I'm curious what other people think. Feel free to vote

I way prefer an event that is kayaking ONLY. While I'm no guru on events I find it's better to have a small event with kayakers only. I guess we're all different. And yes, I know, from a sponsorship point of view events often have to have other sports too.. I'd still rather have a small event with little or no prizes than be over run by mountains bikers and what not.

Opinions?

I'm guessing you're comparing events like the Teva Mountain Games to Gauleyfest or the Green River Narrows Race. At the Green Race, the only real prize for winning is a glass trophy, but it is amazing that so many people showed up this year, especially because of the decent-length hike in (I think 3 miles relatively flat, with the last .5 mile/1 km being at least a 40 degree incline. I left before the race was over, but I am wondering how many people had to be assisted to get to the road, since it was tough going down as everyone was essentially in a line and I was sliding on the loose dirt, so you can imagine how going uphill would be. On top of this, there was a 1 mile walk just so we could get to our car. If you add it all up, that's 9 miles of hiking. To get back to the point, kayaking just hasn't gained enough popularity to make it be an individual event in most places. One last thing: if you were kayaking and getting run over by mountain bikers, then either the kayaker is on the land or the biker is in the water .

We don't go to events (unless it's for chairity I.E. www.firstdescents.org ), not that I'm antisocial, or have anything against them, but there is just nothing there for me. Life and time is short, would rather spend that time exploring a creek somewhere with my crew.

No, I'm not comparing any events. And of course, as I've only attended events in South Africa and one in Sweden I don't have a big base to compare against anyway.

Yeah, I personally don't like competing but usually get dragged into it. Once I race though, I find it impossible not to try my best!

The last two Thrombi X-Fests that I've been to I have not entered and have just tripped the river with mates. I find it a waste of energy to race down a section you could happily run with a few close friends and enjoy. At this (and other events in SA) there is a lot of other stuff happening. While I'm also not that antisocial I don't want to spend a kayaking weekend with a bunch of rock climbers or adventure races. Each to their own though.

Hopefully a whole stack of people will reply. Quite interested to hear what people from around the world think