Hard work pay's off

So I was approached by the city of La Habra where I live and was asked to come up with an idea for either a float tube fishing class or a float tube fishing excursion. They want to do 2 set events one in spring and one in the summer.
They are asking that I come up with some ideas of what we could to, as far as a class or just an outing. I was thinking maybe to set up for one class and then an excursion, but I am coming to the board to see what your input would be. They are going to talk to Santa Fe Dam as a place we could do this at, but I am sure we could plan other places as well. The most exciting part of this is that it would be a paid class and I might be able to hire some one to come on these trip as well.
I have been working really hard on all the different parts of this forum and I feel as if it is finally opening up to something bigger that I ever dreamed. Not to say it has not been great but I am working to show other entites that this is a great forum to invest time in an it is starting to happen. So what do you guys think as far as brain storming goes for this type of event to hold back, what would you like to see.   

Good for you Jeff!!! Good Job and hard work does pay off!!!!

First of all, let me just say that I have found a wealth of information on this board. Being totally new to tubing, this is like a one-stop shop for information.

I would be very interested in signing up for a class and then follow that up with an excursion.

Nice. I have done mostly freshwater all my life, and have yet to tube a harbor or bay. So I'd probably be interested in class geared more towards learning some tips and tricks of the saltwater. I live 1 minute away from Dana Point Harbor, so I should be out there all the time.

That's really great to hear Jeff! Do you know what the age group would be? I think that would dictate how to set up the class or excursion

Hmmm. Sounds like they don't have a target market yet. The city wants either a class or an excursion? Those two choices seems like they would cater to those nearer the opposite ends of the scale. A class would seemed, to me, to be targeted towards beginners, unless it was a class on specific fishing techniques, while an excursion would aimed at people with some sort of exposure to float tubing/pontooning and fishing. Also, it would have seemed that a summer schedule, with it's more agreeable weather, could have attracted more parent/child applicants.  Fall and winter, when kids go back to school and the weather becomes and issue, may not procure as many.

I guess for liability purposes, it seems it would be a given that the first part of the class should begin with boater safety. Maybe a primer in fishing for absolute beginners. Also, the necessary equipment that is involved with the sport. We may take float tubing and all that it encompasses for granted, but the enthusiastic people taking a class offered by the city may not possess those skills or equipment. And for that matter, in those cases, who will supply the equipment?

Also, as the process goes along, don't forget to ask about insurance. What the city's liability will be and if you will need to take out a bond to protect yourself? Waivers by applicants may not hold as much weight as they used to do.  



That's all I can think of right now. I hope that when it does come to fruition, it's very successful.

Nice Jeff that is awesome! Keep up the hard work, you are doing a tremendous job with the boards. I'm so stoked I stumbled onto your forum.

Desperado64 wrote:First of all, let me just say that I have found a wealth of information on this board.  Being totally new to tubing, this is like a one-stop shop for information.

I would be very interested in signing up for a class and then follow that up with an excursion.  

Thanks for the kind words these guys are great here and have really helped this forum bloom in to what it is. I am sure we can get you out on the water before the first class is set but when it is set up if you are still interested.

anrk4u2oioioi wrote:Nice. I have done mostly freshwater all my life, and have yet to tube a harbor or bay. So I'd probably be interested in class geared more towards learning some tips and tricks of the saltwater. I live 1 minute away from Dana Point Harbor, so I should be out there all the time.

That is a good idea might be an idea class maybe we could do a intro to float tubing and then offer a freshwater and saltwater excursion.   

.:LOLLY:. wrote:That's really great to hear Jeff! Do you know what the age group would be? I think that would dictate how to set up the class or excursion

Age group I don't know but I am sure we will keep it 18 and older. But maybe we could also have a family thing as well, to do this for kids is a possibility but maybe not the first outing.

chipmcd wrote:Hmmm. Sounds like they don't have a target market yet. The city wants either a class or an excursion? Those two choices seems like they would cater to those nearer the opposite ends of the scale. A class would seemed, to me, to be targeted towards beginners, unless it was a class on specific fishing techniques, while an excursion would aimed at people with some sort of exposure to float tubing/pontooning and fishing. Also, it would have seemed that a summer schedule, with it's more agreeable weather, could have attracted more parent/child applicants.  Fall and winter, when kids go back to school and the weather becomes and issue, may not procure as many.

I guess for liability purposes, it seems it would be a given that the first part of the class should begin with boater safety. Maybe a primer in fishing for absolute beginners. Also, the necessary equipment that is involved with the sport. We may take float tubing and all that it encompasses for granted, but the enthusiastic people taking a class offered by the city may not possess those skills or equipment. And for that matter, in those cases, who will supply the equipment?

Also, as the process goes along, don't forget to ask about insurance. What the city's liability will be and if you will need to take out a bond to protect yourself? Waivers by applicants may not hold as much weight as they used to do.  



That's all I can think of right now.  I hope that when it does come to fruition, it's very successful.

Ya this is a hurdler back in the day we were approached to do a Float Tube Derby at Santa Fe Dam. I looked into it but the cost was to great for us to do this at such an early stage. The insurance was not to bad but it would have landed on the members to pay when coming in the gate. The park also required that we paid for extra Life Guard's again this would cost for a entry fee. It only cost $10 to get into SFD it was going to be $40 plus to run this Derby and that is if we had a lot of people show up.   
Talking with the city they said these are things the can work out between county and city. The guy that asked me to do this has already made the calls to set some of this in motion. Also if this is run through the city there is a No harm clause or no held liable clause that the public will have to sign before getting in.
I am under no assumption that this will protect us from any law suit's in anyway, but it is much better than going it a lone. Thanks every one for your comments and chipmcd you made some good points I will be sure to get this all hammered out before jumping in with both fin's (LOL) but the offer is looking pretty good and if this model takes off we could then take it to other cities and county's. There is nothing better than getting paid to do what you love.   

I won't have a problem laying out my stuff for all to see.....beginner class. We all have the stuff that it takes to have a safe and fun experience on the water, some expert in fresh, others in salt.

WE, the forum, have all the equipment that it would take to demonstrate to others the fun and safe sport of float tubing!

Jeff if you need any help, my retirement date is just 6 weeks away..........let me know, be happy to help in anyway. GT

Thanks GT hey I need to get you your new tube buddy and if you are willing to help once you retire I will put you back to work.   

That all sounds very good Jeff I hope all the details can be worked out I will be glad to volunteer my time if you need any help. Hard work does pay off.

My rdo's are Monday and Tuesday. I can come by and pick it up at your convenience. Let me know.......GT

I talked it over with the wife and we would like to donate the tube to your new class, someone you think is in need of a tube or in what ever manner you think would best work for the upcoming events for newbies.........GT