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May 29, 2009

Paddler Spotlight - Deej and Devant!!

Hometown?
Deadra:
Waipahu, Hawaii
Devant:
The LBC!!

Birthday?
Deadra:
3/19
Devant:
5/27

Favorite Food(s)?
Deadra:
Macaroni salad, thin crust pizza, pancit noodles, Hawaii fried noodles, shanghai eggrolls
Devant:
I’m a major sweet toother. Gimme anything sweet and I’ll love you forever!—Nutella and Robert’s cookies are a couple favs. Cheeses are great too!

How long have you been paddling for?
Deadra:
This is my third season, but hung out 2 years before that as a groupie
Devant:
The beginning of ’08 sounds about right. Tempe '08 was my first true run at the sport.

Why do you paddle?
Deadra:
Because Ceez and Joe said so and because Ceez said I was a lazy bum…
Devant:
The people (paddlers are hot!).

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Deadra:
When I am happy….you can’t be angry paddling…everyone is in such a good mood how can you be mad? And if you are… everyone will make you smile and laugh so no point in paddling mad….
Devant:
Psh! SHOOT, it doesn't even matter! I’m a better paddler all day, everyday (but I’m pretty much happy all the time)!! =P

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Deadra:
There are so many moments that made me laughed so hard that my stomach hurt and some that have brought me to tears. Someday when I am in my rocking chair thinking back…it’ll all be good memories.
Devant:
Some of many would have to be: Space Ripple Mammoth Trip '08—One word. Sardines (Thanks Jane!)!; Treasure Island '08—SD Men’s dip in the Bay and watching Ceez bruise his boys while trying to crawl back up onto the boat, boat races @ O’neill’s Pub; Portland '08—Flag catching (sometimes with one only contact lens); Tempe '09—My FIRST calling experience on the women’s boat; COL's; and honestly, watching any type of interaction between Galen and Brendan (from Ripple) makes me smile (and cringe).

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Deadra:
I eat! I know right? I should have good answers but truly, I will eat because I am excited. I will stay up late trying to get all of my homework in so I don’t have to worry about it over the weekend. Also, I couch potato and watch Two and a Half Men everynite (good show). I know it’s not exactly the ideal thing to do, but that’s what I do. :)
Devant:
For me? Show up on time! =P

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Deadra:
I play softball, crochet, talk on Skype with my kids in Japan and I am attending school.
Devant:
Bouldering/sport climbing, mountain biking, slacklining, running, singing out-loud, chillin’, surfing, hip-hop, snowboarding, long beach, dance, playing guitar, just being outside, food, nights, massages (giving and getting). I'm pretty much good for it all (except for Jason's infamous "death marches!").

Any advice for new Paddlers?
Deadra:
Have fun! We do paddle hard and for the greater purpose of being the best, but at some point it still has to be fun. Also listen to your coaches they have the water experience that will help you get to your own paddling goals.
Devant:
Just remember that everyone on this team—at one point or another—has started out as awkward, tired, and sore as you are now. It’ll all be worth it in the end if you keep at it with an open mind and a solid attitude!

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
Deadra:
The team is on the right course. They started off slow and had to build a foundation they or we as a team are exactly fulfilling the goals that we are all gaining by every year. We have all the same goals and the same love for this team. For myself, I am exercising, having fun and spending my time with people that make me smile I need nothing more.
Devant:
Personally: in the long-term--to just be free of any and all injuries within this shoulder/bicep intensive sport, as well as possibly try-out for a Premier Mixed Nat'l team (just to see how I'd fare). Team: Have each of our Mens, Women, and Geri crews earn well-deserved spots in Div. 1A along with full, consistent team participation at land workouts.

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Deadra:
Nothing, I extremely admire the people that run this team and give all of their time and dedication. I am in awe of the paddlers who give their weekends and time to travel to make this team. How lucky am I to be associated with a group of friends and paddlers that love this team so much. Changes? I am just happy to be part of this team.
Devant:
Who am I kidding? even if I elected to have practice start later, I'd still be late! More organized team outing events like team beer and bowling nights or paintball wars would be chill (why does everyone have to live so far away from each other? BOO!).

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Deadra:
I get to be as silly or serious as I want to be when I am paddling. Also, Joe takes out the water weight from the tire when I am struggling. :)
Devant:
Simple. SD love.

You have a single brother or sister. What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?
Deadra:
I don’t have a sister but if I did? Well? I would introduce her to…..Galen (he’s so sweet, right?)
Devant:
Assuming I had interested, single and looking siblings of age, they would have to be the sexiest Space Dragons around...Tran and Galen.

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Deadra:
Phil (Animal). I never know what he’s gonna say EVER! He makes Ceez and I laugh all the time!
Oh! And Galen…..his challenges with his Sexy Dances against Ripple makes me laugh so hard.
Devant:
Our team is a team full of characters. Robert (the-guy-that-knows-everything-about-anything), Brian and Jason crack me up, KMak never ceases to surprise me with his skillz and antics (a guy that carries around a bucket to practice has got some serious pizzaz), and of course Pearl because of her sheer toughness despite the mild princess exterior (I'm sure she has Nunchucks under her bed or Bo staff skills or something like that).

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Deadra:
Hhhmmm? Nothing special. No tattoos, not pregnant, not a lesbian, Ceez says I hate everything, really spoiled by my family and Ceez and I love to shop.
Devant:
I am moderately afraid of heights (ironic because I’m a rock climber). I still also wear my retainer regularly at night and will feel strange if I don’t. Also, I'm a ninja-for-hire.

Who got you into Space dragons/Dragonboating?
Deadra:
Ceez and Joe…..I am thankful they both got my chubby booty off the couch.
Devant:
Jackie “the Gimpster” Lai brought me out. The team kept me coming back for more!

How did you meet him/her?
Deadra:
Ceez (lover, I was fine video taping and eating during tournaments)
Joe (fed-up coach, hey! I was okay fetching the food and drinks for two years)
Devant:
We’re both members of an allied clan of people known as “stone monkeys” (also known as climbers).




Any additional questions you want to answer? If you were a hot dog and you were starving, would you eat yourself? - From???