Whitewater Ontario Priorities: A survey

I have mentioned this survey a number of times.

While its a useful heads up about getting our message out it is not an entirely fair or unbiased survey - its from a user board for play boaters. Sure we could have sent an email to all slalom racers and told them to respond and would have higher results, but we didn't seek to stack the survey.

You could joke, that if you did a survey of mental health patients and asked it their doctor is nuts most would say yes,!

So while keeping this survey in perspective - its the specific views of a specific user group lets try and communicate better with the paddling community yet not drive our entire direction based on this survey.

The counter argument is that PSO's are intended as representatives of competitive sports, but by necessity include recreational activities as a way to build a base for participation and excellence. If we took this approach our entire purpose would be focused on the competitive programs.

Just like paddling down a rapid - its all about balance

My thanks to Steve Pomeroy:


In an official survey on Boatwerks, the priorities identified by individuals included 60% river preservation followed by 28% Club Development.

racing and instruction were low on the totem.

I suggest we apply our resources where the priorities lie if possible.

Here is the summary:

Whitewater Ontario Priorities
The Minden Wildwater Preserve 7% [ 4 ]
River Preservation Issues in Ontario 66% [ 35 ]
Slalom Racing as the Provincial Sport Body 7% [ 4 ]
Club and Resource Development 11% [ 6 ]
Freestyle Development 7% [ 4 ]
Total Votes : 53


What do you think the Number Two Goal of WO Should be?
Minden Wildwater Preserve 20% [ 8 ]
Club Development and Resources 30% [ 12 ]
Instruction and/or River Safety Training 10% [ 4 ]
Ontario River Preservation 17% [ 7 ]
Ontario Salom Provincial Sport Body 2% [ 1 ]
Freeestyle development 20% [ 8 ]
Total Votes : 40

You could add up the votes but this muddies the water for priorities but there is agreement on the issues, club development and river preservation.

Whitewater Ontario Priorities
The Minden Wildwater Preserve [ 12 ]
River Preservation Issues in Ontario [ 42 ]
Slalom Racing as the Provincial Sport Body [ 5 ]
Club and Resource Development [18 ]
Freestyle Development [ 12 ]
Instruction and/or River Safety Training [ 4 ]