Just an idea to toss out there...

General Discussion
1

Bill Thrailkill used to host surfer’s workshops, I went to one last year and in one Saturday I learned more than I could in two months of surfing the forum.  I dont know if he still does them, but I had an idea to expand on them and include more experts (if they are willing).

 

What about running a webinar that guys could subscribe to? There are a lot of pro’s and con’s to this idea that I will address, but I just wanted to see if there would be any support and if it is worth the time and effort of putting it together and finding speakers and moderating a series of webinars.

Pro’s: No travel for the learning experience, ability to send the recorded webinar to people who couldnt fit it into their schedule, ability to offer an Q&A for viewers.

Con’s: Not as personal as face to face roundtable discussion, not able to swap physical goodies (templates, finstock, tools) which I know is a really fun part of meeting up with swaylocks guys, viewers not watching live wouldnt have the ability to ask questions (although they can still watch the recording).  Bill also used to limit the discussions to 25 or so people because he liked the energy of a roundtable of that size, I dont know if it would be possible to get that same energy.

 

If it were to work out, I would want to get an idea of what people wanted to see.  Physics of surfboards and the wave? Techniques to shape/glass better in a garage? Certain speakers?

Cost would depend on number of people that signed up, but it would be around 20 bucks i estimate (pays for webcams and compensates the guys that speak and lend us their expertise).  My soft plan right now (if there is a sign of interest) would be to offer about 5 mid-week evening sessions when guys are done with work but also so that east coasters would be able to watch it at a normal hour.  Hopefully each session would have a different speaker and a different subject, but the entire webinar would stick to a general theme.

 

Brief Summary: It would be more of a lecture with the ability to ask questions and less of a discussion, so it doesnt have the potential to teach like a real roundtable discussion. However, it would be a great way to reach out to guys located away from California and Hawaii and guys who have full work schedules.  Anybody interested? Any pro’s and con’s you can think of that I forgot? Again, just an idea im throwing out there. 

2

I would be interested in something like that.  How long would it last?  How would you ask questions - like a "chat room" format?  The "speakers" would be like watching a youtube video or something?  Just curious.  $20 sounds very reasonable for what you are proposing.

I think some would be skeptical, because Swaylocks itself is kinda like that, and its free, without all the restrictions you speak of.  But I do agree the energy and education of Bill Thrailkill's workshop made it a worthwhile experience.

There's a lot could be discussed, design-wise and shaping/glassing wise as well.  Have to give it some thought to come up with a list.

Another thought: I did a wood-board rails forum on Delphi.  I charged $15 to sign up, and its private, so only members can post or read messages.  I can post photos and videos.  I haven't explored the options beyond that, but it seems like a viable option with a lot of possibilities.

3

the impersonality of it comes from the format.  viewers would have to type out a question in a chatbox, then the speaker could read it and respond to it by showing and/or lecturing. and watching the speakers would be like a youtube video but live. it is just like swaylocks essentially which was why i was asking about interest before i jumped into the project.  The major benefit is live Q&A where you can be visually shown the answers to questions.

4

Sounds a good idea to me, I'd be interested for sure.

I live in the uk so I'd be watching in the middle of the night but that would not be a big problem!

5

this is a good idea…my dad does a simiilar idea with teaching jewelry making and techniques…it is quickly catching on…the website he does it through is called blogtalk radio…an online radio show where people can interactively chat and participate…not sure about adding a filmed element to it…

 

hope to see this idea progress further.

6

I have to participate in webinars for my job all the time.  They are really great if the webinar is being run by someone who has put together a well rounded presentation.

 

I think it would be an awesome idea for the surf community.  I would join up.

 

T.