Meet The Stream Team For WPGC 2024

Thanks to Doom Bar and Sharps Brewery, the GigRower StreamTeam will be back on the islands to capture the racing at this year’s World Pilot Gig Championships. 

The GigRower Stream Team is made up of a fantastic group of volunteers who are incredibly passionate about building the sport of gig rowing. 

The on-water team plans to live stream the racing, providing drone coverage with commentary (weather permitting). The shore-based team plans to capture the atmosphere on the beach and gather crew photographs.

We are excited to introduce this year’s team which includes photographers, commentators, tech specialists and a film crew. 

Shore team

 

Beckie
Beckie has been a GigRower volunteer for many years. You may have seen her around at various events taking photos. Beckie really enjoys photography and loves catching the rowers’ race faces. Having been a valued part of the team since 2018, this is Beckie’s sixth time as part of the Stream Team at the WPGC. This year Beckie will be based on the shore, capturing the extremely popular team photos from the beach and all the action as you cross the finish line.  

 

Chuds
This will be Chuds’ third appearance for the Stream Team at the WPGC. Taking on a different role this year, Chuds will be joining the shore based team, conducting interviews from the beach. We can’t think of anyone better to chat to our community and find out the inside scope at WPGC. 

 

Gail
Gail is a well known photographer within our community, snapping away at recent events such as the Roadford Races. This is Gail’s third year as part of the WPGC Stream Team, she will be working closely with Beckie as they swap between the beach and the finish line. 

 

Water team

 

Alec
After 40 years with BBC spotlight, Alec uses his expertise to capture the action across WPGC. Returning as our videographer this will be Alec’s third year as part of the Stream Team at WPGC. The colour and the sounds of the competition entice Alec back year after year. 

 

Locky
Locky, makes up part of the commentary team at this year’s event. We are fortunate to have had Locky in our community for over 10 years, with this being his 13th year at the WPGC. Locky’s breadth of knowledge about the gig community, including overseas, makes him an excellent addition to the commentary team.

 

Nicola 

This year, we welcome Nicola for the very first time as part of the WPGC Steam Team. Unfortunately due to a back injury Nicola won’t be competing this year, missing out on participating in her 20th World Championship. We are hoping that keeping her busy with the Stream Team will cheer her up. Nicola has to be one of the most decorated rowers around, having won countless medals in the senior category from the age of 14. Rowing for Caradon, Bristol and Newquay Nicola’s wealth of experience as a competitor, coach and cox makes her a brilliant addition to the commentary team, providing plenty of insights to the world of gig rowing. 

 

Steve
Look up! Steve aka ‘The Drone Man’ will be flying his drone above WPGC once again this year. Since taking to the skies at regattas and gig events in 2017, Steve has filmed the WPGC and other gig rowing championships on many occasions. 

 

Alice
Alice made her first Stream Team appearance at the County Championships in 2023, making this her WPGC debut. Alongside Nicola and Steve, Alice will be commentating across the weekend. Alice grew up in a household of rowers and is no stranger to the WPGC podium, having celebrated multiple wins alongside her family members. 

 

Sara
This will be Sara’s second year as part of the Stream Team at WPGC. As well as racing at this year’s champs, Sara will be joining the water based team. Sara’s camera work helps us bring you the best of the action throughout the weekend during the livestream. 

 

New Recruits

As the Stream Team continues to grow we are delighted to introduce some newbies on the block. Vanessa, Lizzie, Meg, Ciaran and Isobel will be joining us this year to help deliver the WPGC coverage both on and off the water.

 

Technical Bits

Although the team endeavour to bring you the best coverage throughout the weekend, there can sometimes be some limitations including; 

 

• Wind speed
  • 16mph – 19mph – the wind is extremely draining to the drone’s battery
  • 20mph + – the absolute limit and the drone can’t take flight

• Rain
  • The drone cannot fly in the rain and live stream cameras may be impacted

• Grounded drones
  • Accidents happen! Sometimes we lose drones which can put a stop to live streaming
• Internet Signal 
  • We rely on connectivity to keep the stream live. Sometimes factors beyond our control mean we lose signal

 

The team are looking forward to sharing the racing with you wherever you are, whether you are on the islands, watching from home or tuning in from a far flung global location. When you join online be sure to comment and let the team know where you are and who you are supporting!