[ARDF] Retaining newbies in ARDF

[Neil R.]

Marvin:
I've pretty much reached the conclusion that those that like to build things 
and have an interest in how things work are more inclined to stay with ARDF. 
Tinkerers, in other words.  Most hams today are appliance operators not like 
years ago when you had to build things.  Even with all the neat things you 
can do today with computers, etc. I'm still in awe at radio propagation.... 
its magic and thats why I never tire of foxhunting.

I live in Northwest Washington State which is very rural so I don't find 
many hams that have an interest in ARDF.  I have to look to Victoria, 
Vancouver, Seattle and Tacoma to find like minded individuals.  Of those 
I've found, we all have the common traits mentioned above.

I've more or less stopped recruiting new enthusiasts and just advertise 
meets and let them take the first step and come if they have an interest. 
Most of the hams in our town of about 18,000 know that I'm a foxhunting nut. 
If I have one or two approach me at a ham club meeting then I'll suggest a 
field class at a park nearby.  If they aren't motivated to do that, I 
probably will be wasting my time pushing it.

I'm approaching 70 and type 2 diabetic so the formal ARDF meets have a 
little too much athletic demands for me but I did participate in the 2007 
Region 2 meet and won a bronze because I had no competition.  For the older 
folks like me, traveling cross country in the woods alone and being careful 
not to pass out because of chronic health limitations requires careful 
planning but it can be done.  When I was young, I was a cross country hiker 
in the Sierras so that aspect is enjoyable but not everyone may feel that 
way. I'll probably attend the next US West Coast/Region 2 meet knowing that 
I won't break any records... hi hi

One consideration is have more small prizes.  A piece of ham gear for the 
"first to find", a $10 bill, etc.  Many are motivated by rewards of some 
sort...also gives a little recognition. I've also tried some trickery such 
as a moving fox but be careful of those.....the experienced hunters get a 
laugh out of it but the novices can get discouraged when they don't find it. 
In 2005, I pulled that trick, told the novices that it was intended for the 
advanced hunters, but they still went after it and didn't have the skills 
developed enough for success.  We ultimately lost them in the sport.

Anyway, thats my two bits worth.  If you ever want to talk more, I use 
ECHOLINK and Skype by pre-arrangement.

73's,
Neil, WA7NBF
Port Angeles, Wa.


> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:38:04 -0700
> From: Marvin Johnston <marvin at west.net>
> Subject: [ARDF] Fun and Frustration
> To: ARDF <ardf at kkn.net>
> Message-ID: <4AB7032C.2030003 at west.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I would love to hear your thoughts about is what people find fun, and
> what they frustrating about ARDF. Joe and April Moell and myself have
> been putting on ARDF hunts almost every month in So. California for a
> number of years now. Something I've noticed is the relatively low return
> rate of newcomers.
>
> This begs the question of why.
>
> Your comments/thoughts would be very much appreciated!
>
> Thanks!
>
> Marvin, KE6HTS
>
>