap between raft launches?
Rafts are launched every 2 minutes and have to travel more than a mile before they reach the park. By design, there are fast rafts and there are slow rafts. Some rafts sink before the main viewing areas. Some paddlers loose their paddles and can only float. As you look at the results you will see some rafts travel more than twice the speed of others and that the launching is consistently at 2 minute intervals. The launch team also receives instructions to slow down based upon rescue teams being too busy. The launch team also takes one 10 minute break as they can become fatigued from launching rafts that can weigh more than 600 pounds. All of these have an impact on viewing. For consistent viewing, go to Littleville (North Park or Pioneer Road); for crashes, stay in Shortsville and be patient.
11.) I would like to sell food at the derby. Who do I contact?
The current policy is that only local non-profits can sell food. The number of vendors is limited based on projected spectator crowds. New vendors will be added as the crowd size grows. Every group participates in community clean up activities before and after the event and must spend their profits to benefit the community.
12.) Why not run the Slaloms in Shortsville?
The Slaloms require gates that the paddlers go thru. To hang the gates requires trees or poles to cable the gates to and the park does not have these items. Additionally, the current and rock structures in Shortville are not as well suited as they are in Littleville.
It wasn't. It was discharging at 420 cubic feet per second. There is a gauge located on the Outlet that records the flow and height of the water just above the starting line. Information can be found at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=04235000 Past derby's have run with less water and others have run with more water. Ideally, some want it at around 500cfps and some want it at 420cfps. The discharge is determined by the City of Canandaigua and mother nature. It is what it is, build accordingly and cross your fingers.
2.) Why was the Street Dance in the Parking Lot, where were the Bands, and so on?
This was the first year for a WWD Street Dance. The free Street Dance was moved to the public parking area out of concern by the Village of negatively impacting local businesses trying to make a profit during difficult economic times. At previous street dances (non-WWD), the Chamber would absorb the cost for as many as 3-4 bands. Without exception, every year when the live bands played the dancing stopped or was greatly reduced. When the DJ started up, the dancing restarted. Additionally, due to the unpredictable weather (as was the case Sunday), we do not have the funds to pay for multiple bands that may not play due to weather. None of the bands were willing to refund the money in event of cancellation. Whatever the event plans are, they must be very flexible so that they can be cancelled with short notice. Assuming that we will have the funds in the future, we will look into other alternatives. In the mean while, if you know of a band that is flexible or volunteers willing to help in the planning, please have them contact us. Suggestions are always appreciated.
3.) I lost some material in the derby or would like to locate barrels for next year. Where can I go?
If you lost equipment, please let us know as we will be cleaning the Outlet and a few miles downstream and commonly pick up reusable paddles and barrels. The material will only be saved for a limited time and will then be recycled. Barrels can also be purchased from Marine Blue in Canandaigua at a reasonable price.
4.) Why was the day changed?
The event has been a 2 day event for several years. There were / are multiple issues with hosting the event. Manpower in the past has been a huge problem as most of the volunteers are exhausted after the Derby and it was difficult to have adequate workers for the Slaloms the following day. Moving the easier handled events first allowed volunteers to work the full 2 days. The addition of the Regatta added to the work load. As was hoped, this was the first year we had all volunteer stations manned for both days. We also had our largest crowds for the Slaloms since their introduction.
5.) Why not run everything on one day?
It is physically not possible. The regatta takes 3 hours of in water time, the Slaloms take 2-1/2 hours of in water time, the Derby takes 4 hours of in water time and that does not include safety meetings, registration time, set-up and pulling out of slalom gates, raft parade, and similar. If we could condense it, it would require an estimated 60 additional volunteers. Additionally, the Regatta attracted 54 paddlers and could possibly grow to be several hundred rather quickly.
6.) The last weekend in April next year is Easter. Will the Derby be held that weekend?
We have given each 2010 derby team a survey to fill out asking their opinion. The options are to run it the first weekend in April, Good Friday Weekend, Easter Weekend, or the weekend after Easter. The results are also overwhelming to move the derby back to Saturday in lieu of Sunday. We will post the results of the survey shortly. If you are a paddler, send us your opinion.
7.) Do you have any more sweat shirts or T shirts left?
We are virtually sold out and have only a few left. Contact bpollock@rochester.rr.com if you would like a shirt or a WWD mug.
8.) I did not make it to the awards. How do I pick up my paddle trophy?
Matt Schaertl has them at his home (4286 Shortsville Road). You have two weeks to make arrangements (585-289-9594).
9.) I have a discrepancy in my finish time according to my watch, I should have a higher ranking?
Timing starts when the starting team lets go of your rope (not when you go under the bridge). The start time is at the beginning of a minute (no seconds). The finish line is in the general area of the bridge with the finish line sign on it. The finish Line team has a specific reference point they go by - it is not necessarily as you break the plane of the bridge and it is not when you exit the water.
10.) Why is there such a gap between raft launches?
Rafts are launched every 2 minutes and have to travel more than a mile before they reach the park. By design, there are fast rafts and there are slow rafts. Some rafts sink before the main viewing areas. Some paddlers loose their paddles and can only float. As you look at the results you will see some rafts travel more than twice the speed of others and that the launching is consistently at 2 minute intervals. The launch team also receives instructions to slow down based upon rescue teams being too busy. The launch team also takes one 10 minute break as they can become fatigued from launching rafts that can weigh more than 600 pounds. All of these have an impact on viewing. For consistent viewing, go to Littleville (North Park or Pioneer Road); for crashes, stay in Shortsville and be patient.
11.) I would like to sell food at the derby. Who do I contact?
The current policy is that only local non-profits can sell food. The number of vendors is limited based on projected spectator crowds. New vendors will be added as the crowd size grows. Every group participates in community clean up activities before and after the event and must spend their profits to benefit the community.
12.) Why not run the Slaloms in Shortsville?
The Slaloms require gates that the paddlers go thru. To hang the gates requires trees or poles to cable the gates to and the park does not have these items. Additionally, the current and rock structures in Shortville are not as well suited as they are in Littleville.