Tempe: A great start for the '09 season

Check out Jimmy's pics here and here! Loads of great shots, including some frame-by-frame racing. Thanks, Jimmy!

Best cheering section around ... thanks, girls!

2009 Tempe Space Dragons bring home a lil' hardware:
500m Mixed Div A 3rd place, 2nd place Masters, 2nd place Open, & 2nd place 1000m Mixed

Our 4th straight Tempe tournament was our most rewarding yet - a testament to our continual growth & maturation as a team & validation for our hard work thus far.

Coach CZ strikes a pose - Photo via azcentral.com

The race organizers did a wonderful job keeping the weekend packed w/racing action, and we took full advantage by participating in more races (18!) than anyone else in attendance, w/ 2 mixed boats for the 500m, 250m, & 1000m races + a Men's Boat + a Women's boat + a Master's boat. All of you did an outstanding job staying strong throughout the hot & dry weekend, which speaks to your fitness, endurance, & focus to see the weekend all the way through. A victory in itself. Great job!

Prepping the always important Team Mascot between races

Some competition highlights (fuel & motivation for the challenging season ahead!):

• Both RED (#6 seed) & BLUE (#10 seed) qualified for the top Mixed Division A (reserved for the top 12 of 32). Truly awesome as it reflects depth & growth - and loads of potential. Blue, your performances put you up against some big boys on Sunday, and this is what we want - opportunities to race against the best. Great job, everyone!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Blue takes 1st in their tough first heat (view in HQ!)
  

• RED finishes 3rd place overall (behind mighty San Diego & blazing UCLA) in the 500m mixed division after fighting through the elimination round & edging out the head-turning Manitoba High School (Canada) in the finals

RED crashes the party by finishing strong & winning it's semifinal elimination round against tough competition

Mixed Div A Finals - RED battles tooth and nail against San Diego, UCLA, & Manitoba High School to finish 3rd place overall

• After two straight 1st place finishes on Sat, our MEN finish 2nd place overall in the Open Division behind mighty San Diego. Men leave Tempe w/ our redemption - and the 2nd fastest 500m time of the weekend

In the 2nd OPEN heat, our men edge-out San Diego to record Sat's fastest time (~2:05)

Open Finals - MEN fly to a 2nd place finish against top-flight competitors San Diego & LARD

• Our Geri-crew MASTERS finish just a few grey hairs (.4 seconds) behind great competitors DragonMax (North Cali) in the Master's Final for the 2nd place overall finish. Click here for DragonMax's footage!

• With a very close 4th place seeding after Sat, our LADIES were just edged out from participating in the Women's Final (reserved for the top 3 of 9) & guaranteed hardware. Plenty of motivation for many upcoming Women's races (Alcan, Long Beach, SF). Train hard, ladies!

Despite two great qualifying heats (1st & 2nd place finishes), Women finish 4th time-wise and just out of the Women's final

• After a 4th place finish in the 250m sprints, RED closed out the weekend right w/ a thrillingly close 2nd place overall finish behind mighty San Diego in the Guts & Glory 1000m race

Sammi demonstrating the benefit of practicing eyes-closed.

No doubt, bringing home hardware for RED (500m +1000m), our MEN, & our Masters was rewarding. BUT, thanks to all of your efforts - the bigger benefit of the weekend is that we kicked-off the season the right way (and of course had a blast doing it!).

It's a long season ahead of us - the competition is guaranteed to get tougher. We face the challenge of continually improving & being the absolute best we can be each opportunity we get ... we have obvious areas for improvement - & that's a very good thing.

So - GREAT JOB, EVERYONE - this is just the beginning of 2009 - IF we stay together & continue to train hard ... this has the makings of a potential best-ever type season!


Big thank you's to:

• The AZDBA & all the volunteers for a fun, efficient, race-filled weekend!
  
• TINA for an AWESOME job as our tourney manager! Too many things to list in detail.
  
• JIMMY for supporting Tina, & making sure we were fed & hydrated throughout
• BEST DEAL INSURANCE AGENCY for the wonderful gifts, snacks, & support!
  
• CEEZ for awesome equipment management + helping w/ lunch
  
• All who helped contribute & transport EZ-ups, coolers, water, snacks, etc!
  
• TOM, PHIL, JIMMY, KEVIN, ALL for serving as paparazzi!
  
• EVERYONE for doing all the big & little things to serve our collective group & for simply taking care of one another - that's what makes this team a family!
  
• KURT from Ripple for blessing us with your participation for the 2nd straight year!
  
• BILL, JESSE, and DAN from our friends at LARD for joining us on our Masters Crew!
  
• Steers AJ, JOHN, PEARL, BRIAN, JOE, SAMMI, & yes, EMILY! Great job keeping us safe & straight!
• Callers TRAN, DEVANT, EM, SAMMI, DENISE, TINA, WADE! Great work in the best seat of the house!
• And last but not least, GREAT JOB to all of our first-time competitors (13!): Kat, Zoe, Blanca, Diane, Jen T, Jen Z, Edie, Phil, Kenny, Tom, Turtle, Chen, & Rip. It's only going to get better!

And to add to our ever-growing collection of memorable & inappropriate quotations ...
"If it's a dry start, it better be a quickie!" - Mayana

Can you spot Hafer? (look for the trademark shorts/legs)
Photo via azcentral.com

Tempe Bound!

Paddlers are you ready?

Attention Please!

Tempe Paddlers are GO for launch tomorrow.

As always arrive safe, have fun, and enjoy yourselves! 

Remember, as of right now, YOU ARE THE BEST paddler in the world and don't let anyone tell you otherwise(until after the weekend).  

Non-Tempe paddlers, you get the weekend off.  Relax, read a book,  sleep in, veg on the couch a bit, and enjoy your days of rest.  

Also don't forget - next weekend is our Friends and Family day.  Go out there and recruit a bunch of hotties/stud muffins/ some really strong dude or chick or just that random stranger you always wanted to say "Hi" to but couldn't work up the courage.  

This is the PERFECT excuse to saddle up next to them, lean in close, and whisper in their ear... "Galen is one hot sexy mofo and IS SINGLE!"  ohh and I guess you should tell them to come out next Sunday.

See you on the water!

SD Ladies March Madness, Round 1 Match 4

So now that Ming-jou has defeated Grace...Our next matchup consists of two Tempe warriors...

For all the work that they do, you might as well call them mommy...That's right, say hello to the Battle for Ultimate Captain...

*Notice that Wade is not eligible for the Ultimate Captain position- he already lost to these girls.  :P*

As an aside, the last comments made me wonder, would you guys like to cap the field at 8 or expand to 16...as always both polls are to your right.  Cast away and find out who shall be victorious!

Check Yo Self... The Po-Po is Watching!

Tempe drivers! Check this out, AAA has an INTERESTING article on automatic radar cameras.

Traffic enforcement camera locations

As always Space Dragons reminds you to always follow the laws and drive safe. Remember JOE SAYS NO!!!

Drop it like it's hot...

Thursday, Thursday, Thursday!

One day only - Your only chance of the year is on March 26th...to drop off equipment to be shipped to Tempe.





Remember that there is limited extra space so please be nice and don't drop off EVERYTHING for poor Joe (and friends) to carry.

Where and when do you drop it off?

Glad you asked: 4-4:30PM NGST Space Park Parking lot.

R2 West parking lot. The NE corner of Space Park Drive and Aviation, Redondo Beach CA.

SD Ladies March Madness, Round 1 Match #3

Now that we know half of our Final Four match-up is set with Janet and Tina...it's time to start our next bracket. The next match-up is the Battle of the Chens...

Yup! Ming-Jou and Grace will haddukken it out for the glory of taking on the winner of the final match-up of this round. You know the drill - vote for the victor on the right!

Friends & Family Day - Sun, 4/5/09

Spread the word!

ALL are welcome!
Please RSVP to the evite w/ planned # of guests.

Here are some fliers for the event (choice of 2!):



Thank you, Best Deal Insurance Agency, for your sponsorship of the event!

Paddler Spotlight - Janice and Brian!

Hometown?
Janice: Dumaguete City Philippines. Came to the States at the age of 4 years
Brian: Harrison, ME

Birthday?
Janice: 4/20
Brian: 4/14

Favorite Food(s)?
Janice: Anything and Everything edible. Italian, Sushi, Vietnamese, Korean BBQ (BEEF) tops the list.
Brian: lobster, steaks, sandwiches, pizza, sushi, pasta, burgers, spam in various forms, most Filipino food - except bagoong, panda express orange chicken, I eat everything, I’m not picky.

How long have you been paddling for?
Janice: Off season 2005.
Brian: 2.5 years

Why do you paddle?
Janice: Love the pain paddling has to offer. Just the fact that its a different kind of workout. Dragon Boating does not feel like an obligation its fun to do…
Brian: competition, fitness, and fun

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Janice: Are you, kidding me... definitely ANGRY....CONTROLLED ANGER....I'm angry now.....let's go Galen....all kidding aside..there is nothing soooo motivating than hearing another team TRASH TALK.......ooooooooh!!!!
Brian: Neither really I’m a better paddler when I am focused, but I guess if I had to choose it'd be angry since it gives you more adrenaline and makes you paddler harder and want to win. Happy would make endorphins and while they feel good they don't boost your muscles and make you paddle harder

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Janice: Like everyone else, so many. But I remember back in 2006 in Tempe when we only had 14 Paddlers (almost a boat) and had to ask San Diego Team if we can borrow 2 of their Paddlers, (look how many members we have now) CT paddling (against his will) ask Pearl and Em about this poor guy and battling hail, thunder storm, gusting winds, a lot of rain and all we had was a small portable heater to keep 14 members warm....good times.
Brian: Las Vegas race 2 years ago when we won the whole tourney and then got stuck in the sand bank.
Men’s huli in SF last year and getting launched into the freezing water
Circle of love after long beach each year
Portland rose festival last year, flag catching style, paddling those monster boats with paddles taller than some of our short females. Those boats were so heavy, but it was so much fun.
Road trips to Tempe, and dealing with Deej, Tammy, and Mayra all pissing and moaning the whole 7 hours home, while me, Ceez, and Jesus cracked jokes trying to keep each other sane. Girls “It’s cold turn the heat on, its too hot roll down the window, stop braking so fast, why are you driving so fast, my seat belts stuck, your feet stink, I’m hungry, stop turning so much, who farted, the radio is too loud, wait what did he say I can’t hear, don’t look at me like that, why you talking so loud, stop whispering, why’s it taking so long to get home” AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I WISH I was joking

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Janice: Get sufficient amounts of nourishment and sleep the night before
Brian: Lots of rest, and try to eat healthy during the week of the tournament, stay relaxed and ignore that whole BS about Joe says no, what a load of crock!
(Editorial note: Joe still says NO!!! Especially Tempe folk going out there this weekend!)

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Janice: Taking pictures, Love trail and desert hikes, biking, just started outrigging anything outdoors.
Brian: Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins (hockey not UCLA), Celtics, brewing beer with all my new equipment, hiking, mountain biking, softball, soccer, football, skiing and snowboarding, target shooting, golfing, hockey, fishing, pretty much I’m down for anything and everything except for basketball, used to be good in grade school now I’m not, I can accept that, lets move on.

Any advice for new Paddlers?
Janice: Be patient, stay with it, hang in there...."I promise the pain will NEVER GO AWAY" ... but fun times will keep on going!!! (can't say I lied to you.)
Brian: Don’t fear the early start time, once you get to the beach you can look around and realize everyone else is just as tired as you. It’s going to hurt that day, the next day, and maybe the day after that, just take it easy and pay attention you’ll get the hang of it. It’s easy to be a good paddler, it’s hard to be a great paddler. Lastly REMEMBER YOUR BUTT PAD! After my first practice I couldn’t sit down for a few days no joke.

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
Janice: Paddling as one, paddle hard, paddle strong both mentally and physically.
Brian: Win! I can’t stand losing, and who wants to celebrate mediocrity? Short term I’d like to see us make a run on some of the strong teams in Tempe. Long term keep the general mood of the team constant at having fun but being competitive. Usually the more competitive you are the less fun you become, why can’t we do both?

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Janice: Absolutely nothing in terms of camaraderie and team spirit...why would you?!!! Be stronger, leaner, faster like machines....jk
Brian: Saturday practice time to 9am its amazing to me how much easier it is to get up for Sunday practices.
Honestly I’d also change the way we assign the boats red and blue and it’d be based on something a lot more technical than practice attendance, I think it’s kind of silly especially if we really want to be more and more competitive. We need to ERG test or do OC testing, fitness challenge, or something solid (let’s be creative) so we know we have the best possible team on the water.

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Janice: This team knows how to eat and have fun together. We have become an extended family to each other and I think that is a great asset for SD.
Brian: Being a space dragon and having that camaraderie with all of you. Nice to go on all the trips with people who enjoy the same things I do.

You have a single brother or sister. What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?
Janice: I had a single Bro or Sis which I don't....hard to say.... leave this one alone. We do have a lot o sexy felines and toothsome men in the SD world
Brian: Sorry sister is married, she’s off the market.

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Janice: OMG!!!! Cz ... Deej ... Tammy ... Alex ... Galen ... David ... Jason H ... Brian K. ... if you know them and you all do ... then you know why ... lovable ... funny ... hyper .... NAUGHTY ... "FIST-full" of fun ... etc etc
Brian: Galen is “interesting” Devant cracks me up, Jason good ole farm boy like myself, Rod the gentle giant, Joe the humble giant, Robert never met anyone with a tail, can’t believe you’ve grown it that long!

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Janice: HECK NO!!!
Brian: Here’s a secret for, you know that filter people have that stops them from saying things sometimes, well mine broke long ago so I just spit out whatever comes to mind. If that bothers you I’d recommend you refrain from talking to me about sensitive or stupid stuff I’m a straight talking, brutally honest, no BS talker so you’re going to get 20 cents when you only asked for 2, you’re welcome.

Who got you into Space dragons/Dragonboating?
Janice: Freakin Terry... and yes he lied to me ... dunno what happened to him ... but I'm glad he dragged me out.
Brian: Ceez did, he said softball was for sissies, and I should try a real man’s sport, he also showed me some pics of the team and I thought a couple of the girls were cute, mainly Emily, so had to come check them out. In hindsight glad Emily turned me down cause we have become great friends, neighbors, and I met my beautiful fiancé Aileen who is all I could even ask for and more. Thanks Em ha ha

Is Galen a hottie?
Janice: Sizzling!!!
Brian: That’s like asking “is the sun bright?” or “is grass green?” and of course the answer is; nope question about it...he most definitely is!

A Word From Our Sponsor!!

In the market for auto, home or commercial Insurance? The friendly people at Best Deal Insurance Agency are committed to helping you find insurance that will fit your needs.

Any questions? See our own Space Dragon Paddling Extraordinaire, Phil Munguia!! Phil will be more than happy to help you with your insurance questions.

Space Dragons, please support our sponsor by telling your friends and family about BDIA, a leader in the insurance industry that offers great prices and exceptional service.

"I can help you with your insurance needs!!" Phil Munguia

SD Ladies March Madness Round 1, Match 2

Janet somehow has survived the brutal mauling of Jackie and her virtually healed foot/ankle. As the winner she gets to take on the winner of our next pairing...



Next up are two ladies on the board...Tina and Emily. Now don't let Tina's small stature and Emily's reigning champion as the SD strongest paddler lull you into thinking this would be a quick match. Between her drinking and organizational skillz, she can easily level the field with some sneaky action.

Let the voting begin and in 2 days we will know whose gets to tussel with Janet...

It's LATE!!!

Had you worried for a bit eh?

Well, we didn't forget...and we use protection.

It is time to unveil Ms. March. Or shall we say...Princess March?

Yup that's right!! Ms. March is our very own Princess Pearl!!

Pearl Fung

Ms. March 2009

Ms. March: Princess Pearl Fung

DOB: Sometime in March (afraid to be dunked)

Likes: Besides raiding tombs, Princess Pearl likes...kicking people in the nuts, booting boys in the head, anything with peanuts, punctuality, pink drinks, things that begin with “P”, being called “a Princess”

Dislikes: Getting hit in the head by errant soccer balls, slow walking people, being stared at by manufacturing department employees in building R6, being called “Spoiled”

Pearl’s favorite quote: “"Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love." -- Albert Einstein”

Relationship status: Sorry fellas, Pearl is in a relationship!!! (Ladies should see victory photos of Vegas circa 2007)

We may have overheard Pearl say these wise words on dragon boating:“ If you paddle next to me, and you are breathing harder than I am after a race set, I’m in better shape than you are!!...Galen, you fatty! Why don’t you workout more?”

If you would like to meet Princess March - Come to a Space Dragon practice near you!

Afraid you can’t make it out to Long Beach to see your favorite calendar Space Dragon? Don’t worry! The Space Dragon Calendar shall start our tour around the Nation. First stop: Tempe Town Lake from 3/28-3/29!

SD Ladies March Madness Round 1

Just for fun, imagine if you will, a tub, full of cream, jello, mud, bubbles, whatever your hearts desire…and two people will be decking it out. Who shall win? Who will be the victor? You can vote for our heroine on the right and we shall crown the ultimate winner as Supreme Space Dragon Champion. Each poll will last for approximately 2 days, by the end of those 2 days the winner will be crowned and moved on to the next round. Single elimination format. Per Janet's suggestion, the final 2 shall have a real live match!

Today starts our first match. First up is Jackie Vs Janet. These two friends had a wonderful time trapezing around the UK and France, tearing up hearts of men in Europe. Now you get the chance to determine if whom tears up whom…

Upcoming events - save the dates!

Mar 19 (Thurs) - Poi Pounders party / Deej's bday celebration

Mar 21-22 (Sat-Sun) - Last practices prior to Tempe tournament
- get ur esses to practice!

Mar 28-29 (Sat-Sun) - Tempe tournament
- click here for recaps & videos of the fun from last year!

Apr 5 (Sun) - Friends & Family Recruiting Day! 9am
- introduce your peeps to the team & Dragon Boat! & free lunch!
- thank you Best Deal Insurance Agency for sponsoring the event!

Apr 8 (Wed) - Wednesday Night practice begins! 6pm

Apr 11 (Sat) - SoCal DB Association Community Event
- get to know your fellow paddlers via a fun treasure-hunt type event!

Apr 18 (Sun) - Space Dragons Yard Sale!
- please start setting aside your generous (& clean) contributions!
- important fundraiser to help keep the team as affordable as possible!
- location TBD, South Bay

Paddler Spotlight - Janet and Caesar!

Hometown?
Janet: Monterey Park, CA
Caesar: Waialua, Hawaii

Birthday?
Janet: 5/25
Caesar: 8/30

Favorite Food(s)?
Janet: Too many to list..but some BIG favs: rib-eye steak, korean bbq, sushi (salmon and hamachi!), indian, italian, tapas, potatoes, wine, beer, mojitos, martinis
Caesar: Spam Musubi, Won ton mein, aku and tako poki, pancit, chile verde, fish tortas, chicken adobo, chicken long rice, braised short ribs, chicken curry, shoyu chicken, jook, carnitas, horchata, chicken apritada and small chicken bowl accompanied with sesame wings from Yoshinoya!!

How long have you been paddling for?
Janet: technically since Oct 2005, but I was out of the country for most of 2008, so this is my 3rd year...
Caesar: My first tournament was the 2005 Long Beach Tournament. I will be participating in my 5th season.

Why do you paddle?
Janet: Because I need the cardio workout - and the SD family is just so amazing that I paddle just to see them!
Caesar: Bad legs made me leave my beloved Poi Pounder softball team. I find the physical intensity of paddling very appealing. I love the fact that the sport combines strength, endurance, stamina and grace. When I better myself physically, it is for me as well as for a collective effort. I think I’m addicted to the muscle aches associated with paddling.

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Janet: Angry Competitive.
Caesar: Happy. My personality is fueled by fun and laughter.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Janet:

• Tempe 2006 - When attempting to get Em/Peggy down from dancing on a table..I got pulled up onto it...and started to dance w/ them, too...now there's a photo somewhere of us dancing on a table
• Las Vegas Race in 2006 - Me, Emily and Mike arrived in Vegas around 10pm to a laughing/screaming/drunkenly hilarious Pearl/Peggy/Wade. But then we spent the whole night taking care of them...hence...drink responsibility!! And then sharing a queen bed w/ Pearl AND Wade
• When Wade visited me in London - and after my flat crawl (we had 8 flats in the same building...and went to drink/party in each), we drunk dialed people on the team - it was 4pm PST when we did =|
• When Jackie, Tran, Galen and Charlie came to visit me in London and then our awesome trip to Paris together. Fun times and great food!!

Caesar: Many favorites. (May need small font for all these).

• Showing up to my first practice feeling out of place and thought to myself that this team needs the “Poi Pounder” touch. Then during and after the hard practice, I thought to myself, “WTF did I get myself into!!”
• San Francisco Bay Sink and Swim. I found out that Deadra really really loves me. She was crying when we returned to the docks. REAL TEARS!! But then I got a scolding from her and got punched in the stomach from Janice after I told them I went after Robert’s butt pad while I was under water. I was touched to know that my benchmate Galen cried while looking for me too. I surfaced inside the over turned boat.
• 20 miles from Phoenix in a minivan with gear on top. Tammy, Skyy and Deadra said they heard noises coming from the top of the van. Brian tired of their whining says he hears nothing and turns up the radio real loud to drown out the chorus of nagging. Seconds later, the straps on top flew off, we all screamed and our gear was on the side of the 10 highway. As Tammy and Skyy goes to retrieve the stuff, truckers and were blowing their horns at them.
• Never thought Wade could get mad, until I heard him say “F*ck!!” in anger during a practice. I was shocked, but that was cool!!
• Yilin, dressed in bikini top and shorts, was cheering rather loud and interestingly and was waving her jersey at SD boats paddling out to race. Joe sternly said, “Keep focus inside the boat!!” After the race, the men was mad at Joe because the men’s boat was so focused, all 20 male paddlers missed the Space Dragon girls flashing their boobs at them from shore…except for Brian.
• Tammy bit Skyscraper’s lip and drew blood after Tammy tried to get the cherry from Skyy’s mouth at team dinner at Gordon Biersch in San Francisco .
• Dragon boat racing an aphrodisiac?? After Arlene competed in her very first race, it made her want to vomit. Minutes later, she later disclosed that it got her sexually aroused. Go figure!!
• We just came to cheer?? Rod and I just got done with a master’s race in LB. We then stuffed ourselves with sushi and other goodies from the food table and decided to go cheer on the young men. The men’s boat needed a first place finish to win a medal, but was short a couple of paddlers. At the marshalling area, we were shocked when Joe and Wade thrust us into action A.S.A.P. We had full bellies, we used Joe and Wade’s paddles and vests and I had a really really full bladder. We helped the men’s boat get their medals…and I finally got to pee!!

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Janet: I try to calm down from being overly anxious and nervous - so I usually look like I'm about to fall asleep in between races =P
Caesar: try to paddle to failure every practice. During the days to come, I get rid of the weights and work the fast twitch muscles. I also try to get some cardio in. Race day, I would do mental drills and look for landmarks to know when/how to expend energy during the race. Then I go to my hotel room, dress Deej in a muumuu and abstain. Because, “JOE SAID NO!!”

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Janet: Traveling (lots!), food, outdoor activities (hiking, backpacking, beach vball, softball), planning trips and events, trying new things
Caesar: I love kayaking, softball, playing pranks on people, hanging out with Deej & friends and doing anything for a laugh.

Any advice for new Paddlers?
Janet: It hurts...it really hurts when you first start (and still hurts). But things get easier...and then it's like riding a bike. It'll come by naturally and you will never forget it! After being gone for a year - I was surprised at how quickly (I think) I picked it up again.
Caesar: First, learn to survive the practices… so you can learn to survive the races. Then, master yourself during the practices….. so you can master yourself during the races.
Be a student of the sport. Always give an honest 120%. Critique from coaches on your technique is never personal (no matter how many times) and more important, make dragon boating fun anyway and anyhow you can.

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
Janet: To grow competitively but still maintain our team's laid-back and happy-go-lucky friendly attitude. I think this is what sets us apart from all the other teams out there.
Caesar: Team wise: I’d like the Space Dragons to be known in the Dragon Boat community as a top level team that works, competes and parties hard!!

Self: Try to have a “Bruce Lee” body like John Lai’s or a muscular build like Joe. Or to have freakish strength like Rod or to have incredible paddle power to weight ratio like Wade. Oh, and have delts like Emily. Any combination of the aforementioned paddlers would be nice.

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Janet: Not so far practice location and later practices - I like to sleep in! And everyone can travel more together!
Caesar: The best change has already happened. When we got rid of the white Space Dragons uniforms and replaced them with the sacred Royal Blue ones. The white uniforms did not compliment people with spare tires, muffin tops and bra fat very well….especially my spare tire!!

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Janet: The people - I missed everyone terribly when I was gone for a year. I've never met a group of people that have so much in common - love of the outdoors and exercising, off-the-water activities, fun, friendly, comfortable. It's like my 2nd family!
Caesar: It has grown to be a close knit team. We always give hugs when we part and we rarely have drama. At least that I know of. The word “LOVE” is everywhere. We are just ….Shiny Happy People.

You have a single brother or sister. What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?
Janet: I have both, but they're not at the point where they need to be set up! Lil Lui is already on the team - he can find a girl himself! As for my sister - she can handle her own =)
Caesar: Question is, would any Space Dragon want me as their father-in-law???

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Janet: Mayana - She LOOKS so quiet and sweet...so the things she says and does sometimes just makes me laugh uncontrollably because it's so unexpected
Caesar: I think this heading should say “CHARACTERS”. Everybody adds a certain flavor to the team. I believe nearly half the team should be committed to a mental institution. Here is the top ones.

• Craziest: Galen. Loquacious, can act flaming, is hi-energy, paddles with a third person. i.e. “Paddle Harder Galen!!” However, it trips me out that he seems so morose over the intercom during the officers meetings.
• Intriguing: Wade. Charming, good looks and with a mega-watt smile. Gets his point across and is a great leader. Wade wants the team to be competitive but not at the expense of having fun. All the girls want him and all the guys want to be like him. Besides, he reminds me of that guy from the movie Kung Fu Hustle, Stephen Chow.
• Joe: Has taught me that it is okay to be a big, hard-ass, muscular kind of guy and be modest & sensitive at the same time.
• Poi Pounder Girls +1: Deej, Arlene, Tammy, Skyy and Brian. Their personalities ooze sexuality and fun. Their personalities are infectious more often than not. The tramps!!

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Janet: I can paddle for miles nonstop..but I can't even run a mile w/o stopping. No joke - ask Pearl/Emily - they thought I was being modest for the Mud Run.
Caesar: Okay, okay. I think I like coaching newbies!! I’ve learned to love seeing newbies paddle like crap at first and then see them look half way decent by the end of the day. Then they think, just because paddling with Coach Ceez was fun it’ll always be that way. They pay their fees and end up in a boat with coach meanies like Joe, John, Emily and Wade. It’s like leading cows to the slaughter house!! LOL!!

Who got you into Space dragons/Dragonboating?
Janet: Emily. And how I met her is a bit complex - but I'm glad I did!! AJ and I actually missed our first SD practice and paddled with LARD...but we went still went back to SD for the 2nd and 3rd and well..we're still here. PS - Contrary to popular belief, AJ and I were not an item back then!
Caesar: Susie Rodriguez. I joined the team just so she would stop harassing me and it was the only way to get her to “Sharrup!!” LOL!! I’m glad she introduced me to the sport.

Is Galen a hottie?
Janet: Serious????! Galen's a really great guy =P
Caesar: Galen can be my cellmate anytime!!

The 5F challenge- Week 2!

Love going to practice, but can't make it since you are stuck in another county/country? Feeling especially sore after each practice? Really want to do some cross training but don't have enough time on your hands? Want to show off that hot bod for the summer (Tempe) bikini (speedo) season? Don't you worry! the Space Dragon coaches have come up with a way to answer all of your questions...introducing the Space Dragons 5F Challenge.

What is the 5F Challenge? The 5F Challenge is a series of exercises designed to augment and enhance the workouts you already do. This Challenge has been designed for our Space Dragons Friend and Family for Fitness and Fun. 5 exercises lasting 1 minute each for a total of 5 minutes per day. If you think you can do that 5 days a week - you will be a 5F Champion! Sign up under the comment section below to commit to this challenge from your teammates and coaches and see encourage all to participate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This week's challenge!- sorry for the lack of internet delay

1 minute of Joe's Sadistic Suicides

1 minute of Rodimous' Muramoto Twist

1 minute of Janice's Lounging Lunges

1 minute of Wade's I won my woman over with my L-Walk

1 minute of Galen's I want horseshoe tris so I do T-Dips

People are wondering - How many do I need to do in 1 minute?
The answer is up to you. You have to challenge yourself and come up with the appropriate amount of effort needed. The 5F challenge is a guideline - if you want to do more than 1 minute - more power to you. If you need to rest for 55 sec of the 1 min, so be it.

Make sure you challenge yourself appropriately and come out to practice! If the webmaster has more practices than you (or even a few less) - that is not a good thing.

Let any of the coaches know if you need help with any of these exercises and don't forget to sign up below if you think you are up to the challenge.

New Ripple Website!

Check it out ...

http://www.ripplesf.com/

3rd Space Dragons Yard Sale!

We're working out the final logistics (tentatively April 18th in the South Bay) ...
but start setting aside contributions for the 3rd Space Dragons Yard Sale!

Our previous 2 Yard Sales have been big successes & have really helped us in our efforts to keep costs as low as possible for everyone - lets continue the trend!!