WQ6X PiTches a Case for the California QSO Party (CQP)

In preparation for the 2025 California QSO Party (CQP) event coming up in October, I followed
the steps outlined in the recent Blog post on Preparing for Preparation ([CLICK HERE] to read that). 
As President of the Amateur Radio Club of Alameda (ARCA) my goal is to pitch a case for club members to be involved with this monumental annual radiosport event.

While ARCA has always made a notable Field Day presence, operating the California QSO Party
is a relatively new experience for the radio club.

• [X] - (2021) - K6QLF Runs a Memorable 1st-time ever CQP Event
• [X] - (2024) - Amateur Radio Club of Alameda (ARCA) runs a CQP Training Exercise

To assist people in understanding what makes CQP so significant, I offer you these thought morsels:

• WHAT is CQP?
  CQP is the pre-eminent State QSO Party - one of the last state QSO parties
  for the calendar year.  Think of CQP as the ultimate Emergency Preparedness Exercise.
  
  
• WHEN is CQP?
  CQP Runs the 1st FULL weekend in October (Oct. 4th 9am PDT to Oct. 5th 3pm PDT).
  Ideally, equipment is setup and tested the day before - Oct. 3d.
  
  
• WHY is CQP?
  CQP provides activation for ALL California Counties - specifically the "RARE" ones,
  enabling operators to qualify for the coveted WACC (Worked All California Counties)
  Award.
  
  
• WHERE is CQP?
  CQP is anywhere you want it to be.  When choosing a location give thought to the
  importance of operating ALL 30-hours.
  
  
• The GOAL of CQP
  Over the course of ONE weekend you can learn superior operating skills
  that will be with you for the rest of your time on HF radio.
  
  

As it turns out, the 2024 operations for K6QLF and WA6OYC - simple CQP setups from the Oakland Yacht Club (in Alameda) - netted us a 5th-place win in the Expedition class and a QRP county record for Alameda County - proof once again that sometimes just showing up is enough to be some sort of

a contender.

For 2025, Alameda County (ALAM) has risen on the county needed list from #58 (Bottom) to #44.

WHAT are YOUR ThoTs on Operating the quickly upcoming 2025 CQP QSO Party?