[CQ-Contest] Youth / Newer hams in contesting

[rjairam at gmail.com]

In FRC we invite new people (new to contesting) to take part in multi op
operations such as K2AX and Jay does with K2TTT. Multi op maximizes op time
and also enables mentoring. Some branch off into their own single op
efforts and have fun even with limited antennas and low power. Contributing
to club score is very encouraging so even if you don’t personally “win” you
can be part of a winning team. I know it has motivated me to make bigger
scores even if I can’t win a plaque for myself.

This brings me to another point - having big stations to use is nice but
the newbies often get intimidated because winning a contest is now largely
a game of high power and big stacks, either yours or borrowed/rented. There
are also only a limited number of big stations and all of the newbies
cannot just go and operate there. Not everyone wants to, either. For people
with families, spending time away from home on a contest weekend is often a
non starter.

Also when I competed low power due to lack of an amplifier it was an
interesting revelation - someone who is mid tier high power often blows
away the low power field who are often not just low power but also limited
antennas.

The TB/wires and classic categories I think are supposed to be good for
attracting new blood or just others with limited stations but I see these
simply being taken as new challenges by experienced contesters who have
good locations and good antennas, the upper end of the TB/wires category (I
don’t compete in it because I like to run 40 meters with a 40m Yagi).
Probably nothing wrong with that but now we should reevaluate what those
overlays are supposed to do and maybe adjust or add some.

My first ever CQ wpx certificate was 10 years ago, TB/wires one and it made
me more interested in competing for bigger and better. I used a single 20
meter dipole. I may not be the “youth” demographic but I was in my 20s
then.

The rookie category is the notable exception and I think it works well. The
nice thing is that it’s one and done so once you win it you’re no longer a
rookie. So maybe some expansion and realignment along that line will do
well. Something to encourage people with limited antennas to show an
achievement.

Even in DXCC where I have 300+ mixed, 9 bands and challenge, when I see
newbies working that first 100 mixed they elated when they can get that
wallpaper. IARU used to (or I dunno if they still do) offer certificates
for making a minimum of 250 QSOs. I know that sure motivates me. Even if
it’s the crappiest result in the world, the fact that a newbie can achieve
something helps encourage them.

Just some ideas.

73
Ria
N2RJ
On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 7:40 AM Marty Sullaway <0246811 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Marty Sullaway, KC1CWF here.
>
> I can attest as a youth (16) who has done quite a bit of contesting now,
> that this is critical to getting new youth in the hobby active in the
> hobby. Especially to teach the ropes, you need to be taught by a person,
> not just a book. Similarly, when there aren't condx it is a lot more fun on
> HF to have stacks and power than a low dipole and QRP. We don't want to
> scare people away. Hats off to radio hams like K1LZ, K1TTT, K1VR, K6ND, and
> N1RR who have hosted me at their stations. There are too many other hams to
> list who have given me advice, gear, and their personal time. Happy to say
> more if needed.
>
> Marty Sullaway
> KC1CWF
>
> Best,
> Marty Sullaway
> Marty.Sullaway at gmail.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 1:45 PM, k2ttt <k2ttt at optonline.net> wrote:
>
> > I have and still am open to new and old guys oping NY station.  only
> > requirements are treat it like your own and for the major 4 contexts you
> be
> > FRC. of course would prefer cw ops,but for fun ssb is ok 73K2TTT/C6ATT
> > -------- Original message --------From: robert f beaudoin <
> > wa1fcn at charter.net> Date: 3/27/18  12:27 PM  (GMT-05:00) To: CQ Contest
> <
> > cq-contest at contesting.com> Subject: [CQ-Contest] Youth / Newer hams in
> > contesting
> >
> > GM All
> >
> >              I am sure a number of senior contesters will remember a
> > list that
> >
> >                  was in NCJ ( If my memory is correct ) , where stations
> > published there
> >
> >                      desire to offer their stations to interested hams.
> > I myself took up
> >
> >              VE3RM's  (sk) offer twice to operate his station in two
> >
> >                  contest.  One ARRL DX and one CQ WW CW.  A fine friend
> > was made.
> >
> >                  Over the years I have thought about that list  a number
> > of times.  I
> >
> >                      certainly do not have a big gun station, but it is
> > not bad, and a
> >
> >              little more than average.  I really would like to offer the
> > opportunity
> >
> >                  to a youth or someone that has less.  Is there a way to
> > bring back this
> >
> >                      list ?  I believe many long time contesters would
> > love to give something
> >
> >              back to Hamradio.  It seems like a win win situation. I
> > know there must
> >
> >                  be  others besides me that think this way.   This is
> > something that
> >
> >                      doesn't have to be just for contesters.   Any
> > suggestions ?
> >
> >                      BoB WA1FCN
> >
> >
> >
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