Krusty the Clown paddles?

Courtesy of Mary ... pics taken at Universal Studios, Simpsons Ride :)

The Ultimate Christmas Gift

We wish all of our team mates and their families a very jolly holiday season - may all of us be blessed with good health in 2009!!

We also wish special blessings, best wishes & recovery to our very own Arlene & her cousin.
Since the SF tournament, Arlene has been undergoing a series of tests in preparation for her donation of her kidney to her cousin. On Friday of last week, she successfully donated her kidney and finally came home yesterday. We are so glad to hear that she and her cousin are both doing well! Please wish them all the best as they continue to recover.
And thank you, Arlene - for just being you. You are truly an inspiration.

Arlene says "hello to the SD family, and hopes everyone has a safe & wonderful holiday!"

2008 Year End Video

Watch in HD & widescreen (recommended) -
click on "watch in HD":
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Or via embedded video below ...

Part 1



Part 2


Part 3

Thank you, GALEN!!!

Flights to Vancouver ...

Vancouver crew -
1) Get your passports ready, and
2) Think about booking your flights ASAP.
Many teammates have already booked at very reasonable prices.
Itinerary:

Via United:

LAX-YVR: Friday 6/19, UA8460, dep 7:00 AM, arr 9:45 AM

YVR-LAX: Tuesday 6/23, UA8459, dep 6:35 PM, arr 9:30 PM

Final Price = $275.69

Most folks will arrive Friday and return Tuesday so they can enjoy some site seeing and vacation time after the tournament.

Lovely Tournament Manager Tran has also booked us a block of rooms at a race-site convenient hotel. More info TBA.

Paddler Spotlight - Pearl & Kevin

Birthday?
Pearl: None of yo Biz-ness
Kevin: 8/14


Hometown?
Pearl: Born and raised in Guangzhou, China, origin of Cantonese (no, they're not originated from Hongkong). Lived most of my life in Alhambra.
Kevin: A few of them: Spent the early years in HK when it was still a British colony, then spent some in Miami, a couple more in West LA, and for over a decade in Arcadia. Can't quite decide which one would be my "hometown"... pretty much spent a few years here and there.

How long have you been paddling for?
Pearl: Forever, can't believe I've stuck with this for 7 years (being a Pisces makes me loose interest and focus quickly and easily)!
Kevin: Spent the first season paddling with an NGIS team I can't remember the name of in '06, took a haitus with SD right before the tourneys in '07, and rejoined mid-season '08, so that makes... probably a year or so cumulative.

Why do you paddle?
Pearl: The answer to this question is always evolving. In the beginning it was because I was young and had endless energy so instead of spending money to drink and party I'd go paddle. As I grow older, it's because the team is like a baby to me. I've watched it grow from a bunch of clueless folks to a competitive team. So I want to be there for every step it takes.
Kevin: It's a motivation to work out. The first season with SD I just couldn't wait to hear the jokes that, as I was still trying to catch my breath, people could talk and laugh. The camaraderie and team activities makes it all the more worth it. Don't mention "why do we allow ourselves to do painful land workouts before and after paddling?"

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Pearl: Holy smokes, so many! Here are some higlights from each year I've paddled:

• 2002: Donna and I accidentally sandbagged us into Division V and subsequently winning our first championship.
• 2003: Glen, Derek, Silvia (think that was her name) and I huddling around the generator at Lake Merced for the heat while choking on the exhuast.
• 2004: Emily and I looking at each other going "holy crap, this is slow?" while "easy paddling" out to the starting line for the women's race with San Diego at Lake Merced.
• 2005: At the finish line, Gio yelling at a college team "who the mailto:*@& is old now?!" after we beat them in the finals in Vegas.
• 2006: 1) Wade, Emily, Mike, CT and I at dinner in Tempe Friday night and 3 of us were thinking of where to find more paddlers because we were short when at once we all turned to CT and the lightbulb turned on. CT kept saying "no, no and hell no" but he was a quite a team player and paddled with us in the hail and rain. 2) Had a little too much fun in Vegas Friday night (I swear, it was all Peggy's fault); getting on some strangers' golf cart and went to their house; Emily, Janet and Mike looking awestruck when they walked up and saw Peggy, Christina, Wade and me.
• 2007: What more need I say then 5 for 5, baby!
• 2008: Definitely has to be the guys flipping over in San Francisco Bay!

Kevin: Joe and Yonnie's well planned surprise happily-married celebration at practice. Not only was it a well-kept secret, Joe's absolutely frustrated look was worth every bit the running around in making it a most memorable practice.

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Pearl: Nothing special. I'm just always ready!
Kevin: Sort of like cramming, sand dunes, running, and more cardio a few weeks prior to races just to make sure I don't run out of breath. There's really no preparation beyond that and making it out to practice. Just have to trust muscle memory.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Pearl: Hiking (which I haven't done enough of in the past 2 years); learning something new (call me a nerd but I love taking classes, I crave having to do homework and study for a test, to test my knowledge); anything on wheels; any water sports
Kevin: Big on snowboarding: it's relatively effortless in that you pay to have a lift carry you up to the top, and you slide down. Recent interest: badminton. I'm on and off for hikes and bike rides, but an occasional bit of outdoorsiness doesn't hurt.

Favorite Food(s)?
Pearl: Peanuts! I LOVE everything peanuts.
Kevin: Albacore Tuna as sashimi. Ikura (Salmon Roe). Seaweed: lightly salted, dried, mushy in soup, basically any version of seaweed.

Any advice for new Paddlers?
Pearl: Don't worry about how you look and feel, especially compared to the vets. It comes with practice. None of the vets started knowing how to paddle in this sport. Oh and paddling with a hangover is not a good idea, it's rather miserable.
Kevin: If you follow Joe's workout, there won't be any problem with cardio or strength. Run before, paddle until it hurts, and workout after. Be open to constructive coaching and you'll look like Rod and paddle like John in no time.

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
Pearl: For myself: find that motivation to push myself to my full potential. I'm a lazy exerciser as I've been told a few times. For the team: beat all of the best competition out there.
Kevin: For the '09 season, I hope to be strong enough to be on the Red boat. Just keep paddling, just keep paddling, just keep paddling (Finding Nemo's Dory-copycat).

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Pearl: When racing, probably angry, gets me pumped up.
Kevin: I'd say the adrenaline really helps when I'm angry/frustrated. Not that it helps timing at all, and might even through it off some, but with anger comes adrenaline which translates to power.

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Pearl: Toeing the line between having fun and being competitive. It's a delicate balance but we have an excellent group of people to keep us there.
Kevin: Having an extended family with such diverse backgrounds that you're bound to find a member with almost parallel interests. Being SD is really like being in a family. People take care of each other on and off the water.

You have a single brother or sister. What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?
Pearl: Not an easy question to answer as I am an only child and not much of a match maker. Considering strictly single guys and gals (or so I think they are), for a sister would probably be Charlie because obviously I like them white meat so I would imagine if I had a sister, she would, too. For a brother would definitely be Janet assuming that he fits all her criteria!

Kevin: For a sister, most of the SD guys are quite ripped... very much up for grabs.

For a bro, lotta hot ladies to choose from :D

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Pearl: Another tough one. I've met a lot of folks through this team and everyone's quite unique and interesting in his/her own way. If I have to pick one that stands out, I would say Emily. I see traces of myself in her (but I'm not as hard headed, hehehe), she brings out the (hidden) competitiveness in me.

Kevin: Gotta be Ceez, our fundraising guru, apparel logolizer, team jester, and best of all, he doesn't charge people for hugs with Deej!

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Pearl: I wish everyone could be more responsive and punctual! Do you know how much easier life would be if everyone would read the emails and be responsive?! Think all the waivers, money, Evite responses, etc. Punctuality is my personal petpeeve, there are only 24 hours in a day!

Kevin: Couldn't really think of changing something best left to build itself. There is so much SD love, who needs a change?

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Pearl: Secrets are called secrets for a reason, only I will know my deepest and darkest secrets, muhahaha! Now an interesting fact...hmmm, I'm 1/8 French -- my great grandmother was French. How did a French woman end up with a Chinese guy in those days, I have no idea!
Kevin: From what I hear, I'm totally picture crazy... not that I like being in pictures as much as I like creating one. If you're not photo-shy, let me know, and I'm sure I can capture at least one good picture in a day of SD events =).

Poi Pounders Xmas Party this Thursday

Just a reminder ...
Poi Pounders Christmas Party THIS THURSDAY!
All Space Dragons are invited!!
(For those that haven't been to a Poi party ... you haven't quite lived yet).

More info here.

Paddler Spotlight - Denise & Kameron

Birthday?

Denise: 6/9

Kameron: 9/17

Hometown?

Denise:  Born in Florida, lived all my life in So Cal
Kameron: Chatsworth, CA

How long have you been paddling for?

Denise:  Started in April 2004, this is my 5th season!!   =)
Kameron: almost 2 years

Why do you paddle?  

Denise:  I paddle because I love being outdoors, it's a great workout and I love racing.
Coming across that finish line (especially in 1st) is a rush! 
Kameron: Partly to stay in shape, but mostly because
through paddling I can say that I am a part of such a wonderful group of people.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?

Denise:  Favorite SD moment... was surprising Joe & Yonnie with a celebration for their marriage.   

Notable SD moments – 

1) Paddling like a madwoman with San Diego women in my first SF tournament (2004)  

2) SD Red making it to Division 1A finals in LB 2008 

3) SD Blue winning gold both in LB & SF!!  

4) Having Joe and Wade shed some tears in LB & SF!  

We love our coaches and captains!

Kameron: I have a couple favorite memories:
1) Paddling out in the channel, especially when
you're stroking and the wind is blowing the mist in your face
2) Whenever the team does something together off the water,
there are always good memories

Most memorable was flipping over in the bay. Good times.

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?

Denise:  Let coaches try to kill me in practices,
try to get lots of rest and eat smart!   
Kameron: Visualize what I have to do, prepare myself for what I'll feel during the race.
Also psyching myself up and convincing myself to put it all on the water.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?

Denise:  Concerts (BIG music fan), travel, spend time with friends & SD family,
good books/movies..but my biggest job is being a mom to Zach and well,
a whole bunch of Space Dragons at times!
Kameron: Baseball, Alto Saxophone, Outdoors Activities? (Though I don't do much)

Favorite Food(s)?

Denise:  Seriously?  Ummm...where do I start? 
Kameron: It really depends what I'm craving, but overall
I'd have to say an In-And-Out Double Double with a side of Animal Fries =P

Any advise for new Paddlers?

Denise:  Stick with it!  I know it seems so confusing at first trying to remember how to rotate, lean,
push off all at the SAME time, but after a few practices you will just get it!
And have fun! This is a crazy group and we love our newbies!
Kameron: Don't give up. Practices are gonna be hard in the beginning, but after your first tournament you'll get hooked.

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?   

Denise:  Goals for the team:  to continue to push ourselves to improve and stay up in the top division ... and have fun!  

Goals for me:  I'm just a little bitty part of this mighty Space Dragon team! 
Kameron: I want the team to go to Alcan and do well against the most competitive teams.

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?

Denise:  I think I'm a better paddler when I pay attention!
Kameron: Probably when I'm angry. When I'm happy I really don't have a motivation to paddle hard,
but when I'm angry, for some reason I feel relief through paddling. Like I'm taking it out on the water.

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?

Denise:  SD Love, SD/Ripple love, Circle of Love, Year-end Banquet, how we help each other...
all having to do with the people.  A very diverse and lovable group,
including our sister team, Ripple Effect!!
Kameron: I get to meet lots of fun people and go to lots of new places.

You have a single brother or sister. What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?

Denise:  Ooh, hard one, but I'm an only child... 
Kameron: NO ONE!!!!! They're all too old.

Most interesting character you've met through the team?   

Denise:  How much time do you have? 
Kameron: Probably Ceez/ Deej. They have interesting stories to tell.
(Don't know which of the two is more interesting)

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?

Denise:  Run the "perfect" race so Joe would smile...ALOT!!
and then he would have to buy all of us margaritas!
Kameron: Nothing. I love the team the way it is. But the addition of a high school team would be nice.

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?

Denise: Oh no, no, no....never want to give away all the mystery!

Kameron:   Well I used to skateboard...a lot. And my dad had to pay a couple medical bills for my broken bones. 
Not really a secret but I don't think many people knew that about me.

2008 Banquet Recap

The Space Dragons celebrated the holiday season & closed out a very successful and satisfying 2008 dragon boat season with a bang this past Saturday @ Buona Vita Trattoria!

The night was full of food, drink, auctioning, gift exchanges, awards, games, a video, and a whole lot of laughs and good times. THANK YOU all for making it out and joining the festivities!

Pictures, courtesy of studly Charlie, available here!

SILENT AUCTION Winners:

roadtrip with Tran: Denise/Janice

ice skating with Jackie: Mike

homecook Italian meal by Janet: Charlie

Yelp Elite event with Ming-Jou: Galen

fun time with Grace: Gerald

motor boat party with Marina: Galen

motorcycle ride with Charlie: Kevin

poker lesson with Jim: Step

rock climbing lesson with Devant: Emily

fishing with Robert: Kenny

mystery date with Galen: Gerald

Costco Membership #1: Em

Costco Membership #2: Robert

Trivium paddle bag: Kevin

"WHO said THAT??!!" Game Winners:

Devant, Tran, Denise

"Name the Paddle!" Game Winners:

Jackie

Sammi

Marina

Space Dragon Cowbell Award:
Thank you so much for your active sideline support & service to the team!

Jimmy

People's Choice Awards (voted):

Hottest & Sexiest: Tran & Galen

Water Destroyers: Emily & Rod

Space Dragon Spirit: Felicia & Galen

Previous Year's Trophy Awards:
For continual, long-time dedication & service to the Space Dragons -
thank you for your huge part in making us into who we are today!

Dave

Jane

Denise

Scott

2008 Tournament Awards
For outstanding performance, team representation, & example that helped the team bring home a lil' hardware from competition

'08 Baby LB: Tammy & Marina

'08 Portland: Marty

'08 Long Beach: Robert & John

'08 San Francisco: Dominic

Most Improved Paddlers:
Mayana & Jason

And the premier award for the night ...
The GOLDEN PADDLE Awards:
For outstanding practice participation throughout the year

Rod (81), Robert(74), Mayana(73), Scott(73)

Great job & THANK YOU for setting the bar!

Big-time thank you to the following folks for making this night happen:

• Tina for overall organization, coordination, and hosting!
• Galen for the year-end video!
• Brian for the award-making!
  
• Janet for suggesting Buona Vita Trattoria!
• Charlie for all the pictures!
• All the folks being auctioned & all the folks auctioning! Great fundraiser!
• Ceez for the "Name the Paddle" game!
• Emily for hosting the White Elephant Gift Exchange!
• Jen + CT for counting up the 'people's choice' ballots!
  
• Pearl, Denise, Jimmy, everyone for so many small + big things to set everything up!
• EVERYONE for a great night & a GREAT SEASON! THANK YOU!

Year-End Banquet Info

Time: Saturday December 6th, 6-11pm
Place: Buona Vita Trattoria
439 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA Google map directions

Going to be a fun night - games, awards, year-end video, grub, wobbly-pop, auctions, gift exchange, and most of all, good company!

What to Bring

• Yourself in sexy n' spiffy cocktail attire (dress/suits)
  
• BYOB wine, beer, liquor - we'll provide just a wee bit. Bring some to share!
  
• White elephant gift under $10 (optional - but fun!)
  
• Your checkbook / cash to participate in our team silent auctions!! You won't want to miss this!
  

Parking
Carpooling is highly encouraged! Parking can be tough so come early, bring quarters and relax. You're going to a party!

• Metered parking - Make sure you read the hours and time limits on the meters
• 0.1-0.4 miles away - Free parking on Valley
  
• 0.3 miles - Parking garage at 24 hour fitness, PCH and 16th St
  
• 0.3 miles away (uphill walk) - Parking garage at Hermosa Ave and 13th St
• Locals can also splurge and take a cab down
  

Afterparty
At Galen's pad in Torrance!

Paddler Spotlight - Mary & Jason

Hometown?
Mary: Killeen, TX (army brat)
Jason: Chewelah, WA…little farm town in the Rockies

How long have you been paddling for?
Mary: a little over a year now
Jason: Almost a year

Why do you paddle?
Mary: I thought it would be a fun way to workout on the weekends, but it's also fun getting to know the people on the team and competing in tourneys.
Jason: At first for the exercise, now for the SD family. Love you guys!

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Mary: Winning a medal in San Francisco!!
Jason: My first blind paddle. I was just starting to get the stroke technique down, so that I didn’t have to consciously think about. One morning Wade called for a blind paddle. That moment everything came down to the sound of the paddles and the movement of the boat, a profound sense of emptiness and simple purpose flooded into me. Since then, that feeling is in my mind every time I paddle. A close second would be swimming in SF bay.

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Mary: I mostly prepare mentally because I'm the worst at getting to bed early before a competition, I get too excited and I'm not disciplined enough to eat healthy.
Jason: 1 hour before, eat some fast digesting carbs, then 10 minutes before something high in sugar. Then just prior to the race a little stretching and some cardio movements…mostly bouncing like a fool

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Mary: reading, cycling, bowling, volleyball, SHOPPING!!
Jason: Tall Ship Sailing, Triathlon, live music, hurting my fellow Space Dragons with death hikes and death bike rides, girls. Not in that order.

Favorite Food(s)?
Mary: I love Korean food, but I don't get to eat it as often as I'd like and I love pizza, I could eat both everyday :-)
Jason: Tough one, especially since you guys keep introducing me to new foods…currently Tom Ka Gai soup, I could live on the stuff! And dark chocolate!

Any advise for new Paddlers?
Mary: Most importantly, listen to the coaches, they are the best!! The other thing is, try not to miss too many practices because when you come back from a hiatus you will be SORE!
Jason: Listen to the coaches(even Lil Joe). Work through the pain and fatigue, it’s good for your soul and you will progress faster.

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
Mary: Always strive to be better, there's always room for improvement.
Jason: Improve my technique; I have a long ways to go. Also, to compete in as many tournaments as possible this year.

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Mary: Happy - I've never been angry when I'm paddling because it makes me happy.
Jason: I like being happy when I paddle, however, when Portland was right next too us in SF, I was totally pissed off and I paddle harder than ever! So I guess I’m better angry.

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Mary: Competing and celebrating as a team whether we win or lose.
Jason: The family. There are so many awesome, warm, caring people on this team it feels great to be part of it.

You have a single brother or sister. What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?
Mary: Hmm, Wade he's a cutie (and my mom thinks so too!!)
Jason: Tough question. If I had a single brother, probably Tran, but I would be concerned about his personal safety. A single sister would be too much for any guys on this team to handle, Hafer girls are pretty wild.

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Mary: I don't know if I can choose one person as the most interesting because everyone I've talked to and gotten to know is interesting to me in their own way.
Jason: Pearl, every time I think I have her figured out, I see a different part of her personality. Still waters run deep.

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Mary: I honestly can't think of anything I would change - we're a great team, on and off the water.
Jason: Bigger team! Get out there and recruit! We got a lotta Space Dragon love to share.

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Mary: I have a black belt in ... KEEPING IT REAL!! OK really I have a yellow belt in ChaYon-Ryu - the natural way Martial Arts (www.kimsookarate.com). Also, my mom used to make some of our clothes when we were kids, so my sisters and I would always have coordinating or matching outfits - the Annie look-a-like dress was my favorite!!
Jason: Difficult, I could tell you guys about my years living in a monastery, but that would raise too many follow up questions. How about this? I absolutely love musicals, mani-pedis, spa days, and anything that can be done sans clothing. Um…maybe I’ve said too much…