What it boils down to are the people involved. You can sit and blame generations and continually use examples to fuel your argument. In some cases that might be right. But what it all truly boils down to are the people involved.
Just reading through these comments tells me who these guys are at the pond. Every club has them. Club work is tough. Being in charge of local clubs is like the cellar dweller position in boating. It takes tons of work to keep it all going. Making sure that your club leaders are personable and friendly should be priority #1. If you have a negative Nancy as the face of your organization, they will turn away new perspective boaters faster than anything. The first impression and interaction with new boaters is vital to luring them in. Having an active club that promotes regularly scheduled outings and even social events (BBQ, Club meetings at local restaurants, Christmas party, Holiday weekend cookouts) are important. Regular meetings and giving a solid accounting of every dollar that comes and goes is also important.
Too many feel that growth of the hobby starts with racers attending district races. That is the biggest fallacy around. Where boating growth starts is at the club level. Providing fun play day events with personable people that are willing to help is crucial. Many boaters will never attend a district race. That is fine. They shouldn't be pressured to attend if they aren't interested. As long as they are able to have fun at what ever level of activity they desire, they will remain active. The more active members you have, they more likely you are to have when it comes time to hold your local district racing event. These people will help, just don't push them to race.
