Also towards the end of 2012 there was
some uncertainty whether or not we would
live to see 2013. Hurricane Sandy not only
made the last race of the season a driver’s
nightmare with high winds and substantial
rollers in the water but unfortunately much
worse was the damage that followed to the
homes of many of our fellow boaters. And
then there was the Mayan calendar that
was running out in December which could
possibly mean the end of the world. Lastly
there was this idea of a cliff that we as a
country were getting ready to jump off. I
myself have been told many times to do
just that.
Did we jump? No! Survive? Yes! That
is what we do, not just as racers but more
importantly as human beings. Life is
precious, so make it last, enjoy what you
have and more importantly who you have
around you, young and old! I myself
enjoyed going out to almost all the District
One races in 2012 and plan to do the same
for the upcoming 2013 season. After
reading the November
Propwash
and
seeing the article on NABGO - Wow!
Another event to add to my bucket list of
things to see. RC boats that shoot at each
other, nice! Now if I could just put one of
those on top of my Cat? First place would
be all mine. Hmm? In closing I would like
to wish every member in NAMBA a safe
and fun season. I look forward to seeing
everyone through out the year. Good Luck
to all and God bless. And by the way don’t
forget stay way from those cliffs, they are
dangerous!
Decker Doings
By Karl Loveless
Co-Contest Director 2013 NAMBA Nats
While we are still frozen up here in
Northern Utah and we can't run boats yet
things with Nationals preparations have
been heating up. A big thank you is
needed for Joe Scarpino and David
Santistevan for getting the Nationals
website at www.namba20.com done and
ready to start excepting entries. The
response has been wonderful from those
that have signed up already using our
online system which is a NAMBA
Nationals first! We still have classes and
PROPWASH
14
April 2013
Over the years we have seen new racers come into the hobby and then leave again
due to frustrations and other obstacles they just did not expect to encounter. The
dedication it takes to be competitive includes cost of both money and time. Allowing
either of those to become a burden along with “not winning” and your new racer will
slip out of the hobby as fast as they came in.
I would like to touch on a few things that can help you guide a new racer into a
long and fun racing career. You can expect the most success by selecting the right
boat for your racing program. Our experienced NAMBA racers know all the hull
types, engine and class designations; how easy, difficult or costly some of those
classes can be. A new person getting into this hobby, unless crossing over from some
of our sister hobbies, will likely not have a clue. Let’s touch on a few important
aspects:
Practice:
Make sure you select a boat you can handle. Testing and tuning is fun but
can be frustrating if you select the wrong boat. I have always been a believer that RC
boating is more fun with lots of people around but, some test days it can be hard to get
together as a club. Be sure to have a pit person who is aware of all conditions and
regulations.
Locals running:
What are the locals running?
It’s a good idea to scope out what the locals are running. Spend some time down at the
races or practice pond asking questions. This is where we as NAMBA members need
to step in and help. Place a poster in the local hobby shop listing the active classes.
Try to get the hobby shop to support at least one of those classes in some way. Hulls,
motors, parts or props. Maybe the store would like to be involved in some way but not
sure how to ask the club. Make sure you open the door for communication.
Turn out:
I feel to be the best you need to race the best.
The new racer is going to have a lot more fun if he or she has more chances to “mix it
up”. The larger classes with the better drivers can really do more good than harm to
the new racer. If you work with them let them know the time they spend making laps
with the better drivers the better and “faster” they will progress in the hobby. Let them
know that you’re there to help even on the race course. Most important is to not BS
them; let them know you don’t have a magic wand to get them to the font of the pack.
And remember to always encourage them!
Budget:
Make sure it’s a budget you can handle.
It’s important to understand that the word “expensive” is relative to one’s income.
Regardless RC boat racing does not need to break the bank. Most clubs have a class
that’s budget friendly and the new racers are typically on board to give this a try. New
racer just want a good return “FUN” on their investment.
News From District One
By Dennis Probst, Jr.
District One Director
I would like to first start out saying greetings from the east coast to all the new
NAMBA board members. Congrats to all the District One racers who received awards
at our banquet in February for a job well done in the 2012 race season. The 2012 race
season had plenty of excitement for the racers as well as all the spectators who
cheered us on. The C/X Mono class championship usually comes down to the last race
of the season to determine the over all winner and 2012 did just that once again. With
11 year old Shane Mullen at the helm, he knew the championship was within his reach
and once again this 11 year old put us old guys on the trailer for the final time this
season. Amazing job Shane.
Selecting The Right Class For Your Racing Program
By Michael “Grimracer” Zaborowski