International Paddling Opportunities

Please see below for info regarding competing in Poland & Kenya.

Note that the Poland Tournament is the one referenced in the latest ESPN the Mag!

**************** POLAND ******************************************

Hi Long Beach Paddlers!

My name is Scott Wu and I paddle and coach for LARD.

Dr. Chen has asked me to gauge the Long Beach community's interest in participating in the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Poland from September 26-28, 2008. You will be representing the United States of America as this team will likely be the only U.S. team participating. This is open to all Long Beach Paddlers - preferably those with significant paddling experience. There will be NO testing to make this team - if we in fact have enough interest to send one.

The teams that participate are very high caliber and you will no doubt appreciate and enjoy the event. Further details can be found here: http://www.canoepcf.org/events/world,dragonboat,championships,poznan,2008.php

If there are any coaches that wish to run or help run this team, please let me know as my availability for this Championship is uncertain at this point.

Please email me at scottdwu@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

I will let you know if there is enough interest.

~Scott

**************** KENYA ******************************************

Hi All ---

We have more details on the dragon boat race in Kenya. The actual race/festival takes place December 12th-14th - the 1st International Tudor Creek Dragon Boat Regatta in Mombasa, Kenya. We are working with a travel agent for a group rate from LAX to Mombasa --- the fare at this point is running between $1500 and $2500 USD --- PLEASE IF YOU CAN FIND A BETTER FARE LET US KNOW!

PLEASE MAKE SURE (if you plan on going) THAT:

1. YOUR PASSPORTS ARE READY/Valid

2. YOU WILL NEED A KENYAN VISA (if you are a U.S. citizen)

3. NO mandatory immunizations are required BUT immunization against typhoid, yellow fever and cholera ARE RECOMMENDED. Anti-Malaria Pills are also recommended.

The race organizers have put together a GREAT deal for us including meals/accommodations/transportation in Mombasa for 4/5 nights + Safari to Masai Mara National Park for 2 nights + 1 night in Nairobi --- ALL FOR $950/PERSON. This cost is based on 20+ people in our group and will vary based on the number of people/nights we finally end up with.

SAMPLE ITINERARY:

December 9 - Leave in the evening from LAX - Amsterdam - Nairobi - Mombasa (roughly 31 hours) arrive in Kenya around 7:30A Dec 11

DAY 1: December 11 - Arrive in Nairobi and take connecting flight to Mombasa (45 min). Will be met at airport and taken to hotel.

DAY 2,3,4: December 12, 13, 14 - Dragon Boat Regatta - Mombasa with Side Visits

DAY 5: December 15 - Rest day in Mombasa or Nairobi OR

DAY 6/7: December 16 - Depart early morning to Nairobi and go direct by road to Masai Mara (spend the night in Masai Mara)

DAY 7/8: December 17 - In Masai Mara - game viewing

December 8/9 - Return to Nairobi and fly home OR stay 1 night in Nairobi

December 19 - Flight to LAX

SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR SAFARI:

Day 1

Met at hotel, safari briefing and introduction to our driver guide. Depart for Masai Mara National Reserve via Narok. Arrive for check-in followed by lunch at Mara Sopa Lodge. Afternoon game drive in the reserve. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 2

Full day spent in the reserve with game drives. All meals and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 3

Breakfast at the lodge and depart for Nairobi. Drop off at the airport/or hotel.

SAFARI includes:

*Pick up/drop off in Nairobi

*Park entrance fees

*Transportation and game drives on safari in minibus

*Accommodation on fullboard meal plan in lodges of standard category

*A bottle of mineral water provided per person per day on safari in our minibus

NOT INCLUDED:

* Tips and porterages
* Drinks and Laundry
* Extra meals and visits not indicated
* Visa fees
* International flights and departure taxes
* Personal medical and travel insurance

NB: RATES VALID TILL 23 DEC 2008

PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR LEVEL OF INTEREST IN THIS TRIP. We would like to get a FULL BOAT to go if possible (at least 20) --- we have to have a minimum of AT LEAST 10 folks. PLEASE FORWARD TO any paddlers you think may be interested in going!

Call/E-mail me (info@ladragonboat.com) if you have any questions!

--- Mary