Pro-Jump PowerBocking Jumping Stilts Forum - Community for Power bocking / Pro Jumping!
Members Lounge => General Bocking Chat => Topic started by: Locky on February 28, 2010, 08:23:15 PM
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If there was a bocking competition in the UK, what events would you like to see.
Please dont be vague. The more ideas put forward, the more there is to discuss and produce something.
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I liked the way the french comp last fall was organized, had some standard track and field type events with running, 100m and 400m i think, high jump, triple jump (distance jumping), as well as freestyle. Would have liked to see maybe 2 versions of freestyle, one flat ground and one with obstacles as I have a feeling that people will all be able to do the same flat ground tricks so that would become more about linking technical combos together, and adding obstacles adds more opportunity creativity with finding a line through the course and tricking on/over/off obstacles in new ways. I also think comps should move away from the idea of each person gets X runs of Y seconds. I really like what the Xgames has been doing in street skating and bmx for the last few years which is a group of 5 or so people get 15 mins, they go one after the other for 1 min or till they fall then the next person drops in right away. Much more interesting for people to watch and people get more opportunities to use the course in different ways and try different sets of tricks.
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powerball ----this already happens everyother week in portsmouth.... we just want peeps to challenge us
fun silly stuff like
3 legged(bocked?) race
jumping about with buckets of water and stuff
as starters of examples
Stuff against/with ground crew
so 1st pass , and rather abstract, some form of relay where a person on stilts passes to a person on feet and so on ...
some form of race where peeps do 1 'lap' or course or wotnot on bocks, then 1 on 1 stilt and finally 1 on feet
id like things team/regionally based and organised as such
rounders/softball
junior stilts events
some 'style' events rather than speed/ strength
so dance, syncro bouncing stuff as a starter
treasure hunt
un re vague , 'backattacha', why asking?
Id like consideration and consensus on venue/location or indeed locations. is this 1 event?( there was a lil talk at a meet today re cost and ease of getting to meets from several perspectives)
protest commitee, how will it be constituted?
besides junior will there be 'senior' classes ie over say 35 yo?
ladees events?
well das 1st pass of thoughts
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I meant serious competiton Q.
pin the tail on the Donkey might be a fun game but I'm talking about serious competing athletes.
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No offence Q but these comps are happening all over the world and are pretty serious. For the UK to even have a stab and holding a decent international competition all the 'fun stuff' would have to go. Apart from the powerball maybe I think your ideas would be suited to capital bocking or just a big fun meet. Sorry!
I quite like like what XS said about obsticals. Duno if you saw it but there is the parkour championship thing with all the stuff people can use. I think that would be fun and get people thinking about bocking in a new way. Do you know what I am talking about Locky? Oh..and lol ^^
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I do indeed :)
I agree with the parkour stuff (freerun world championships) and I think seperating obstacles with technical tricks is a deffo.
Likewise, age groups and ability categories would need to be worked out but thats something to worry about if an event actually happened. For now this is just ideas and what people would want to compete in.
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Pretty much what XS said. Running competitions, High jumps, Distance Jumps, and then freestyle tricks. Also, the X-Games style of doing it sounds brilliant, much more interesting and would provide more variation.
I also agree with Spud, some kind of set up like the Parkour championships they held in London would be awesome. Also, I agree with her on your ideas Q, whilst fun and a good laugh, they're not overly competitive or serious. Sorry!
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Totally agree about having more of a kind of trials course set up, with railings, and things to jump on/over.
I find this much more interesting and challenging than just tricks in the air.
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Totally agree about having more of a kind of trials course set up, with railings, and things to jump on/over.
I for one find this much more interesting and challenging than just tricks in the air.
Do we know you? ;)
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Totally agree about having more of a kind of trials course set up, with railings, and things to jump on/over.
I for one find this much more interesting and challenging than just tricks in the air.
Do we know you? ;)
No I'm new here :P
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Tbh i think that comps spoil the sport because they put to many rules and regulations into a sport like this i think of powerbocking as a sport any one can do and you don't have to be able to do tricks or jumps in a specific way thats why i hope it never becomes a Olympic sport or something along that line
But yer anyway nag over :)
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:approve:
What ever happened to bocking be a good laugh and about everyone being together, everyone is so nice (ish) that we all get on and i think any sort of competition spoils anything no offense Q but i really hate the thought of powerball i think its pointless and doesn't interest me in wanting to go bocking with the JJ's.
so basically matt are you trying to set up some sort of amazing competition? what ever happened to the UK powerbocking association?
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what ever happened to the UK powerbocking association?
There wasnt enough interest from people willing to run it. It's still always an option if it would benefit anything.
I agree with what greg's saying but I compare bocking to more like skating or skateboarding. People go out and have their fun, I dont think that would ever change but for those feel good enough, there are skate competitions which inevitably lead to the creation of the x-games.
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The way I see it, it boils down to 3 major area's, judged competitions where tricks are combo'ed together, technical tests, such as how fast, how high (including races and obstacle course) and team events. I have to say from experience, the powerball works, especially if we enforced the rules (and bought a whistle....) more it would look amazing with teams of experienced bockers. I know judged display type things would look great,simply because bockers look great doing tricks, and I like to think the simple technical tests would be great for people who like to judge themselves, and others on stats (Height, speed, not sure what else). All sport's come down to the statistics, so events need to be worked out that make good stats.
Btw - triple jump?
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Triple jump would work.....as long as you dont have to land in sand. He he.
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Greg and Carl I agree with you, but after watching what's gone on with parkour in the last few years, competition is inevitable, even if there is a vocal section of the community against it. So I'd rather help shape it towards that vision of a bunch of friends having a laugh, than loose any say in it and have it end up exactly what we don't want.
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While I agree that there is a need for a large organized event along the lines Locky suggests to keep us up with the European ones I don't agree that the "Silly" stuff should be given the elbow
The percentage of Bockers that are able to compete at the levels that seem to be sugested are a relative minority in the "Sport"
That leaves a large percentage standing watching and to be honest watching bocker after bocker Flipping or doing amazing tricks becomes boring (Not to take anything away from the skill and comitment it takes)
I (personal opinion) think you will have a much more successful event if you allow for both
So by all means have a stupendiously difficult Freerunning course and other equally impossible trials but also set aside an equally large area (or bigger perhaps) where people that arn't "Bocking Gods" can compete and play
And an area where beginers can get advice and "Have a go" whithout feeling they have to stand aside to let the "Big Boys" play
We need new blood (literally sometimes :Claugh:) constantly coming into Bocking and someone that goes to a "Serious Athletes Only" event is less likely to come away thinking "I'll have a go at that" than someone who has also seen the likes of me making an A** of himself and realised it's not as hard as you think
Or even alowed to "Have a go"
Now before we get into the "Serious Athletes." only argument remember that they are gonna be very lonely if 80% of the weekend bockers decide to go play "Powerball" or "Pin the tail on the Donkey" with Q On the same dates as the event simply because it's more fun
So lets remember not all are in this to be the best and for a lot of people just managing to stand and walk on them is a major personal achievement
Bocking is a FUN thing to do and it would be nice if it can be FUN for everyone not just the elite few who are Briliant at it so before we brush all Q's ideas aside it is worth remembering that most of us have enjoyed ourselves at many of his events and the reason is that he encourages the "Silly" stuff
Jason :Hoofies2: :CGEEK:
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:approve:
no offense Q but i really hate the thought of powerball i think its pointless and doesn't interest me in wanting to go bocking with the JJ's.
yep Powerball is pointless, but its fun...so don't knock til you've tried it!
if you watch any matches videos you will see its not being taken too seriously by people,
rules are bent, broken and remade.....Its all about making friends through team work :thumbs:
I'm proud to say I like this made up ridiculous sport ...and I'm proud to be a JJ
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s and doesn't interest me in wanting to go bocking with the JJ's.
The only thing you're interested in the JJs is me ;)
yep Powerball is pointless, but its fun...so don't knock til you've tried it!
I tried it, it didn't appeal to me at all. Sorry :(
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MM so much to talk about here.
1st off. Jason mentioned 'new blood'. Well only the 'old blood' has replied here. Are there discussions on local forums? I linked this thread to the JJ site, but I must confess no one posted. So are people being reached, inspired?
Or is it quite OK, for a small number of more experienced peeps discussing this stuff, with the hope that other join in? As long as others DO join in Im with the latter position.
2nd I never mentioned (I dont think ) pin the tail on the donkey. Silly events? Go look at the entire list of Olympic events ( summer and winter) and tell me they are all 'sensible' and 'serious'. I dont think the original post mentions types of sport. So Id suggest its what the users want ( and they shouldnt be 'led' and submitions should be postive in nature)
3rd We dont 'have' to do what is happening in other countries. Seeing as I, and I suspect many other people didnt know about such events, then they dont matter.
4th We keep aiming for 'big things' cos 'we have to'. But keep failing to pull them off and ,additionally , do we 'have to'. IM not saying no to big events. But it is reasonable to question their impact. And also , possibly , be more modest in outlook.
5th this past weekend was a very big 1 for sport. 6 nations rugby, loads of football, start of the formula 1 world championships , test cricket ( england v bangladesh) and Im sure lots more. Which is the 'best' which is the worst of them? Yep personal opinion.
Some people love jogging but cant stant to take part in competative athletics.
So 'Powerball'. Love it or hate it or indeed be totally indifferent to it....its quite OK. Point to it? Well , is there a 'point' to running 100m on stilts compared to on 1's feet? Ill leave the answer to you folks.
But Ill say this. It HAS been played, regularly, for over 6 months in Portsmouth. Rules have been developed and honed. Over 30 people have taken part ( and more have watched) most , if not all, seem to have enjoyed it and come back for more. Thats not 'big' , but it shows a pretty fair level of commitement and organisation. Which I would hope would be recognised.
It has also engendered, I believe, a certain competative spirit within the JJ's. It might be that this could be turned out to wider sporting disiplines ( Indeed Im going to be suggesting our own 'sports' day). Though i have to say there is a VERY SMALL proportion of car ownership within the club and I cant see too many peeps travelling far.
6th National assosiation, people willing to run it? I didnt know nominations had been called for. But ,'not enough people to run it'. Well that suggests to me the Assosiation was wrong and not the the people. It was set up (or struck me) to be what we 'should have' and what the sports council reccomended or whatever. Rather than asking 'what do you guys want? Anything? Something? ooo good, any1 want to help?' Get somat, however small, working then build.
But, in a spirit of fun. Im going to be suggesting to the JJ's that we have a 'sports day'. On Southsea common ( surrounded by loads of fab bock spots). Carl, dont worry, it will prob not include powerball...cos there isnt a court nearby, if you should wish to come along. If any1 else wants to come along then great.
OK thats it, Ill prob remember loads more l8er, or think what Ive posted is rubbish
So if you read this far...sorry look out for edits...you may have to do it ALL OVER AGAIN :Claugh:
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My there are some long posts here!
I would say from what I have read that there are possibilities for all.
Compared to other sports we, as participants, with the exception of the South coast, are few and far between. So to make any event a success it has to be worth a great many of us travelling half way round the country. As quite a large portion of us are younger folk transport is another problem.
So the question I pose is; :CGEEK:
How far would you travel, with all the costs involved, to watch bocking stars compete.
Personally not far because as Jason says it does become boring if your not involved. :Cnah:
On the other hand, if there was a big meet on at the same time and place with all the fun stuff that anyone can join in with, not necessarily competitive, and have a good time bocking and watching, possibly camping over to make the long journey worth while then a long journey would not be an issue. Thinking more like a festival type event with serious and fun stuff for all levels.
:Cyes:
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Add the last two posts together and we have something that I think could be called
The Festival of Bocking :Cbiggrin:
Agree with you Q
And Snud you summed up the sort of event everyone would be happy with
The big boys can show us what they are made of and we lesser beings can have some fun too
When is it I want to book the time off :Claugh:
Jason :Hoofies2: :CGEEK:
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Snud, what you described is pretty much what capital bocking was. and capital bocking will happen again if somebody organises it. Look up aubria too. That is sorta like it too.
No offence guys but what this thread has really brought up is the fact people want another capital bocking. Locky proposed a serious international competition and a lot of suggestions have been to meet the wants and needs of the UK bocking scene and thats not an international comp. What you guys want is CB.
There can be more than 1 big UK event.
If you want a big event then organise it :)
Fun and games should happen all year around.
A competition is exactly that. Competitive. You can have a number of classes so begginers can be involved but at the same time nobody would be forced into it. I personally think that quite a few guys from the UK would go.
Anway. If you read one small part of this post let this part be it:
I believe the negative responses to this serious & competitive event is because if it goes ahead it will most likely be the only big meet the the UK and therefor the "highlight". But you do not want the highlight to be serious competition. You want the highlight to be for the wider community and a lot of fun and games (what we in the Uk are totally about) But you can't make this that event. If you don't like it the way forward is to make a huge UK meet...like capital bocking. But somebody will have to step forward.
I'm not explaining it well but I hope you understand and take something positive from it. Also, if somebody wants to translate my post into good english that makes more sense. Providing you get what I am trying to say pleaseeee do it :D My english has gone to pot recently!
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Q, I'm not really going to respond to anything on your post. I'm sorry if you feel this is disrespectful but either I cant understand what you are trying to say or your post and my response is simply going to steer this topic in the wrong direction :banghead:
Let me categorically state: I started this thread for some ideas and discussion. There is no event or competition planned. I am not in talks with anyone and dont really have my own ideas that differ largely what XS has suggested. There is no agenda here. I've simply been helping someone out with an international competition recently and wondered what people thought of a UK one.
Spud has hit the nail on the head. If you want to discuss the in's and out's of events then its true that there are very few people in the UK community willing to put in the time and effort to organise such effents. But tha'ts not what this topic is about.
It's a shame more people have not replied answering the original question. Perhaps that's because the X-Games style of competition fits so perfectly that there is nothing more to add. Who knows.
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Ok guys a few points (I'd like to take off my Mods hat for a moment :Claugh:)
Having read through this lot again I can't see anyone saying anything against having a big competitive event
The thread asked for sugestions and when some were made they were shot down as not being serious
I havn't played powerball and didn't think it was a good idea until I watched a game
But if you want a serious TEAM competition this is the only option at the moment and I believe it will take off as it is a chalenging and fun team sport
If what you want is an athletics only event feel free to organize it the way you want it and then run it
Then the people that don't want to go need not attend
But if you ask for opinions and then tell people they are stupid expect to get an answer you don't like
What I would hate to see is the sort of event that only serious competitors are allowed on bocks and all the other people walk around on their feet behind fences (To many good sports have gone this way and become boring)
One thing that comes to mind is that I was told but a Profesional Athelete that Bocking was stupid and dangerous and I should do some serious proper exercise instead
Do we really want our sport to become like that and loose the fun element
Sorry to be confrontational about this but I feel that FUN is part of bocking and if we become to Serious we will loose the family feeling
CB is a good meet up in an urban setting
The meaning I got from Snuds post was more like a Rock Festival but for bocking and with all joining in
Jason :Hoofies2: :CGEEK:
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Let me draw a smiley here. :CGEEK:
One of my many other passions is rowing, and in that sport also I see the same arguments. On the one side you get the top rowers in the club who think the only thing in the sport is competing at the highest level possible and they are the only thing that matters in the sport
The reality is that they are in the minority. There are far more of us at the lower levels and happy to be there. And with out such support from the recreational / fun rowers the elitists would be so far and few between that any event would be not worth organising.
Next weekend we will be rowing in the Head of the River Race, 7km down the Thames with another 400 crews consisting of Oxford & Cambridge, Olympians, Internationals and the top rowers in the country as well as hundreds of middle aged Sunday rowers who are there for the shear fun and experience of the event. Now that’s worth driving 6 hour each way and the costs of a weekend away in the smoke (London).
Now I’m sure that Bocking is no different but with the added disadvantage that there are far fewer of us. So if you only want a serious elitist event then just organise that, it wont take much you will probable only get half a dozen attending, It could be held in someone back garden. But if it is to be a memorable event then it needs as many there as possible, hence has to appeal to ALL levels.
Yes I’d love to watch you super stars perform but only if I can play at something as well.
Yes Jason that is the sort of thing I had in mind. Something for EVERONE. :Cyes:
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As much as I think that bocking is most enjoyable, in my opinion, as a recreational sport, it could work in a competitive environment.
Take paintballing for example - those (like myself) who aren't great at the sport can organise a meet, shoot some paint at each other and have a good time. On the other hand, there are those who take paintballing seriously, with competitions (speedball, woodland etc).
A mix of both recreational and competitive styled events could work pretty well.
Simultaneously there could be competitive events, such as the high jumps, long jumps, sprints and long distance activities and also recreational events, such as a whacky paintabll/dodgeball on bocks or general hanging out and teaching each other new tricks.
There's a lot of opportunities out there for the sport and there will always be the competitive vs. recreational argument between the casuals and serious bockers.
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I agree with Q, would like to see an egg and spoon race :P or pin the tail on the donkey(although I am still sure I read that wrong).
But all in all I think this is a rediculous idea! I don't agree with turning it into some high end sport that everyone wants to do, There is a number of reasons for this.
1. At the moment we have a really close community, if it becomes to big, with competitions everywhere we will loose that!
2. People may no longer be into Bocking for fun, but for the prizes, although they may be nice it kinda ruins what everyone has spent so long at creating.
3. Even if you intend it to not be high endm and huge it can still ruin it slightly, even though friendly competition never harmed anyone. Alot of people can't even have a general covo on PJF without getting in a huff, let alone a large meet.
4. Competition pulls groups apart slightly, for example if you have people in one group who are of flipping everything etc. and then the others that can barely walk, then alot of the time they feel intimidated and wont try as much, but of course this can work the other way aswell and they might try more.
There is loads more, If you want them (probably not) Pm me :P
Now im getting ready for everyone to rip what I said apart :D
DC
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I do agree with DC that if major competitions, like the X-Games, come to bocking then we run the risk of losing the tightly knit community feel. However, it would bring new players into the sport and increase popularity as a whole, much like what happened to skateboarding since the 80s or so.
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Skateboarding is completly different, Ive been brought up around skateboarding, having my brother doing it Pro and my dad very much so encouraging it :P And I believe that skateboarding has a completly different back ground, the idea behind skateboarding was always there, using wheels to gain speed (was always some dream for people) were as stilting, isnt really that sort of thing, I personally never dreamed of backflipping 4-5 foot in the air and bouncing up and down like some crazy loone :P (no issult)
So I dont believe it will take of the same, Also there is alot more skill behind skateboards, stilts are simple, it only about learning a trick, and then you've got it, skateboarding takes practise and almost 95% of the time failing. Stilting is prety much pick up and go.
DC
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Yeah it's definitely true that skateboarding takes a lot of failed attempts, but when I began skateboarding I never dreamt of becoming as skilled as Burnquest or the like, I skated because some of my friends did at the time (and I stuck with it until this day. I'm not even very good!). Whenever I go out skateboarding these days, I usually take my board with me when I meet friends and just skate around them while chatting, but I'm more than happy for professionals to do their thing at the X-Games.
Except I'm not a fan of the fact that skateboarding is banned in most areas where I live, likely because of a bad name that the sport had picked up. Which I would hate to see happen to bocking, since it's something fun to pass the time doing (there are a lot worse things that one could do to pass the time, especially as a teenager).
:)
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I dont think there is really much arguement against an orgnaised competiton for bocking. It is going to happen sooner or later.
Every regional group has its' newbies, those who just want to mess around and those who really push themselves and learn everything they can. A competition would only strengthen that and bring people together based on their abilities being similar.
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I agree with you, Locky. It will happen, sooner or later, so we'd may as well begin to think about it.
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Meh... still don't agree, Everyone will have there own opinion on it. But im definatly not into it for prize or 'fame' I just love the community and the wierd looks you get :P
DC
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Well in my opinion there's no reason why small communities of bockers can't hang out at the competition events and just chill out/meet new people. After all, taking the X-Games as an example again, not every spectator/visitor will be a professional skater/BMXer/etc, but they probably have an interest in the sports and partake recreationally, for fun. :)
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I still consider my self an older newbie, a slow learner (and a fast faller) in the bocking community.
I've been sat here reading this thread which is quite interesting.
I understand where both sides are comming from.
I personaly would prob turn up to a serious event as a spectator (with my stilts) and watch for a bit and support fellow bockers, but i think I would prob end up going off and bock off site. I know that when i see people doing back flips and tricks, its very inspirational - if i had to sit there and not bock due to lack of experience, well i probably wouldnt go. I'd rather save my money and watch the highlights via video or pics on here.
but hey, thats just me, i cant speak for anyone else on here.
The question is: is there enough experienced people out there in the UK bocking community which will be able to uphold a serious event? - when i say "uphold" I meen it would be pointless organizing a major event and only having 10 people competing .... unless you expect a really big crowd ..?
why not get a list of all the experienced bockers together who you think would come to the serious comp ? This might give you a clearer idea
anyway - between both of your arguements - I think that you need to find a common ground... unless you dont want to listen to any of the bockers who want to have more of a "Fun" event (which is probably the majority) which is entirely up to you.
peace :)
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Bexx is spot on, in my opinion. It hadn't crossed my mind that there may not be enough competitors to hold an event, either.
Except this topic has derailed from suggesting events and has become more of discussing the logistics of holding one.
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Ooo that is a good point, and also who would decide who takes part?
On one hand you have people like, Ian, Jon, Simeon and Peter who are in a whole league of there own and can't really improve much more. They will easily win alot of the events :S
DC
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DC, they would easily win events where there is no competition. Bear in mind though that a big event can, and probably will, draw international attention (European competitors are most likely to attend; travelling cross European is much easier than say, from America).
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Fair point, although I think if its done like that it will take a few years for it to kick of fully. The first couple are likely to be more British competitors.
DC
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Yep, the first few are probably going to be funky Brits and quite low key. Would be cool to get the attention of the media or something to get the word out. :P
But as I said, we're really going into the logistics of an event, which wasn't what this thread was meant to be.
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I dont think anyone is suggesting we could organise an event now, or even this year. That was never my train of thought.
DC you mention people like sim, 101 etc and I think there are probably about 15 or more people at their level, and possibly even more that we just dont know about. That's enough people to make an elite category of their own!
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I was just thinking about an event idea. Much like with skateboarding there is a street section that's devoted to street styled lines and tricks, something similar could be done with bocking.
That is, a small area with obstacles (rails, slopes and walls) that competitors could perform flips and kicks on/over.
Just a thought.
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I dont think anyone is suggesting we could organise an event now, or even this year. That was never my train of thought.
so out of curiosity, what was your train of thought?
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Just like my first post says: How people would want to do it and what sort of events, categories etc.
I do think it's important it stays fresh in our minds otherwise one day a sports promoter might come along and decide to put on a bocking competition that is a load of crap, but will probably make him money. I wouldnt want that and it would be damaging to any future endeavors. Same as the UK association really.
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otherwise one day a sports promoter might come along and decide to put on a bocking competition that is a load of crap, but will probably make him money. I wouldnt want that and it would be damaging to any future endeavors. Same as the UK association really.
This is definitely something that I agree with you on. It would really suck for some company with bags of money to come along and change the bocking scene entirely.
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DC you mention people like sim, 101 etc and I think there are probably about 15 or more people at their level, and possibly even more that we just dont know about. That's enough people to make an elite category of their own!
I really don't agree with that, who decides if they are elite, sure the ones I mention are better than others but 'Elite' is way to far. For example we are all better in our own ways. e.g. Im better than Ian at spring grabs and split kicks (etc.) were as he is better at flips. Calling someone elite is kinda just really annoyed me (sorry)
DC
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Well for those that excel at flipping, there could be a flipping event and for those that are good at jumping high, there could be a high jump event etc.
;)
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I really don't agree with that, who decides if they are elite, sure the ones I mention are better than others but 'Elite' is way to far.
lol nobody would decide. People choose to enter events at their own will. Elite suggests the best of the best, which would apply to that category of that event.
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Locky's right. In any competition, the contestants enter and the judges decide who is the best, 1337est, leetest etc.