tips for parents

Age & Ability

The Cardrona Alpine Ski Team provides training for potential race athletes. We encourage everyone to get out there and enjoy their winter sport, however to get the most out of your training you must be of school age or above and you must be able to ski parallel over the whole mountain.

Throughout the training session there are times when the athletes are not under direct supervision. It is common to use a "lapping" style, where the coach stays in one place and the athletes receive individual coaching, in this situation the athletes are required to use the lifts on their own. Because of this the athlete learns responsibility for themselves and each other and they must be able to handle this type of responsibility from day one.

Equipment

Equipment

Each coaching option has different equipment requirements, which are noted in the coaching options. The local shops are always happy to assist. Your coach will be able to give you advice on equipment based on your ability level and specialist discipline (where applicable). So speak to your coach and then check out some of the local shops.

2nd Hand Gear

If you have any gear that you want to sell, email hpc@cardrona.com. We will list it here for other families who might be in the market.

Likewise, you can email us with ‘wanted’ ads. If you see an item that you think might be suitable, please drop us an email and we can put you in contact with the seller.

Items available for sale:

Currently there are no items available

Accommodation

Homestay in Wanaka

We can assist you with a homestay placement if your child is registered for a full time coaching option. Please check out the homestay information. Please note we only have a limited number of homestay families, so if you would like to use this service please apply as soon as possible.

Renting and Flatting in Wanaka

If the athlete is 18 or older, they may wish to arrange a renting or flatting situation. There are numerous houses in Wanaka that you can rent as a group and many that require a single flatmate for their existing flat. In winter these do become very hard to find so we would recommend looking into rental accommodation as soon as you have decided on your training. The norm is that you pay weekly rent, plus bills such as electricity, phone, gas and food.

Check out the Messenger Online, which is the local weekly classified paper in Wanaka that has lots of accommodation listings.

Self contained Apartments, Hotel and Motels

There are also many self contained apartments, hotels and motels in Wanaka, if the athlete is only here for a short stay (e.g. 4 weeks) this could be the best option. These are a set price per week plus food and you do not need to worry about utility bills on top. A Google search should bring up a selection of these properties to choose from.

Sponsors

Sponsors

We understand that snowsports aren't cheap, and that when you get to competition level in any sport the costs keep mounting. If you can find sponsorship, it can be a great way to ease the strain on the wallet. Here are a few tips to help you along the road to finding a sponsor.

Who should you ask?

Immediate family (if you can't convince them to get behind you, how will you convince a stranger?)
Extended family
Employers
Neighbours, friends and community groups
Private sponsors
Corporate sponsors
Local businesses
The important thing here is to look for a link to your sport, you are unlikely to get sponsorship from a company that supplies bananas to tropical destination resorts when you are a snowsports athlete.

What will they want to know?

Why do you need/want a sponsor?
You must be specific about why you want a sponsor, they will know that you need the money (who doesn't), but what do you want to put their sponsorship money towards?

What are your goals and how will sponsorship help you achieve them?
Let them know what their contribution will do for you to help you achieve your goals.

How long will you need sponsorship?
If you have a target of a specific event, ask for sponsorship until the end of that event, with the view of reviewing the sponsorship deal if the event is a success. If you achieve your goals and get publicity for your sponsor, they are likely to continue your sponsorship.

How much do you need?
Again, be specific, your sponsor will need to know how much sponsoring you is going to cost them, so that they can weigh up the costs vs benefits to them.

What do you have to offer a sponsor?
This is an important point, sponsors will not sponsor you for nothing. They must get some benefit out of it. For example, if you are likely to appear on TV or in print and you can put their logo on your helmet for the viewing population to see, this would be seen as worthwhile money spent essentially on advertising for your chosen company. Alternatively if someone is passionate about your sport (or you) the benefit for them might be the ability to give something back to that sport.

Alternatives to money

Often companies will rather sponsor you with merchandise or equipment than money. With Snowsports requiring so much equipment and apparel this can be a great way to start. Find a brand that fits with your goals and ask if they will provide your skis or snowboard. Most athletes find they have several sponsors; one for hardware, one for goggles and clothing and one for protective gear.

Where to start

Is your CV up-to-date? You will need an eye-catching, short CV which includes your achievements in your chosen sports, your goals and photos of you competing. Then once you have decided who you are going to approach drop it in or post it to them, along with a cover letter that is more specific to the person or company you are approaching. Don't forget to make a follow-up phone call or visit to discuss any possible sponsorship.

Good luck!