Thanks for the reply. I was thinking about this more and drew another parallel to the ski industry and cost being a barrier to entry. I'm not exactly sure how to apply it to triathlon but maybe others could come up with additional ideas. I have worked part time as a children's downhill ski instructor for 15 years. That is another sport where the lift tickets have increased exponentially. Plus one has the cost of rental equipment, inflated food prices at the hill, travel and lodging. I think the barrier to entry is similar to triathlon and certainly caters to those upper class families.
The programs I see resorts offering to try and cater to the family and first time skier include kids ski free programs, free beginner hill areas, discount "first timer" lessons and rental packages. The resorts in my area have sponsored discount night skiing days as well.
One big difference is a majority of first time skiers are children vs triathlon where I'm not sure what the "typical" first timer is. Previously mentioned it seems to be the 35-45 age is a large portion of first time triathletes. I would think the younger age groups we would want to draw from as well.
There are a limited number of races that offer kids tris or other events for children. If there was a way to tie in a "family entry package" at a triathlon event where the whole family could participate in something I think that could draw increased participation. Dad and Mom pay to race and the kids go do X for free or something. Or even at races with tri, du and regular running races all happening. I don't see many that offer a family rate.
Another thought I had was if there was a first timer friendly tri. Maybe sponsored by a local club or in conjunction with a larger race. Club members could offer the use of their old bikes or older equipment they had lying around and anyone that was interested in trying a tri out would have access to some equipment plus some added guidance. Like an organized mentorship or something. Maybe if a seasoned participant chose to help guide the newbie they got a reduced entry or something.
Just a couple of ideas I had.
Ben McMurray
Northern Michigan Small Farm Venture ---> http://facebook.com/hillvalleymi [/size]
The programs I see resorts offering to try and cater to the family and first time skier include kids ski free programs, free beginner hill areas, discount "first timer" lessons and rental packages. The resorts in my area have sponsored discount night skiing days as well.
One big difference is a majority of first time skiers are children vs triathlon where I'm not sure what the "typical" first timer is. Previously mentioned it seems to be the 35-45 age is a large portion of first time triathletes. I would think the younger age groups we would want to draw from as well.
There are a limited number of races that offer kids tris or other events for children. If there was a way to tie in a "family entry package" at a triathlon event where the whole family could participate in something I think that could draw increased participation. Dad and Mom pay to race and the kids go do X for free or something. Or even at races with tri, du and regular running races all happening. I don't see many that offer a family rate.
Another thought I had was if there was a first timer friendly tri. Maybe sponsored by a local club or in conjunction with a larger race. Club members could offer the use of their old bikes or older equipment they had lying around and anyone that was interested in trying a tri out would have access to some equipment plus some added guidance. Like an organized mentorship or something. Maybe if a seasoned participant chose to help guide the newbie they got a reduced entry or something.
Just a couple of ideas I had.
Ben McMurray
Northern Michigan Small Farm Venture ---> http://facebook.com/hillvalleymi [/size]