Does it come down to we are a victim of our own success?
I remember when I got into Tri, we would turn up at the local sprint Tri and support all Pirates and generally abuse everyone else (in good nature banter) several from that tri, came over and asked about who, what, why etc and a few came on to the forums and wanted kit, a couple have even gone onto a couple of IM, but don't generally come onto the forums.
Would I be right in saying that there is a core of about 30 who regularly post and answer the questions from the newbies?
To be fair I rocked up on the Tri forum in Sept 2010 having only posted before in the Paris Marathon thread. There were plenty of people to shepherd me in the right direction (and warn me that my small budget would be stretched!) and nobody knew me from Adam.
I am sure there are others in the same position now so I'm reluctant to be dismissive of those who turn up on here out of the blue, but it seems like part of the message got lost along the way. When I joined I wanted to do an Ironman. I didn't have much clue. And I wanted to earn the kit.
There are people who turn up and want help and advice - that's great. And then the question is asked "What do I have to do to become a Pirate?". IMHO that's pretty much enough effort to justify the responses which are usually "There are no entry criteria... just the right attitude".
Now though there seem to be folks who've never posted on here, not introduced themselves, no effort whatsoever. They might have read a few threads and know that 'there are no rules' but does that make it okay for your first post (or near enough) being "Kit please"? I don't think so - and that's without considering the element of inconvenience and financial risk undertaken by those generous enough to volunteer their time and money on orders.
There are also those who find the pirates through the facebook page, with little/no intention of coming on the forum and use that vehicle as their only form of communication. There was a post on FB recently from someone who said they had no intention of posting on the forum. Not sure how tongue in cheek that post was. Personally that rubs me up the wrong way. The forum is the home of the pirate and I don't think people should post their queries on FB, they should be here. But who made me the boss? I have no right to force where people post, nor to dictate said policy. So I keep my mouth shut (apart from now of course) and have to acknowledge that things change and people communicate how they want to...
There are also those who find the pirates via Holg's book(s).
Seren Nos x2 Evil pixie medium M Tri medium Red stripe Duda Medium SA Large Mrs SA Medium Stanners Red stripe Small
Monaco £42
Seren Nos IronBlue XL IGIT small Ewen lewis XL Hofmeister bear X2 large MTri medium Flyaway Funkin 1 medium & 1 large Stormie medium Flat Footed XL Manimal L RBMax medium Duda sml LMH SML Gavo medium Richard10 X2 medium Thomas Sharp Maddy Large Goon x large
Tri shorts £33
Seren Nos IronBlue medium JPGoodboy Ewen Lewis XL Hofmeister Bear X2 large MTri medium SuckitupButtercup (xs) Last out of the water small Stormie medium Manimal medium Duda x2 medium and small SA Medium Dawn shadow large Pug316 XL Gavo medium Capt Jack Sparra XL pudge S Ironwolf L LMH XS Richard10 M Thomas sharp Maddy M Goon Medium,
Sorry to take this off topic, but could I please request a small in the tri shorts
......Now though there seem to be folks who've never posted on here, not introduced themselves, no effort whatsoever. They might have read a few threads and know that 'there are no rules' but does that make it okay for your first post (or near enough) being "Kit please"? I don't think so - and that's without considering the element of inconvenience and financial risk undertaken by those generous enough to volunteer their time and money on orders.
...There was a post on FB recently from someone who said they had no intention of posting on the forum. Not sure how tongue in cheek that post was. Personally that rubs me up the wrong way. The forum is the home of the pirate and I don't think people should post their queries on FB, they should be here.
Another +1 from me
When I first started posting in the Tri section, there appeared to be a 'collective respect' for the way things were done (maybe because it was a smaller group?). Now, IMHO, PSOF is too big and therefore too diverse.
I don't think the FB helps. How can you have something like the IMFrance thread, sock thread etc on FB. These are the sort of threads were you get to know people. FB is great for one-off queries, but it ain't gonna get you that involved in PSOF
There are also twitter. At least a couple of pirate types in training are around and about and e-mail text me and couple of other people for info help or a kick up the bum. But don't post regularly on the tri threads themselves due to the problems in the past with fall outs on the threads. Or worries wrongly in my few that they won't be welcome. Sure I'm not alone in that given some of the conversations had at races rcently.
The PSOF thing has changed and evolved. For me it's inportant that we keep the same ethos it's always been if people start saying they can have kit or they can't it's on dodgy ground. If anyone buys kit and then never does anything with it it's firstly there loss and secondly we are a colective not a elite surely?
I think half of the problem is that it's often made out to be "the power of the pirate kit". That's bollocks, frankly. The kit gets you a bit more support on race day because it's "out there" (and a bit less so every year). You still have to train your arse off, and it's the support and shared experience of the forum that gave (and continue to give) that.
PSOF is becoming more and more popular and there are many factors pushing this. Im not sure this is the place to discuss it though and am conscious this thread’s getting hijacked.
The big question is really – “What do people want from PSOF?” Im keen to hear from newer people, its no good the ‘old guard’ popping up and saying it used to be like X, Y & Z. That said, there are certain things that have worked that perhaps shouldn’t change, similarly people have made an investment through involvement which should qualify them a dividend of influence.
I don’t think we can totally control the popularity of the pirates, what I do think we should try and change is the way PSOF has become a disparate and less engaging community. I don’t think the FB helps with this, it used to be pirates but seems more like the pirate fanclub/exchange and mart.
I agree with The Engineer, we cannot be dismissive of people that turn up out of the blue, for all we know they could be the next Bouncing Barlist? There are lots of pirates that weren’t posting 3 years ago. That said if your first post if ‘I want kit’ or youve not introduced yourself its completely reasonable for people to ask who you are. Id even go further ask whether its time to suggest ‘you earn your kit’ quite a few think seem this is already the expectation. Earning your kit shouldn’t just be about doing an IM, it should be about contributing, supporting, getting to know people. In my view you can earn the kit even if you’ve no intention of doing an IM.
What irritates me more than anything else, is that there seems an increasing minority who order kit for the wrong reasons, they’ve either seen the pirate support at a race, read Holgs books and think ‘I’ll have some of that’. They order kit and are never heard of again, no doubt happily going round their local sprint broadly smiling to the sound of ‘go pirate’ ringing in their ears.
Going back to the question, “What do people want from PSOF?” For me PSOF means, a community spirit, something different, something special. This is getting watered down the larger PSOF gets and I think its time to consider whether we want to try and keep a lid on it or ‘let the cat out of the bag’.
Keeping a lid on it was partly why I argued so vigorously about commercialisation late last year. To me PSOF isn’t about self-indulgence such as seeing yourself in a tri magazine, it’s about a collective participation. Nothing sums that up better than the last 30 seconds of the Outlaw 2013 video (if you’ve not seen it yet, look for it on Youtube).
I do think wider availability of the kit attracts people for the wrong reasons and while I understand the reason for this thread, I don’t agree with the opinions that kit orders should go in as and when required. I struggle to understand the desperation for kit given we’ve spent £20,000 in the last 2 years, where is all this kit?
People should earn the kit through some sort of contribution rather than a sense of entitlement and expect its delivered when they click their fingers. Similarly I dont think differences of opinion about whether the kit order arrives in March, April or May should lose sight of the bigger picture.
As someone who is new on here, I read various threads and got a feel for how things were done and tried to follow suit. It stares clearly of PSOF Kit FB page that all ordering etc would be on this forum and that FB would only be for quick updates etc.
IMHO if your dont have any respect for the group and it's ways why do you want to become a part of it?
I don’t think the “power of the pirate kit” is bollox, ive raced all over, its when you’re abroad you really notice this. Pirate kit it recognised and I like to think this recognition is a payback for the friendly nature of the pirates and support we give to others. There’s nothing like hearing the shouts of ‘go pirate’ when youre racing on your own in Arizona etc. People know who you are and where youre from.
Id be here all day if I recalled the countless times people have asked me about the pirates and recalled a race they were at.
I'm also pretty new - I used to be a member of a tri club, and it was great to race in club colours at events and to be able to spot fellow competitors from your club. Due to moving house, I was no longer within a commutable distance of a tri club, and I also felt like the club took it a bit too seriously for my liking (despite the supportive environment).
I saw some pirates racing at Henley last year and thought I'd have a look and see what you guys were about. I liked the idea of a club "without borders" where you could still get the support/banter but without having to turn up specific training events and as I'm doing my first ironman this year - I need all the help I can get! I also like the fact you guys don't take things too seriously - for me, triathlon is about having fun.
BB's post went on as I was typing.... I obtained some kit ready for when I was entitled to wear it.. after completing an IM. I hope to achieve this in July this year. Out of repect for the ethos of the group I posted asking if it was acceptable to wear it during my attempt, and was informed that it was.
My reason for joining the group was its sense of community. Being able to ask for advice, and maybe one day being able to give it to others. Meeting up at events giving support and banter.
I'm also pretty new - I used to be a member of a tri club, and it was great to race in club colours at events and to be able to spot fellow competitors from your club. Due to moving house, I was no longer within a commutable distance of a tri club, and I also felt like the club took it a bit too seriously for my liking (despite the supportive environment).
I saw some pirates racing at Henley last year and thought I'd have a look and see what you guys were about. I liked the idea of a club "without borders" where you could still get the support/banter but without having to turn up specific training events and as I'm doing my first ironman this year - I need all the help I can get! I also like the fact you guys don't take things too seriously - for me, triathlon is about having fun.
+1 yet again someone typing at the same time as me. Interesting how we use the same phrase wbout support/banter
I don’t think the “power of the pirate kit” is bollox, ive raced all over, its when you’re abroad you really notice this. Pirate kit it recognised and I like to think this recognition is a payback for the friendly nature of the pirates and support we give to others. There’s nothing like hearing the shouts of ‘go pirate’ when youre racing on your own in Arizona etc. People know who you are and where youre from.
Id be here all day if I recalled the countless times people have asked me about the pirates and recalled a race they were at.
I've raced in Pirate kit abroad and am aware of what you're saying, but it doesn't make you any fitter. People shout because it looks different, it's a bit of fun. How many times do you recall that guy in the black tri suit? None. TC stick out like a sore thumb in the denim tri shorts. Do you think those shouting "Go Pirate" in Arizona knew all about Pirate Feedstations etc? Pragmatically speaking and with anecdotal exception, I highly doubt it.
I'm not trying to slander the kit. My point is solely that the far greater influence on every "N=1" finish time is attributable to the support shown here over a period of time than it is to people making you feel like a unique snowflake on the run course. Fitness, not happiness, finishes an Ironman.
I agree about the contribution from the support here, but assuming most people don’t approach ironman as a dick swinging competition, id argue that for many, their finish time is secondary to the experience. Personally speaking, I’ll attach far more value returning from IM Nice having had a great time, laughs, enjoyed the race than having achieved x time. Maybe im more a giant snowball than a snowflake
Clearly finish times are important to many, even more so important to others. Finish time isn’t just attributable to fitness. The mind and attitude are a significant factor, if youre flagging on the 2nd lap of the run or looking for inspiration to catch up those 2 places you need for Kona qualification some friendly support could well sway the balance.
Lastly, just want to say to anyone potentially feeling put out by my earlier post, don’t be, chances are that if you’re reading this thread you’re contributing. Also nice to see some newer pirates commentating.
I'll admit I've been cautious about ordering any kit - still wondering at the moment, for all I've now been here for a year or so. I'm one who found tri independently of Mr. Holgate's book, but found this forum because of it.
I've met a few pirates at races now, I comment occasionally, and I've certainly had some good advice from those who have been there far longer than I have (and hopefully occasionally given some to newbies who are making mistakes I still remember making!). All that is the business of joining a group and getting to know people, as far as I am concerned. It's something I'm hoping to do more of.
There's also the question of whether putting on a pirate top is a commitment to the longer distances of tri - I've no idea whether myself or the wife will make it up to the big one yet. We'll see how the Vitruvian goes this year.
So yes, I'm one of the new influx. And no, there's no commitment to Iron distance yet. Am I enough a part of this to pull on a pirate top yet? Dunno. Still wondering that myself!
Here's a thought....you can only get the kit if you've "sailed on the ship" and by that I mean the chosen big race at least once.
I mean Henley wasn't a massive success but the Outlaw was and Nice has about 30 people going, with Austria next year would be easier to manage.
So it might refocus everything onto the big trip..if you see what i mean
It could be set up to be Europe one year and one of the 17 UK races the next to assist those with family/money/work issues.
You sail once,you can order pirate kit at any order thereafter.
Also introduces you to the core of the group and potentially stops the "i want pirate kit for an IM i plan to do in 2020"
As i say its just an idea i've had and probably not very well thought out......
totally disagree.lots can't afford to do the ship abroad and need to stay home meaning only every x amount of years you could qualify for kit.......
and also whya are we still going on about ironman only.back in 2008 people were wearing it without doing longer distances.so why try and shut that door now 6 years later.
It is what it is..if people want to buy kit and not eat involved on the forums and the meat and chat at events then its their loss really......
but i think that kit is just as good what ever the event......at the DIY half there are loads doing a half or a oly and can proudly wear the kit because they are getting involved with chatting cheering and marshaling of such events.......
but if people want to truly be a pirate they need to join in the banter and chat etc.....or in the end they are just like those sad supporters who stand in the pub wearing a man united top and will never be the player standing on the field wearing the kit for real and playing the game
Seren Nos x2 Evil pixie medium M Tri medium Red stripe Duda Medium SA Large Mrs SA Medium Stanners Red stripe Small
Monaco £42
Seren Nos IronBlue XL IGIT small Ewen lewis XL Hofmeister bear X2 large MTri medium Flyaway Funkin 1 medium & 1 large Stormie medium Flat Footed XL Manimal L RBMax medium Duda sml LMH SML Gavo medium Richard10 X2 medium Thomas Sharp Maddy Large Goon x large
Tri shorts £33
Seren Nos IronBlue medium JPGoodboy Ewen Lewis XL Hofmeister Bear X2 large MTri medium SuckitupButtercup (xs) Last out of the water small Stormie medium Manimal medium Duda x2 medium and small SA Medium Dawn shadow large Pug316 XL Gavo medium Capt Jack Sparra XL pudge small Ironwolf L LMH XS Richard10 M Thomas sharp Maddy M Goon Medium,
Here's a thought....you can only get the kit if you've "sailed on the ship" and by that I mean the chosen big race at least once.
I mean Henley wasn't a massive success but the Outlaw was and Nice has about 30 people going, with Austria next year would be easier to manage.
So it might refocus everything onto the big trip..if you see what i mean
It could be set up to be Europe one year and one of the 17 UK races the next to assist those with family/money/work issues.
You sail once,you can order pirate kit at any order thereafter.
Also introduces you to the core of the group and potentially stops the "i want pirate kit for an IM i plan to do in 2020"
As i say its just an idea i've had and probably not very well thought out......
Shall I send mine back them? Never done the "big race" or the main pirate sailing, but still feel proud to call myself a pirate as have finished 4 iron distance events
Didn't you do Outlaw the year it was the pirate champs TSA?
The qualifying criteria wouldn't work. To be fair, I don't think anything that we say here really makes a difference anyway. The PSOF is organic and ever changing. The core group ebb and flow, even who you would describe as the 'core' group is defined by when you joined the pirates and who you hang around with.
(That's partly why I didn't mention Twitter earlier but did mention Facebook, on Twitter you choose who you do and don't interact with and surely there can't be anyone who is followed by and follows every single pirate?)
Also. the qualifying criteria discounts key pirate supporters, those who have never done an IM (and maybe not even a triathlon) but are as much a part of the pirate institution as anybody else.
Comments
Does it come down to we are a victim of our own success?
I remember when I got into Tri, we would turn up at the local sprint Tri and support all Pirates and generally abuse everyone else (in good nature banter) several from that tri, came over and asked about who, what, why etc and a few came on to the forums and wanted kit, a couple have even gone onto a couple of IM, but don't generally come onto the forums.
Would I be right in saying that there is a core of about 30 who regularly post and answer the questions from the newbies?
To be fair I rocked up on the Tri forum in Sept 2010 having only posted before in the Paris Marathon thread. There were plenty of people to shepherd me in the right direction (and warn me that my small budget would be stretched!) and nobody knew me from Adam.
I am sure there are others in the same position now so I'm reluctant to be dismissive of those who turn up on here out of the blue, but it seems like part of the message got lost along the way. When I joined I wanted to do an Ironman. I didn't have much clue. And I wanted to earn the kit.
There are people who turn up and want help and advice - that's great. And then the question is asked "What do I have to do to become a Pirate?". IMHO that's pretty much enough effort to justify the responses which are usually "There are no entry criteria... just the right attitude".
Now though there seem to be folks who've never posted on here, not introduced themselves, no effort whatsoever. They might have read a few threads and know that 'there are no rules' but does that make it okay for your first post (or near enough) being "Kit please"? I don't think so - and that's without considering the element of inconvenience and financial risk undertaken by those generous enough to volunteer their time and money on orders.
Voltaire was about right when he suggested that the ideal form of governance was "a benevolent dictatorship tempered by assassination."
There are also those who find the pirates through the facebook page, with little/no intention of coming on the forum and use that vehicle as their only form of communication. There was a post on FB recently from someone who said they had no intention of posting on the forum. Not sure how tongue in cheek that post was. Personally that rubs me up the wrong way. The forum is the home of the pirate and I don't think people should post their queries on FB, they should be here. But who made me the boss? I have no right to force where people post, nor to dictate said policy. So I keep my mouth shut (apart from now of course) and have to acknowledge that things change and people communicate how they want to...
There are also those who find the pirates via Holg's book(s).
Sorry to take this off topic, but could I please request a small in the tri shorts
+1
Another +1 from me
When I first started posting in the Tri section, there appeared to be a 'collective respect' for the way things were done (maybe because it was a smaller group?). Now, IMHO, PSOF is too big and therefore too diverse.
I don't think the FB helps. How can you have something like the IMFrance thread, sock thread etc on FB. These are the sort of threads were you get to know people. FB is great for one-off queries, but it ain't gonna get you that involved in PSOF
There are also twitter. At least a couple of pirate types in training are around and about and e-mail text me and couple of other people for info help or a kick up the bum. But don't post regularly on the tri threads themselves due to the problems in the past with fall outs on the threads. Or worries wrongly in my few that they won't be welcome. Sure I'm not alone in that given some of the conversations had at races rcently.
The PSOF thing has changed and evolved. For me it's inportant that we keep the same ethos it's always been if people start saying they can have kit or they can't it's on dodgy ground. If anyone buys kit and then never does anything with it it's firstly there loss and secondly we are a colective not a elite surely?
FFS, just for one moment, I really thought I had posted that
I think half of the problem is that it's often made out to be "the power of the pirate kit". That's bollocks, frankly. The kit gets you a bit more support on race day because it's "out there" (and a bit less so every year). You still have to train your arse off, and it's the support and shared experience of the forum that gave (and continue to give) that.
PSOF is becoming more and more popular and there are many factors pushing this. Im not sure this is the place to discuss it though and am conscious this thread’s getting hijacked.
The big question is really – “What do people want from PSOF?” Im keen to hear from newer people, its no good the ‘old guard’ popping up and saying it used to be like X, Y & Z. That said, there are certain things that have worked that perhaps shouldn’t change, similarly people have made an investment through involvement which should qualify them a dividend of influence.
I don’t think we can totally control the popularity of the pirates, what I do think we should try and change is the way PSOF has become a disparate and less engaging community. I don’t think the FB helps with this, it used to be pirates but seems more like the pirate fanclub/exchange and mart.
I agree with The Engineer, we cannot be dismissive of people that turn up out of the blue, for all we know they could be the next Bouncing Barlist? There are lots of pirates that weren’t posting 3 years ago. That said if your first post if ‘I want kit’ or youve not introduced yourself its completely reasonable for people to ask who you are. Id even go further ask whether its time to suggest ‘you earn your kit’ quite a few think seem this is already the expectation. Earning your kit shouldn’t just be about doing an IM, it should be about contributing, supporting, getting to know people. In my view you can earn the kit even if you’ve no intention of doing an IM.
What irritates me more than anything else, is that there seems an increasing minority who order kit for the wrong reasons, they’ve either seen the pirate support at a race, read Holgs books and think ‘I’ll have some of that’. They order kit and are never heard of again, no doubt happily going round their local sprint broadly smiling to the sound of ‘go pirate’ ringing in their ears.
Going back to the question, “What do people want from PSOF?” For me PSOF means, a community spirit, something different, something special. This is getting watered down the larger PSOF gets and I think its time to consider whether we want to try and keep a lid on it or ‘let the cat out of the bag’.
Keeping a lid on it was partly why I argued so vigorously about commercialisation late last year. To me PSOF isn’t about self-indulgence such as seeing yourself in a tri magazine, it’s about a collective participation. Nothing sums that up better than the last 30 seconds of the Outlaw 2013 video (if you’ve not seen it yet, look for it on Youtube).
I do think wider availability of the kit attracts people for the wrong reasons and while I understand the reason for this thread, I don’t agree with the opinions that kit orders should go in as and when required. I struggle to understand the desperation for kit given we’ve spent £20,000 in the last 2 years, where is all this kit?
People should earn the kit through some sort of contribution rather than a sense of entitlement and expect its delivered when they click their fingers. Similarly I dont think differences of opinion about whether the kit order arrives in March, April or May should lose sight of the bigger picture.
As someone who is new on here, I read various threads and got a feel for how things were done and tried to follow suit. It stares clearly of PSOF Kit FB page that all ordering etc would be on this forum and that FB would only be for quick updates etc.
IMHO if your dont have any respect for the group and it's ways why do you want to become a part of it?
Engineer,
I don’t think the “power of the pirate kit” is bollox, ive raced all over, its when you’re abroad you really notice this. Pirate kit it recognised and I like to think this recognition is a payback for the friendly nature of the pirates and support we give to others. There’s nothing like hearing the shouts of ‘go pirate’ when youre racing on your own in Arizona etc. People know who you are and where youre from.
Id be here all day if I recalled the countless times people have asked me about the pirates and recalled a race they were at.
I'm also pretty new - I used to be a member of a tri club, and it was great to race in club colours at events and to be able to spot fellow competitors from your club. Due to moving house, I was no longer within a commutable distance of a tri club, and I also felt like the club took it a bit too seriously for my liking (despite the supportive environment).
I saw some pirates racing at Henley last year and thought I'd have a look and see what you guys were about. I liked the idea of a club "without borders" where you could still get the support/banter but without having to turn up specific training events and as I'm doing my first ironman this year - I need all the help I can get! I also like the fact you guys don't take things too seriously - for me, triathlon is about having fun.
BB's post went on as I was typing.... I obtained some kit ready for when I was entitled to wear it.. after completing an IM. I hope to achieve this in July this year. Out of repect for the ethos of the group I posted asking if it was acceptable to wear it during my attempt, and was informed that it was.
My reason for joining the group was its sense of community. Being able to ask for advice, and maybe one day being able to give it to others. Meeting up at events giving support and banter.
+1 yet again someone typing at the same time as me. Interesting how we use the same phrase wbout support/banter
I've raced in Pirate kit abroad and am aware of what you're saying, but it doesn't make you any fitter. People shout because it looks different, it's a bit of fun. How many times do you recall that guy in the black tri suit? None. TC stick out like a sore thumb in the denim tri shorts. Do you think those shouting "Go Pirate" in Arizona knew all about Pirate Feedstations etc? Pragmatically speaking and with anecdotal exception, I highly doubt it.
I'm not trying to slander the kit. My point is solely that the far greater influence on every "N=1" finish time is attributable to the support shown here over a period of time than it is to people making you feel like a unique snowflake on the run course. Fitness, not happiness, finishes an Ironman.
I agree about the contribution from the support here, but assuming most people don’t approach ironman as a dick swinging competition, id argue that for many, their finish time is secondary to the experience. Personally speaking, I’ll attach far more value returning from IM Nice having had a great time, laughs, enjoyed the race than having achieved x time. Maybe im more a giant snowball than a snowflake
Clearly finish times are important to many, even more so important to others. Finish time isn’t just attributable to fitness. The mind and attitude are a significant factor, if youre flagging on the 2nd lap of the run or looking for inspiration to catch up those 2 places you need for Kona qualification some friendly support could well sway the balance.
Lastly, just want to say to anyone potentially feeling put out by my earlier post, don’t be, chances are that if you’re reading this thread you’re contributing. Also nice to see some newer pirates commentating.
I'll admit I've been cautious about ordering any kit - still wondering at the moment, for all I've now been here for a year or so. I'm one who found tri independently of Mr. Holgate's book, but found this forum because of it.
I've met a few pirates at races now, I comment occasionally, and I've certainly had some good advice from those who have been there far longer than I have (and hopefully occasionally given some to newbies who are making mistakes I still remember making!). All that is the business of joining a group and getting to know people, as far as I am concerned. It's something I'm hoping to do more of.
There's also the question of whether putting on a pirate top is a commitment to the longer distances of tri - I've no idea whether myself or the wife will make it up to the big one yet. We'll see how the Vitruvian goes this year.
So yes, I'm one of the new influx. And no, there's no commitment to Iron distance yet. Am I enough a part of this to pull on a pirate top yet? Dunno. Still wondering that myself!
Here's a thought....you can only get the kit if you've "sailed on the ship" and by that I mean the chosen big race at least once.
I mean Henley wasn't a massive success but the Outlaw was and Nice has about 30 people going, with Austria next year would be easier to manage.
So it might refocus everything onto the big trip..if you see what i mean
It could be set up to be Europe one year and one of the 17 UK races the next to assist those with family/money/work issues.
You sail once,you can order pirate kit at any order thereafter.
Also introduces you to the core of the group and potentially stops the "i want pirate kit for an IM i plan to do in 2020"
As i say its just an idea i've had and probably not very well thought out......
My first post was 'can I have kit ...... please' and look at the trouble I've caused
No…..I'd lose.
totally disagree.lots can't afford to do the ship abroad and need to stay home meaning only every x amount of years you could qualify for kit.......
and also whya are we still going on about ironman only.back in 2008 people were wearing it without doing longer distances.so why try and shut that door now 6 years later.
It is what it is..if people want to buy kit and not eat involved on the forums and the meat and chat at events then its their loss really......
but i think that kit is just as good what ever the event......at the DIY half there are loads doing a half or a oly and can proudly wear the kit because they are getting involved with chatting cheering and marshaling of such events.......
but if people want to truly be a pirate they need to join in the banter and chat etc.....or in the end they are just like those sad supporters who stand in the pub wearing a man united top and will never be the player standing on the field wearing the kit for real and playing the game
Armwarmers £20
Seren Nos x2
Evil pixie medium
M Tri medium
Red stripe
Duda Medium
SA Large
Mrs SA Medium
Stanners Red stripe Small
Monaco £42
Seren Nos
IronBlue XL
IGIT small
Ewen lewis XL
Hofmeister bear X2 large
MTri medium
Flyaway Funkin 1 medium & 1 large
Stormie medium
Flat Footed XL
Manimal L
RBMax medium
Duda sml
LMH SML
Gavo medium
Richard10 X2 medium
Thomas Sharp
Maddy Large
Goon x large
Tri shorts £33
Seren Nos
IronBlue medium
JPGoodboy
Ewen Lewis XL
Hofmeister Bear X2 large
MTri medium
SuckitupButtercup (xs) Last out of the water small
Stormie medium
Manimal medium
Duda x2 medium and small
SA Medium
Dawn shadow large
Pug316 XL
Gavo medium
Capt Jack Sparra XL
pudge small
Ironwolf L
LMH XS
Richard10 M
Thomas sharp
Maddy M
Goon Medium,
Shall I send mine back them? Never done the "big race" or the main pirate sailing, but still feel proud to call myself a pirate as have finished 4 iron distance events
Hmmm does DK do cover ups?
Didn't you do Outlaw the year it was the pirate champs TSA?
The qualifying criteria wouldn't work. To be fair, I don't think anything that we say here really makes a difference anyway. The PSOF is organic and ever changing. The core group ebb and flow, even who you would describe as the 'core' group is defined by when you joined the pirates and who you hang around with.
(That's partly why I didn't mention Twitter earlier but did mention Facebook, on Twitter you choose who you do and don't interact with and surely there can't be anyone who is followed by and follows every single pirate?)
Also. the qualifying criteria discounts key pirate supporters, those who have never done an IM (and maybe not even a triathlon) but are as much a part of the pirate institution as anybody else.
Calm down sugar tits ........ and read it for what it is a suggestion to a point raised, hardly likely to ever happen is it?
Best. Cross-post. Ever!