The 2012 Run of the Charles races canoes and kayaks from Needham to Allston. Once again, we have been asked to provide safety and administrative communications for the 30th running of this exciting event on Sunday, 29 April.
There are nine dams that require portaging by the paddlers and other hazards to be monitored. All races finish at Artisani Park (across from the WBZ studio) on Soldiers Field Road in Allston. Our assignment start times vary from 0700 to 1100 and should complete from 1000 to 1500, depending on location.
Safety and support for the participants is our primary concern, but a good dose of wet excitement is built in (for the racers, usually not the hams). Your ham communication help is essential.
A 2-meter, 5 watt hand-held is satisfactory but a dual-band radio is preferred. An antenna better than the “rubber duck” that came with your radio is essential. Be sure to charge your radio’s battery and have enough battery backup to last the day.
If you are new to ham public service or have limited experience and want to support this event don’t be concerned. Assignment difficulties vary and they can be based on experience. All hams, regardless of experience, are encouraged to volunteer for this event. For those who have done this before, your help is needed more than ever.
Ham public service is interesting and offers fun experiences, but the safety and support for the participants are always our primary concern. If you can help with the 2012 Run of the Charles on Sunday, 29 April, please reply with all of the following information as soon as possible. Email is the best method.
Full name
On-air name
Call sign
Postal mailing address (including 9-digit ZIP code)
Evening phone
Day phone
Cell phone
Email address
Does your 2-meter radio have CTCSS (PL)?
Do you have a dual-band radio?
Do you have a magnetic mount antenna?
T-shirt size
Let me know if you have volunteered for this event before and would like the same assignment. While I cannot guarantee it, I will try to give you the assignment you want. If you know other hams who would like to volunteer, ask them to send the above information to me. If you are new and want to get more public service experience, this is an excellent event to get your feet wet (figuratively). This event is an opportunity to learn the ropes.
Your assistance is valuable. Please let me know promptly if you can help. Assignments and more details will be sent as soon as available. If you have already volunteered, bear with me and also reply to this message.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
73,
Bob Salow, WA1IDA
wa1ida@arrl.net
508.650.9440