[CQ-Contest] Contest Duration

[Eric Hilding]

(Subject Re-Threaded for brevity)

Jim, N3BB, had written:

 > I just don't think it's sane or healthy to sit in a chair for 48 hours...

I just remembered that Jim and I talked about this during an eyeball QSO 
next door to HRO in Sunnyvale (CA) a month or two back, and for most of us 
over 60, I agree.

However, I still have burn marks from the "flames" received over a year ago 
when I suggested another 'Single Op' category option for the ARRL DX 
Contest of maybe 36 or 40 hours out of the total 48.  My long time good 
friend Jim, N6TJ/ZD8Z and I strongly disagree about this, but fortunately 
we are still friends :-)

It is most interesting, however, that SS went from 2 full weekends per mode 
years ago to one 24 out of 30 hour stint per mode, as has have other 
contests had "duration" adjustments.  My take about the ARRL DX 
Contest:  Leave the full 48 hours for the Mutli-Multis and those who thrive 
on self-torture, but add a "Cruiser Class" or category (which is really not 
much different from having QRP-LP-HP divisions) for the rest of us OF types.

George, K5TR, responded:

 > In most contests you do not know how others are doing

How many sporting events watched in person or on TV leave any doubt as to 
how the competitors are doing???  Knowing another station's QSO count can 
be a motivator, but it would also be helpful to know the Mult count 
in-progress ;-0

Tom, W2SC, contributed:

 > The next hurdles, fatigue, loss of focus, and delusions...

This sounds like a great substitute for sex?

 > I do not minimize the health effects/risks of sitting for nearly 48 hours.
 > I would be very interested in expert opinions in this area and 
precautions that
 > we should be taking.

Certainly there must be some ham doctors who could chime in and shed some 
light (with appropriate Disclaimers, of course).

Why is it that Professional football games and other "sporting events" 
rarely go more that several hours? Could it be that these "Pros" are just a 
bunch of wimps that can't take a 48 hour stint?

Certainly, we have to admire and respect those like N6TJ, K5TR, W2SC, 
et.al. who can still do the full 48 hours and remain alive after the event 
to prove that it *can* be done.  I guess it really boils down to choices & 
priorities, but I'll still vote for a "Cruiser Class" addition to the ARRL 
DX Contest.

73...

Rick, K6VVA

P.S. Flames only to:  flamesonly at k6vva.com