Koi Club Questions...

[JosephandGabby]

I’ve learned a lot about koi keeping and backyard ponds over the past few years; mostly from reading various books, spending countless hours on these forums, and, of course, through trial and error. I’m thinking about joining a local koi club, but I’m not sure which one I should join. I think it would be cool to meet other koi pond owners in my area and see what they’ve done, but I’m not sure how valuable it really is given that so much information is already freely available on the Internet. If one of my koi is sick, I can chat with some of the experts out there with more experience to figure out what to do. If I pick up a new koi that I’m especially proud of, I can post pictures for everyone to share. If I have questions about which UV to purchase or how to build a QT, I can ask people with more experience than I am for a few pointers. And, perhaps best of all, I can see pictures of everyone else’s koi and backyard ponds and get a better idea of what makes a koi truly special.

I guess my basic question is this – is there really any value anymore in joining a local koi club when you already have access to people with years of experience via the Internet? Aside from the cool aspect of meeting people nearby who share a common interest in raising koi, I guess I find myself questioning whether or not there really is a tangible benefit to joining a club. The three koi clubs I’m considering right now include High Desert Koi Fanciers (AKCA), Inland Koi Society (AKCA), and ZNA Southern California (ZNA & AKCA). Do any of you out there belong (or have you ever belonged) to any of these clubs? If so, please let me know what your experience has been like. If you belong to another koi club, I'd like to hear about your experinece as well. Also, are there any rules about belonging to more than one koi club at the same time?

[aquitori]

I haven't joined a club until this year. I was like you, but without the internet...Had to study the hobby with some mentors on the side. I am part of the ZNA Norcal. I have picked up somethings since being part of the club...this group of people I have known even before the club was created, so I guess now it is official.

First off, if your comfortable where you are at then why join a club? The learning process never ends, info and the company of others are free anyways...But if your a "wet" behind the ears newbie then I was suggest joining a club so you can put 2 and 2 together...Also you talk about ZNA and AKCA, I suggest you go to one of the meetings of those clubs you listed and check it out...they are open to the general public and free.

[schildkoi]

There are a number of reasons to join a club but I will give you one (group) that you cannot get from books, magazines nor the internet....hands on experience, most typically taught from very experienced hobbyists. Someone that can show you how to handle a net, someone to show you (or hoild your hand) while you knock out your Koi the first time. Access most likely to a microscope and the knowledge of how to use it. Treatment of wounds etc and the list actually goes on and on. Book smarts is good, but nothing beats practical hands on experience...experience availble (typically) through a club.

Steve

[dinh]

Second motion to what Steve C. and Tony have said.... I have learned a lot from Internet, books, koi buddies, or dealers..., but there is nothing better than joining and learning from koi club.... Not only about koi knowledge or helping in case of emergency etc... Friendship thru koi and hang around with koi kichies is the best of the hobby. If Nishikigoi is one of your best hobbies, then ZNA club is a good choice...

"Friendship thru koi ..."

[philhunter]

Hi,

I belong to the Inland Koi Club. I used to belong to the San Diego club, but dropped out since I did not get much benefit from it. The value you derive from a koi club depends upon what you are looking for and varies greatly from club to club.
The biggest reason to join a club vs the internet is the hands on experience you get. For example, on the Internet some one can tell you how to scrape and scope and how to give injections. In a club, a KHA will come to your house and show you how to do it.


Phil

[koiczar]

Quote: Originally Posted by schildkoi There are a number of reasons to join a club but I will give you one (group) ... Book smarts is good, but nothing beats practical hands on experience...experience availble (typically) through a club. Steve

Great point Steve! Ever try reading a book on how to play golf or tennis - You can study the mechanics of what makes a proper serve or particular golf shot, but when it comes to ACTUALLY doing it - well, that's something else again.

Personally, I belong to 2 clubs; one AKCA and one ZNA. If you are serious about the hobby and learning about what makes a particular fish better than the rest, then IMHO a ZNA club is the way to go. If you just want to gain additional knowledge or info and are happy with koi of average quality and you like plants in your pond, then maybe an AKCA club would be better suited to your tastes. But as was stated earlier, maybe trying the suit on before you buy it would be your best approach. Both organizations have a lot to offer.

Mike

[dick benbow]

I helped start 2 clubs and a regional association so i quess i'm for the relationships. I've made many great friends over the years but then on a world wide basis I have too with the world wide web....quess bottom line is try it for a year and see....

[l113892]

In previous years, every koi show in the US was put on by a club. This year there is only one exception. The point is, without koi clubs there would be virtually no koi shows. Without koi shows, the hobby would not exist as it does today and these chat sites would dry up fairly rapidly.

[schildkoi]

Every Koi show in the US put on by a club? There are numerous Shows over the years and some even every year put on by dealers. Just an fyi.

Steve

[Louie]

Why join a club , you can get info over the internet. If you are a fun loveing easy to get a long with person a club is for you. I see only a few posts that refect the most important aspects of clubs. FRIENDSHIP THROUGH KOI, these friendships grow and open doors to a lot of knowledge. I have been in three clubs in the So CA area and have found that not only do we share a common interest but we share friendship. For some people its not easy to net a fish and treat it, but with the help of a fellow club member you create bonds that for me have been life long friendships. You only get what you put forth. A well will run dry if you only take.