LB '09 - Final Prep Notes!

THE "BARE MINIMUM" SUMMARY

- Be there at 7am Saturday

- "Must Brings": uniform, paddle, pfd, potluck food, sunblock and water bottle

- Email if you need a parking pass, they are mandatory

- Plan to be there all day Saturday and Sunday
- Have fun & represent the team well, on & off the water!

FINAL PREP THIS WEEK
Taper time: no new or strenuous exercises. No injuries, soreness, or fatigue!
Eat healthy. Lots of sleep.
Wed PM practice is CANCELED this week.

PARKING
Permits are mandatory, park in lot described on your permit (map).
If you need a permit, email captains @ spacedragons.org
Display permit on dash.
No parking on residential streets.

Boy Scout Lot (Alamitos Bay Basin 4) requires permit - overflow will go to lot across from Albertson's (across the bridge).
Marine Stadium South, Turf Park 1, 2, 3 are all located south of Marine Stadium.

CALL TIME
Be @ Space Dragons Tents by 7:00 AM Sat.
Sun call time will be announced Sat afternoon.
Plan to be there all day Sat & Sun.

EQUIPMENT
Thank you all EQ contributors (chairs, tables, coolers, etc)!
Drop-off options:

1. This Wed PM practice - give to Ceez or Joe
2. Drop off at SD Tents @ Marine Stadium on Fri night or Sat 7am.
   

Remember to mark your stuff & take it home after the tourney on Sunday!

THINGS TO BRING

• Race uniform -- Space Dragons sacred royal blue jersey and black bottom
• Paddling Gear
• Potluck contribution
  
• Water bottle (we will have water & gateraid coolers to fill you up!)
  
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses / hats
• Hand-held fan, sprayers, umbrellas - stuff to keep you cool
  
• Watch
• Cell phone
  
• Towel
• Toilet Paper
• Some cash
• Camera, Camcorders (bring @ own risk)
  
• Change of clothes (casual) for Sunday post-race CoL
• SD Spirit items! (e.g., Tattoos, Face paint, Headbands, Tomahawks, etc)
  
• Fist of Fury, Caller & Steers hats/outfits, etc.
  
• Your A-game + the ever important team-first attitude!
  

LUNCH
Eat light & eat for fuel during race weekend.
Potluck on Saturday. Lee's Sandwiches (1 per paddler) on Sunday.
The site will also have food vendors.


GENERAL RACE WEEKEND REQUESTS

• The SUN is NOT your friend. Stay out of it as much as possible.
  
• Stay hydrated!
  
• Check-in w/ PEARL on arrival Sat & Sun
  
• Do NOT plan on leaving race site during the race weekend - if you need to, please let your Team Lead know (see below)
• Review the race rules here - strict enforcement!
• Frequently monitor team white boards for schedule, seating & heat assignments
  
• Be @ tent ~1.5 hour prior to your race
• Carry your cell phone when you are looking around the race site
  
• Have a good time! Look around & enjoy the scenes - just be wary of race schedule & the sun!
• Please respect the residents nearby, keep volumes low, especially in the mornings
  
• And like you always do - REPRESENT THE TEAM WELL! Good sportsmanship, "ONE TEAM" attitude, & appreciation for all the volunteers, organizers, and fellow competitors.
  

TEAM LEADS
Please support these folks as they make sure we warm-up & marshal on-time!

• SD Red -- Wade
  
• SD Blue -- Joe
• SD White -- Tina
  
• SD Women -- Emily
  
• SD Men -- Robert
  
• SD Masters -- Ceez
  

RIPPLE EFFECT
One of the best parts about race weekend is hosting our sister team Ripple Effect from San Francisco. Be sure to introduce yourself if you haven't already, and make sure their trip down to SoCal is a great one! Ain't nothing like Ripple-Space LOVE!

Great times last year (some pics below) ...
lets add to our book of awesome memories ...
we are coming even bigger & badder this weekend!!!

GAME TIME ... BRING IT!!!

Happy Jetting!

Did you miss the last cheap airfare to SF for the tourney?

Well don't worry, airlines are still in need of our dough, so JetBlue has another sale...


Hop on it if you can.



The sale includes travel from Sept. 8 - Dec. 16 on Monday-Thursday and Saturday flights. Tickets must be bookedby Wednesday, Aug. 5.



Sample fares from LGB (each way):

- San Jose ... $29

- San Francisco ... $39

- Oakland ... $39

- Las Vegas... $44

- Sacramento ... $45

- Salt Lake City ... $55

- Chicago ... $109

- Fort Lauderdale ... $119

- Washington, D.C. ... $129

- New York City ... $134

Paddler Spotlight - Sammi!

Hometown?
Sammi:
Chatsworth, Ca

Birthday?
Sammi:
4/6

Favorite Food(s)?
Sammi:
L&L Hawaiian BBQ :D, Thai Food, Boba
(see Poll on the right)

How long have you been paddling for?
Sammi:
2 ½ years?

Why do you paddle?
Sammi:
Good workout, extraordinary people

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Sammi:
Probably when I’m happy, because I paddle with more confidence.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Sammi:
Hmmmmm hehe ^^ when I chest-bumped Tran to the floor in Alcan. SORRY TRAN! (Ed Note: MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!)

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Sammi:
Visualize what I’m about to do and tell myself that I can do it.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Sammi:
Surfing, hanging out with friends, rock climbing, biking, hiking

OH, and driving!

Any advice for new Paddlers?
Sammi:
The first practice is always the most difficult, but keep coming out! You’ll get the hang of it, and pretty soon, you’ll be a pro!

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
Sammi:
I would like to go to Vancouver again so the women’s team can make it into the guts and glory race.
And when dragonboating becomes an Olympic sport, I want to be on team USA! :D hahaha

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Sammi:
Nothing :]

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Sammi:
I get to choose where we eat after practice.

You have a single brother or sister. What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?
Sammi:
UHHH, pass.

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Sammi:
Kevin Mak? He’s so silly x]

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Sammi:
Hmm, I don’t really have any secrets?

Who got you into Space dragons/Dragonboating?
Sammi:
Tammy and my dad

How did you meet him/her?
Sammi:
Dad worked with Tammy
And
He’s my dad?

Weekly Digest - 7/22/2009

Attached in the email digest was the potluck list and team dues...not posted on the internet for obvious reasons.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Space Dragons,

IMPORTANT: mandatory team meeting RE Big LB this SUNDAY, 7/26 at practice.


BIG LONG BEACH -- Aug 1st & 2nd
Less than 2 weeks away, PRACTICE like you race!
Keep up your workouts but lighten up on the weights - DO NOT hurt yourself.
Team meeting at practice this Sunday
Will pass out parking permits: please form your carpool prior to this, very limited parking again this year
Will discuss logistics
Food: if you have not signed up for the Saturday pot luck, please see Kat S or Marina (see attached sign up list)
$: tournament fee is $30, payable to Space Dragons, give to Pearl (see attached for payment status)
Note that team dues ($50) is also required for tournament participation
Equipment: we're hosting the lovely Ripples so if you have extra equipment you can share, please inform Ceez

JERSEYS
If you haven't already, please pay Tran

LAKE GREGORY (ARROWHEAD) -- Aug 16th
Fun 1 day tournament, sign up via Evite

2nd YARD SALE -- Aug 29/30 (TBR)
Pencil in the 2nd Yard Sale, either the 29th or 30th
Location in Redondo Beach, same as before
If you haven't already done so, start stashing your donations!
Outcome will affect tournament fees for San Francisco
More info to come

BOAT MAINTENANCE
SCDBC to organize boat maintenance in August
We need everyone's help
More info to come

SAN FRANCISCO/TREASURE ISLAND -- Sept 26th & 27th
We've registered 3 boats, sign up via Evite if you haven't already done so
Need lodging (tournament hotel is full) - Email Wade
Please update your Evite with lodging and traveling info

LAKE LAS VEGAS -- Oct 10th
Another fun 1 day tournament in a gorgeous resort!
Please RSVP via Evite

-- Much Love,
Pearl, Tran, Wade

Zip Zip Zooooooooom!

During our Space Dragon adventure to Vancouver, 13 adventurers journeyed to Whistler for a zipline tour situated in an ancient rainforest that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

The drive up to Whistler was beautiful! An unscheduled stop at Shannon Falls provided an opportunity to stretch our legs and take a couple of pictures. When we reached Whistler we had a bit of time for shopping and lunch before our tour began. All of us were very excited to begin the tour. Before we even left the tour facility, we were assisted into the harnesses that would become our lifelines for the next two hours, and then were driven up to the first zip line. On the way up we got a glimpse of the bobsled/luge track that would be used in the Olympics. Our two wonderful guides "showed us the ropes" on our first zipline and then sent us down on our initial attempts at flight where we soared 200 feet above the forest floor, at speeds up to 80 mph. As we zipped our way through the forest, we posed for cameras, flipped up-side-down and figured out how to take videos while zipping!!

Throughout the tour we experienced five zip lines, suspension bridges, hiking from point to point under the beautiful forest canopy and gained valuable information from our guides about the nature and wildlife that surrounded the area. Fly like an eagle is their motto and that's truly what we did!!!

Scared of the Sun?

Worried about lip cancer? How about skin cancer? Need some night repair? How about ADVANCED night repair?


Yeah I know that caught your eye.

This Thursday, July 23rd, Estee Lauder will help you out with a freebie.

http://www.advancednightrepair.com/

(Okay so I hear that link is failing now too...here is a link with the information but is not "official"...<http://blogs.trb.com/features/consumer/shopping/blog/2009/07/free_sample_of_estee_lauders_a.html> Basically it says this: get a free sample of a Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, at Estee Lauder counters. A 1 oz. bottle of Advanced Night Repair is normally $47.50.)

Happy Monday and go get that free coffee.


http://www2.mcdonalds.com/mccafe/

Or you can get a free pastry with your Starbucks tomorrow...

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/print_free_pastry.html

Paddler Spotlight - George "Panda" Toy!

Hometown?
George:
San Francisco

Birthday?
George:
I'm a Leo. I'm not getting dunked! - Good thing Galen knows that SOME Leos are born on: 7/22

Favorite Food(s)?
George:
Pandas eat Bamboo Leaves and Bamboo Shoots.... but I can be a carnivore..... I'm open to try anything........Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Brazilian, Hawaiian.....

How long have you been paddling for?
George:
6 years ? I don't remember...... The Space Dragons was a seasonal team when I joined.

Why do you paddle?
George:
To socialize, exercise and be out in the sun.

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
George:
Neither. Emotions slows me down. I want to be focused on the caller and the strokes and get the job done.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
George:
1. Hosting SD's 1st year-end party at my house, watching everyone do boat races in my back yard and worrying about Alex (Skyscraper) crashing through the glass pane or screen of my sliding back door.
2. The exhilaration, dancing and cheering when we took 1st place at Las Vegas for the 250 m and 500 m races in 2007.
3. Joe breaking down and crying out of sheer happiness and joy for the team's accomplishments.

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
George:
I would calm and quiet my mind right before each race.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
George:
I love listening to music..... my taste in music spans the spectrum: Pop, rock, disco, 80's and 90's canto-pop, J-pop, chinese classical, hip hop, Taiko, oldies..... just anything that sounds good to me... even Chinese opera. I also like gardening. I like mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges and watching my plants grow. I love the smell of fresh cut grass and it's great exercise. I would like to get back into hiking one of these days.

Any advice for new Paddlers?
George:
Go to Ikea and get one of those round cushy foamy pads for your seat.

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
George:
I want to continue paddling until my final days in this realm so I'm paying extra attention to my noisy creaking, cracking and popping shoulder. As for the team, I want to see the team continue to grow, get stronger and mightier BUT also remain the most friendly and fun team in So Cal.

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
George:
I want to teach Joe to read numbers on his GPS. When he says he wants us to do a 750 m run I want him to stop us when it displays seven five zero NOT nine five zero.

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
George:
The people and energy. The hilarious, silly and NC-17 conversations on the boat that makes Joe shake his head and bury his face in his hands.

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

Sorry but he lives in Northern California.

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
George:
Everyone is an interesting character..... I can't decide.

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
George:
My favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla.....Is that interesting enough? ...... I used to study and practice Jeet Kune Do, Kali and Muay Thai when I was younger. I got knocked around a lot..... Hmmmm, maybe that explains a lot of things about me?!!!

Who got you into Space dragons/Dragonboating? And How did you meet him/her?
George:
Dave Soo Hoo, an old vet - as well. I've known him for many many many moons.........long before many Space Dragons were even conceived or born.

Get Well Soon!

Just wanted to wish Denise a speedy recovery as she went through shoulder surgery last week. I know she's one of my few readers and wanted to let her know that we're thinking about you and wish you all the best.

Hopefully we will see you on the water soon!

7/15/2009 Digest

Space Dragons!

"Victory belongs to the most persevering..." N. Bonaparte
Bring it to practice...see you on the water!


1. TWO weeks til our BIG DANCE! LONG BEACH TOURNAMENT Aug 1-2
Paddler Fees = $30 (payable to "Space Dragons"--give to Pearl)
SAT Lunch = Potluck (sign-ups this weekend,--see Marina, Susie or Kat Smith)
SUN Lunch = Lee's Sandwiches (no cost!)

FINAL ROSTER (no flaking! You flake you pay):

RAVISHING LADIES (29)
Ana
Blanca
Deej
Diane
Em
Esther
Felicia Chanco
Grace
Jackie
Janet
Jen Touye
Jen Zhao
Joanne
Karen
Kat
Kathy Wells
Liz Mesa
Marina
Mary
Mayana
Mic Miller
Michelle Holiman
Pearl
Remi
Sammi
Susie
Tammy
Tina
Tran

STUDLY DUDES (39)
AJ (mr croissantwich)
Brian (post-race COL hydration provider)
Ceez (master muhfugger)
Chiu (Chew Macka)
David Knight (Paparazzi Pirate)
David Lui (Lil Lui)
Devant (Golden Arches)
Dominic (DOMINATOR)
Eymard (gonna get devirginized)
Ferdinand (pride of the Filipines gonna get devirginized)
Galen - SUN PM ONLY (Nipples)
Garret (catch me a fish please)
James (bring us home snacks from Japan & Taiwan please)
Jason (Mr Cougar, Black Eye Victim #2)
Javeck (gonna get devirginized)
Jeff (gonna get devirginized)
Jeremy C (BJ)
Jeremy S (CJ)
Jim (Renaissance Man)
Joe (Lazy & Mean)
John Lai (Mr. P)
Kameron (Black Eye Victim #1)
Kelvin (gonna get devirginized)
Kim (Goal=don't miss a race heat)
Kevin (Kmak)
Kurt (Ripple Power 1)
Lewis (Bolo Yeung)
Marty (incredible shrinking Martin)
Pat (Ripple Power 2)
Paul (don't forget your PFD!)
Phil (el animale)
Rick - MASTERS ONLY (Capt Ikemoto)
Rico (suave)
Robert (mr. pink drink)
Rod (pelvis thruster)
Roger (gonna get devirginized)
Scott (too hottie)
Tom (turtle)
Vernon (physical specimen)
Wade (Black Eye delivery service)

2. LAKE GREGORY (ARROWHEAD) RACE: Aug 16 (Sun)
Sign up now!
Evite has the details
Arrive early Sun AM for racing OR arrive Sat for some fun & stay the night!
~1-2 hour drive from LA / OC

3. SAN FRANCISCO TOURNAMENT: Sep 26 & 27
Sign up now!
Please update Evite with lodging and traveling plans
Team Hotel SOLD OUT - if you need a room, contact Wade @ wade@spacedragons.org
*Also looking for more crew, especially men & masters

4. LAKE LAS VEGAS: Oct 10
Gorgeous venue for a fun-filled 1-day tournament
RSVP via Evite

5. YARD SALE #2
To be held in late August/early Sept
Start setting aside contributions now. Thank you!

6. NEED GEAR?
Orders for paddles and PFDs (see Pearl)
Orders for gloves, PFDs, etc (see TK of LARD)
For Sale: Used size small PFD and 46" Burn Water Carbon Fiber Paddle (see Tran)

7. PHOTOS from LAST SUNDAY PRACTICE (7/12): click here
Thanks Uncle Tom Loesnahalazita for the 100 captures!

8. FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DRAGONBOAT CLUB (SCDBC)
Please remember no parking on Appian Way or neighboring streets, use either the metered lot or the Boy Scout lot.
There have been recent thefts in the Mother's Beach area. Do NOT leave valuables on the grassy area or bench, leave in your car if you have to.

Much love,
Pearl, Tran, Wade

Practice Photos, Sun 7/12/09

Thanks, Uncle Tom Loesneritaz, for the captures!

Check out the 100 pictures here.

Everything is free to download -
BUT PLEASE do not download all of them at full resolution as you will kill Tom's monthly usage. If you want them all, Tom can burn you a disk upon request.

As always, the captures reveal that we have much to continually improve -
but rest assured, your hard work so far is paying off as we are getting tighter & our boats are getting faster and faster.

Continue to train hard & improve your gas tank.
Continue striving for efficient & effective, on-time paddling.
Continue to maximize every inch of reach & pull w/ in the framework of our established technique.

Vancouver Recap...Finally!

Here is the Vancouver Recap courtesy of Kam. Thanks for doing such a great job!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival: Probably the largest venue for dragonboating on the west coast. Located in Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited, this festival attracts an outstanding 170+ teams. It is a tournament where one can find the best of the best teams racing in its waters, a tournament where sub 2 minutes is not that uncommon.



This past month, Space Dragons, a team virtually unknown, made their way to this tournament like a college grad entering the real world: sort of unsure of what to expect and, on top of that, wondering if this new and different experience was a little too much for them. However, the Space Dragons would not let the fact that they were now paddling with the big boys (and girls) intimidate them. The achievements they were able to make were incredible and how they performed in their very first Alcan Tournament was unbelievable. Bringing 40 something paddlers up from Long Beach to paddle in Vancouver was an achievement in itself. Actually being able to race against teams like False Creek, probably one of the best in the world, competitively was even greater. At the end of it all Space Dragons walked away from this tournament knowing that they made a name for themselves in the dragonboating world. Our Red Mixed Boat was able to make it to the Competitive B Division and was ranked the 15th fastest mixed team in the whole tournament. They were also able to make a time of 2:00.00, the fastest time Space Dragons has ever achieved. Our Blue Mixed Boat made it to the Recreation A Division, an incredibly competitive division despite its title, and came in second in the finals losing to first by a mere third of a second. Our Women made it to the Recreation A Division and managed come out in third, being our only boat in this festival to bring home hardware! (Good job women! )

Our Men, though they came in dead last, could proudly say that they raced with the toughest competition around. With a time of 2:04.35, our 8th place time in the Open Division of Alcan, could easily be a first place time in any other tournament that we compete in. Without a doubt, all of the boats that we entered in this tournament showed those Canadian teams just what the teams from SoCal are capable of.

But the tournament was not only about the racing. Space Dragons definitely made a name for themselves in the racing world, but the team also formed new friendships with paddlers from our hosts Phat Phish and bonded closer with our sister team, Ripple Effect. On Friday night, Phat Phish took our team to a restaurant called Shabu-sen, an all-you –can-eat sushi and BBQ place that filled everyone’s stomachs with good food.



I was not able to make it to the Phat Phish dinner, however, the hype about the place that they took our team to convinced my family and me to check it out, and on Monday we, along with at least 10 other Space Dragons, made our way to Shabu-sen where we ate to our heart’s content and then some. The team spent Saturday night bonding with one another at a seafood restaurant, where we ate a delicious three-course meal. During our meal, I also got in a fight with two Canadian lumber jacks, resulting in a black eye. (You should’ve seen the other guys)



Unfortunately, I was not able to attend Sundays paddler’s party(not because I didn’t want to, but because I’m not 19 =[), but from what I heard things got a little crazy at the beer garden. I did hear some stories, having to do with piggy-back rides and butt-slapping, among other things, and hangovers the next day. Some people also went clubbing with Ripple Effect, and didn’t get back to their rooms until around 3 am. Long story short, to celebrate their amazing achievements in Alcan, Space Dragons partied it up!



The memories that our team made in Alcan are too numerous to put onto paper. You just had to experience to fully feel what the team felt that weekend. I mean the whole trip was filled with chest-bumping, eye-sucking, random cheering, and that stupid Band-Aid song that got stuck in everyone’s head. Vancouver was truly an experience to remember, and if we get the opportunity to do this again next year, to those who did not make it this year, go!

Thank you coaches and captains for helping put this together! Thank you Jason for driving all of our stuff up and down the coast making sure it gets to Vancouver and back safe and sound! Thank you Sue May Tam and Anna Lee for helping us out with our Women’s boat! Thank you Phat Phish for being such awesome hosts! Thank you dad for paying for my expenses! Thank you Space Dragons for making this possible!

Sorry everyone for submitting this so late!

Paddler Spotlight - Marty!

Hometown?
Marty:
Moorestown, NJ

Birthday?
Marty:
Keeping it secret to avoid losing my contact lenses by getting dunked in the Marina. - Good thing Galen will guess that it is: 7/10

Favorite Food(s)?
Marty:
My Achilles' Heel; I like ALL foods, even the non-kosher ones that I avoid. EXCEPT shellfish and pork

How long have you been paddling for?
Marty:
Since 2004; makes this my 6th season. Not bad for an old geezer, huh?

Why do you paddle?
Marty:
It's the perfect team sport, I love the teammembers, and it's great exercise as long as one really works at it

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Marty:
I don't really know, but I'd guess when I'm happy; "angry" causes loss of focus and control and can cost me timing, efficient stroke, etc.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Marty:
There are just too many to really get a handle on them all. I guess my most notable was when I was jockeying for position at a 200m race start a couple years ago and they started the race when I was still way off the start line; a good object lesson! Probably my most favorite was a couple years ago (maybe even the same tournament) when I steered a nearly perfect race and we won by less than a second; I know we wouldn't have won if I'd done anything wrong, like getting us a little sideways at the start or not keeping a perfect line in the lane.

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Marty:
I just try to block the plethora of distractions around me and focus on what I'm about to do with either the paddle or the oar.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Marty:
Singing with the Pacific Chorale (www.pacificchorale.org) is my big thing. It was a PC member that got me into dragonboating, and I got one of our teammembers into PC, which just goes to show that what goes around comes around. Table games like backgammon, chess, bridge and various card games; sports like tennis and bicycling; lots of reading; spectator sports like baseball, hockey and football (not basketball so much). And I'm always interested in trying something new (hence my beginning dragonboating back in 2004).

Any advice for new Paddlers?
Marty:
Listen to the coaches, have fun, and remember that every one of us started out crummy and got better from there. Don't get frustrated; it takes time (I'm still trying to perfect my stroke).

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
Marty:
Sure. Win everything.

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Marty:
Frankly, I'd like to see more focus during practice; I personally think that would make a difference in our level of competition. That said, I know everyone has a different style in preparing and improving themselves; and admittedly, the insanity of this team is one of the fun things about it! But I figure there's plenty of time to party after we get off the water.

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Marty:
I can't think of one specific thing; it's the total gestalt of the team that fascinates me and demands my commitment to it.

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

I greet each morning with extreme gratitude that I don't have a single brother or sister! I know I wouldn't have to hook 'em up with anyone; the team would be aggressive enough in that respect (especially with my sister; she's a stone fox!).

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Marty:
Aw, heck. I can't think of just one; practically everyone on the team is intensely interesting, but in different ways.

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Marty:
Now, why would I want to divulge a SECRET?! Interesting facts? To me they're interesting but I'm not sure they'd be so to anyone else. Maybe the most interesting: I've shared the stage in the past with, among others, the following rather famous personalities: Linda Ronstadt, Mac Davis, Liza Minelli, Bruce Springsteen, Zuben Mehta, Eugene Ormandy, Yo Yo Ma, Aerosmith (they were WEIRD!)...

Who got you into Space dragons/Dragonboating? And How did you meet him/her?
Marty:
There's a gal who paddled with IMUA and later Aerodragons, who sings in PC, named Ruthanne Walker. Dragonboating came up in a conversation one virtual day (e-mail), she mentioned that Rick Ikemoto was building a team out at Space Park, and the rest as they say is history.

Pump up your workout! By making it shorter?

You think Joe is mean and lazy?
Well there is a reason why, No pain no medal....

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/can-you-get-fit-in-six-minutes-a-week/

My take: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) regimens require both proper warmup and also a strong base layer of fitness in order to minimize the risk of injury. This is not to be taken lightly — if you’re doing it right, you often wind up feeling like you’re going to either heave or faint after about five or six of the brief bursts of effort. (let me tell you that I have done this workout and I want to puke after the 2nd sprint - not for the faint of heart)

In short, there are no easy shortcuts.

That said, brief and higher intensity workouts are far more productive use of time than conventional training methods - it just makes you want to die...

Thanks Joe for the pain!

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

June 24, 2009, 12:26 pm
Can You Get Fit in Six Minutes a Week?
By Gretchen Reynolds

A few years ago, researchers at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Japan put rats through a series of swim tests with surprising results. They had one group of rodents paddle in a small pool for six hours, this long workout broken into two sessions of three hours each. A second group of rats were made to stroke furiously through short, intense bouts of swimming, while carrying ballast to increase their workload. After 20 seconds, the weighted rats were scooped out of the water and allowed to rest for 10 seconds, before being placed back in the pool for another 20 seconds of exertion. The scientists had the rats repeat these brief, strenuous swims 14 times, for a total of about four-and-a-half minutes of swimming. Afterward, the researchers tested each rat’s muscle fibers and found that, as expected, the rats that had gone for the six-hour swim showed preliminary molecular changes that would increase endurance. But the second rodent group, which exercised for less than five minutes also showed the same molecular changes.

The potency of interval training is nothing new. Many athletes have been straining through interval sessions once or twice a week along with their regular workout for years. But what researchers have been looking at recently is whether humans, like that second group of rats, can increase endurance with only a few minutes of strenuous exercise, instead of hours? Could it be that most of us are spending more time than we need to trying to get fit?

The answer, a growing number of these sports scientists believe, may be yes.

“There was a time when the scientific literature suggested that the only way to achieve endurance was through endurance-type activities,” such as long runs or bike rides or, perhaps, six-hour swims, says Martin Gibala, PhD, chairman of the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. But ongoing research from Gibala’s lab is turning that idea on its head. In one of the group’s recent studies, Gibala and his colleagues had a group of college students, who were healthy but not athletes, ride a stationary bike at a sustainable pace for between 90 and 120 minutes. Another set of students grunted through a series of short, strenuous intervals: 20 to 30 seconds of cycling at the highest intensity the riders could stand. After resting for four minutes, the students pedaled hard again for another 20 to 30 seconds, repeating the cycle four to six times (depending on how much each person could stand), “for a total of two to three minutes of very intense exercise per training session,” Gibala says.

Each of the two groups exercised three times a week. After two weeks, both groups showed almost identical increases in their endurance (as measured in a stationary bicycle time trial), even though the one group had exercised for six to nine minutes per week, and the other about five hours. Additionally, molecular changes that signal increased fitness were evident equally in both groups. “The number and size of the mitochondria within the muscles” of the students had increased significantly, Gibala says, a change that, before this work, had been associated almost exclusively with prolonged endurance training. Since mitochondria enable muscle cells to use oxygen to create energy, “changes in the volume of the mitochondria can have a big impact on endurance performance.” In other words, six minutes or so a week of hard exercise (plus the time spent warming up, cooling down, and resting between the bouts of intense work) had proven to be as good as multiple hours of working out for achieving fitness. The short, intense workouts aided in weight loss, too, although Gibala hadn’t been studying that effect. “The rate of energy expenditure remains higher longer into recovery” after brief, high-intensity exercise than after longer, easier workouts, Gibala says. Other researchers have found that similar, intense, brief sessions of exercise improve cardiac health, even among people with heart disease.

There’s a catch, though. Those six minutes, if they’re to be effective, must hurt. “We describe it as an ‘all-out’ effort,” Gibala says. You’ll be straying “well out of your comfort zone.” That level of discomfort makes some activities better-suited to intense training than others. “We haven’t studied runners,” Gibala says. The pounding involved in repeated sprinting could lead to injuries, depending on a runner’s experience and stride mechanics. But cycling and swimming work well. “I’m a terrible swimmer,” Gibala says, “so every session for me is intense, just because my technique is so awful.”
Meanwhile, his lab is studying whether people could telescope their workouts into even less time. Could a single, two- to three-minute bout of intense exercise confer the same endurance and health benefits as those six minutes of multiple intervals? Gibala is hopeful. “I’m 41, with two young children,” he says. “I don’t have time to go out and exercise for hours.” The results should be available this fall.

What time is it?

MIGHTY SPACE DRAGONS!
24 days till GAME TIME! (Aug 1 & 2)

1. Long Beach: DEADLINE to sign-up/withdraw from Big LB = THIS Sun, July 12
Paddler Fees = $30
SAT Lunch = Potluck (sign-ups this weekend)
SUN Lunch = Lee's Sandwiches (no cost!)

Current LB Roster:
RAVISHING LADIES (28)
Blanca
Deej
Diane
Em
Felicia Chanco
Grace
Jackie
Janet
Janice - AM ONLY
Jen Touye
Jen Zhao
Joanne
Karen
Kat
Kathy Wells
Liz Mesa
Marina
Mary
Mayana
Mic Miller
Michelle Holiman
Pearl
Remi
Sammi
Susie
Tammy
Tina
Tran

STUDLY DUDES (38)
AJ (mr croissantwich)
Brian (post-race COL hydration provider)
Ceez (master muhfugger)
Chiu (Chew Macka)
David Knight (Paparazzi Pirate)
David Lui (Lil Lui)
Devant (Golden Arches)
Dominic (DOMINATOR)
Eymard (gonna get devirginized)
Gabriel - AM ONLY (gonna get devirginized)
Galen - SUN PM ONLY (Nipples)
Garret (catch me a fish please)
James (bring us home snacks from Japan & Taiwan please)
Jason (Mr Cougar, Black Eye Victim #2)
Javeck (gonna get devirginized)
Jeff (gonna get devirginized)
Jeremy C (BJ)
Jeremy S (CJ)
Jim (Renaissance Man)
Joe (Lazy & Mean)
Kameron (Black Eye Victim #1)
Kelvin (gonna get devirginized)
Kim (Goal=don't miss a race heat)
Kevin (Kmak)
Kurt (Ripple Power 1)
Lewis (Bolo Yeung)
Marty (incredible shrinking Martin)
Pat (Ripple Power 2)
Paul (don't forget your PFD!)
Phil (el animale)
Rick - MASTERS ONLY (Capt Ikemoto)
Rico (suave)
Robert (mr. pink drink)
Rod (pelvis thruster)
Roger (gonna get devirginized)
Scott (too hottie)
Tom (turtle)
Vernon (physical specimen)
Wade (Black Eye delivery service)

2. STEERING CLINIC: THIS Sat, July 11th, 1pm
Big props to our very own STEP & PEARL for coordinating & assisting!
Will include on-water testing for those seeking certification

3. LAKE GREGORY (ARROWHEAD) RACE: Aug 16 (Sun)
Sign up now!
Evite has all the details
Arrive early Sun AM for racing OR arrive Sat for some fun & stay the night!
~1-2 hour drive from LA / OC

4. SAN FRANCISCO: Sep 26 & 27
Sign up now!
Please update Evite with lodging and traveling plans
Team Hotel SOLD OUT - if you need a room, contact Wade @ wade@spacedragons.org
Also looking for more crew, especially men & masters

5. LAKE LAS VEGAS: Oct 10
Gorgeous venue for a fun-filled 1-day tournament
RSVP via Evite

6. SD JERSEYS
Be sure to pay Captain Tran ASAP for recent order (Cash/checks payable to Tran Luu)!
Set to arrive before Long Beach tourney!

7. SD VETS assisting LB Festival Teams!
click here
Thanks, folks!!!

8. YARD SALE #2
To be held in late August, early Sept
Start setting aside contributions now!

Thank you!
Much love,
Pearl, Tran, Wade

SD Vets assisting w/ LB Festival Teams!

Very proud of the following Space Dragons for volunteering to help coach/steer some very important '09 Long Beach festival teams!

The WATER NINJAS
Scott, Kameron, Sammi

HOE! HUKI!
Emily, Marty

AT&T/APCA
Wade

Truly our honor to assist in the continual growth of our sport.
Remember that we were also once a festival team!


Special shout-out to Em & Marty for stepping up on short notice when we discovered a schedule conflict (steering clinic) w/ original willing volunteers!
Thanks, folks!

Wanna get away? To San Francisco?

For 48 hrs only (until July 8, 2009, 11:59 pm Pacific Time.)

Southwest is offering travel from Los Angeles with fares starting at $30 one-way.

Travel September 9 through November 18, 2009. Travel valid every day except Fridays & Sundays

Sounds like a good way to go to SF!

http://travel.southwest.com/specialoffers/offerDetails.html?id=16706192&departFrom=Los%20Angeles%20-%20LAX

Thanks Tina for thinking ahead!

List of 2009 LB Festival Teams (as of July 6, 09)

Plenty of good competition awaits on August 1, 2.
Be ready!

The following is the master list of teams/divisions for the 2009 Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival:

• VIP A/B
• Electric Dragons
• Team Panda
• Team DPW
• Verizon Speed of Light
• NBC
• TECO
• AN
  
• ANGEL DRAGON
• CPAD (Chinese Parent Association for Disabled)
• Foundations for Disabled Youth (FFDY)
• OPEN (A&B)
• Los Angeles Racing Dragons
• Electric Dragons
• AeroDragons Dragon Boat Club
• Space Dragons
• Killer Guppies
• Kahakai
• San Diego Dragon Boat Team
• Ripple Effect
• MLIS Predators
• Suen Feng Loong (SFL)
• Arizona Monsoon
• The Terminators
  
• San Francisco Dragon Warriors
• WOMEN (A&B)
• Los Angeles Racing Dragons
• Electric Dragons
• Blazing Paddles
• AeroDragons Dragon Boat Club
• Space Dragons
• Los Angeles Pink Dragons
• Team DPW
• Amazon Dragons
• Ripple Effect
• DragonMax
• Arizona Diva Dragons
• AZ Sun Gui Dragons (AZ Sun Warriors & AZ Gilas)
• Morro Dragons
• San Francisco Dragon Warriors
• San Diego Dragon Boat
• NAC Dragon Boat Team
• DIVISION I
• Los Angeles Racing Dragons Black
• Space Dragons Red
• UCLA Dragonboat
• Killer Guppies 1
• San Diego Dragon Boat Team
• San Diego Dragon Boat Team 2
• CYC All Stars
• MLIS Predators
• Galileo Celestial Dragons 1
• San Francisco Dragon Warriors 1
• Tianjin University
• DIVISION II
• Los Angeles Racing Dragons Red
  
• AeroDragons Dragon Boat Club 1
• Space Dragons Blue
• LA Thunder Dragons
• Dragonauts
• CAUCI Elements
• Team DPW 1
• USC Dragon Boat
• The Warriors
• Killer Guppies 2
  
• JAWS Black
• Alameda Dragonflyers
• Ripple Effect 1
• DragonMax
• CYC B^2
• Arizona Dragon Riders
• Cal Dragon Boat
• Lincoln High Gold
• Suen Feng Loong (SFL)
• Lowell High School 1
• DRD (Davis Racing Dragons) 1
• San Francisco Dragon Warriors 2
• UCSD Dragonboat
• Mustangs
• DIVISION III
• POSERS
• Los Angeles Racing Dragons White
• Electric Dragons Yellow
• Electric Dragons Green
• Blazing Paddles
• Godmode
• AeroDragons Dragon Boat Club 2
• Space Dragons White
• Los Angeles Pink Dragons
• Club Soda
• Team Panda
• Da Tribe
• LA Harbor Dragon Boat Club
• X-Generals
• Splashing Flyers
• Team DPW 2
• CACP (Chinese American Construction Professionals)
• JAWS Red
• AT&T/APCA
• Lung Kong Dragonboat
• NAC Dragon Boat Team
• Amazon Dragons
• Ripple Effect 2
• Dieselfish
• EZ Riders
• Dragon Healers - Gold
• Dragon Healers - Red
• Dragon Healers - Green
• Arizona Gila Dragons
• Galileo Celestial Dragons 2
• Lowell High School 2
• DRD (Davis Racing Dragons) 2
• Washington Eagles
• Lightwave
  
• San Francisco Dragon Warriors 3
• MASTERS
• Space Dragons
• Killer Guppies
  
• Alameda Dragonflyers
• DragonMax
• San Francisco Dragon Warriors
• AZ Riders Masters
• San Diego Dragon Boat
• NAC Dragon Boat Team
• CORPORATE (A&B)
• Electric Dragons
• H-1 Racer
• Big Lap Cheung
• The Simple Humans
• Team Panda
• X-Generals
• Splashing Flyers
• Team DPW 1
• Team DPW 2
• Verizon Speed of Light
• Water Ninja
• Hoe Huki
• Dragon Healers - Gold
• KP Thrivers
• BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
• Los Angeles Pink Dragons
• Central Coast Survive Oars
• ALL FEMALE CANCER SURVIVORS
• Los Angeles Pink Dragons
• Team Survivor San Diego
• COLLEGE (A&B)
• Godmode
• UCLA Dragonboat
• CAUCI Elements
• USC Dragon Boat
• Cal Dragon Boat
• Suen Feng Loong (SFL)
• DRD (Davis Racing Dragons)
• UCSD Dragonboat
• Mustangs
• Lung Kong Dragonboat
• Tianjin University
• DRD 2
• HIGH SCHOOL (A&B)
• WOW (Walnut on Water)
• Awkward Turtles
• Dragonauts
• WCCLS (Walnut Confucious Chinese Language School)
• RICE (Rowing is Crazy Exercise)
• JAWS Black
• JAWS Red
• CYC All Stars
• CYC B^2
  
• MLIS Predators
• Lincoln High Gold
• Galileo Celestial Dragons 1
• Galileo Celestial Dragons 2
• Lowell High School 1
• Lowell High School 2
• Washington Eagles
• Dana Outrigger 1
• MHS Dragon Riders
  
• JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
• Belmont Shore Paddling Club
• WCCLS (Walnut Confucious Chinese Language School)
• Dana Outrigger 1
• Dana Outrigger 2
• ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
• LA Harbor Dragon Boat Club
• Fireballs

Mista July

Mr. July:
Scott "the Tsunami" Matsunami

Name: Scottie "Too Hottie" Matsunami
DOB: April 17th
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Likes: Kameron and Sammantha, L&L's, Fishing, Sammi & Kam, Bicycling, spending time with his kiddies, jazz concerts, marching band performances, talent shows, track meets, baseball games, his children, golf, maintaining cars, ziplining, working on his house, his amazing girth - of his wallet, women, his 2 greatest accomplishments in life - the lil Matsunamis...

Dislikes: White Devils, stupid people at work, when people make fun of his "simulated" hacking after race sets, 5AM telecons, people making fun of the amazing girth of his wallet, trying to sleep with his kids not home, jetsetting across America, lemonade, hidden windshield wiper buttons, punk azz kids not respecting their elders, rsvping and paying for Space Dragon events as only 1 person

Relationship Status: Ladies are you ready for this? Amazingly, this virile young man is single!!! This Cassanova is out on the prowl and is ready to tame any shrew, cougar, tiger, lioness that crosses his path. What are you ladies waiting for? Pounce on him now before someone else does...in fact, I hear Ceez was calling him a "FILF"! (I as in Ceez, not as in me...did that make sense?) Come check him out at a Space Dragon practice near you! I also hear he also spends his free time helping those festival teams out there....

Important Dates in July:
7/2 : Jimmy Dinh and Yilin (Hsu) Wentlandt's Birthdays
7/3 : AJ Chan's Birthday
7/4 : US independance Day
7/13: Barry George's Birthday

Happy Birthday Jimmy and Yi!

Notes from SCDBA Captains Meeting

A few important notes from the SoCal Dragon Boat Association Captain's Meeting this past Sat:

1) During practice, we must ensure that we stay on the right of the mid-line buoys at all times. Just as we wouldn't drive our cars on the wrong side of the street, boaters cannot violate this fundamental rule. Stay to the right.

2) In obvious conjunction w/ #1 above - no cutting corners around turns.
Especially in front of the Yachting Center. Stay to the right.

3) We must continue to proceed in a counter-clock wise manner around the island upon departing Mother's Beach. Part of the reason to do this is to go in an opposite direction as the Rowers in the community, who proceed in a clock-wise manner. This will help minimize congestion in lanes.

4) No lingering or multi-boat racing in the waters in front of and around Mother's Beach, to minimize congestion & allow other boaters ability to easily dock/un-dock.

5) ALL members - especially steers - must stay familiarized & compliant w/ Boating Rules.
Review here.

6) ALL members, please spend ~10 minutes to review the associations DB orientation video here:




7) LB Festival Teams have begun practicing in preparation for the LB tournament (Aug 1, 2). Remember that we also started as a festival team many years ago. Please show them plenty of friendly Space Dragons Love and lend a helping hand where ever appropriate. They represent the essential continual growth of our community & the sport. Some of our vets will also be helping coach / steer some teams!

8) Complementary steering clinic will be held Sat July 11, 1pm. Anyone interested in learning to steer / becoming certified should attend. Let Wade know if you are attending.

9) Boat maintenance will be held in August, after the tourney. Obviously important - thanks in advance for your participation.

Additional notes to be announced @ practice.

Let's continue to do our best to stay compliant with the important rules that help ensure safety & our ongoing cooperation w/ the greater community.

Thanks,
W

Want to know what happened on the Girl's Weekend Getaway?

Tapas and wine before noon - $30

Vineyard hopping in the bright hot sun and trying out enough wine to know what I don't like - $20+

Bratworst, chocolate-tini, niblets of food and a huge appetite - $15

Dinner at a vineyard garden while watching the sunset with live music - $30

Full day spa usage, unlimited mud bath, refreshing mineral water - $45

Picnic away from the crowd in our bikinis - $10

Bonding with the ravishing SD ladies, getting to see their girlie sides, and learning various gossip about our STUDLY SD men - Priceless.

Long Beach is coming up!!! What are YOU doing to get ready?

SD Digest and Calling all Equipment owners...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dearest Space Dragons,
Big Long Beach is ONLY 4 weeks away!! Space Dragons, we will need your help to make our teammates and our guests have a great tournament experience.

Last year, we did a great job hosting Ripple Effect, our sister/brother team from the bay area. We are hosting them again. What that means is we will need to provide paddler comforts for approximately 100 paddlers.

At the last tournament, the organizers provided tents for all the teams. But that was because the nationals was being held at Long Beach. We are not sure if they are this year. Our scouts will be contacting tournament officials to find out if we have to provide our own shade this year. If we do, have to provide our own shade for our camp(s), ....that means we will need EZ-Ups!!

To give you an idea, it took 8 to 9 EZ ups to shade 50 or so paddlers in Tempe and Baby Long Beach. We know of 10 or 11 tents we can get our hands on from our esteemed teammates. We need more!!!

Ripple Effect will be hosting us again when we go to San Francisco. Last year they had quite a spread for us. They did a wonderful job hosting us. Perhaps they did a great job because we showed them SD hospitality first!!! We can show them again…that the Space Dragons are gracious hosts.

If you folks have or can get your hands on any of the equipment below from your parents, neighbors, relatives or friends, please let me know.
What we will need are:
Ez Ups!!!
Extra beach chairs
Coolers
Water Dispensers
Tables
Food Warmers or Shaffers etc. for the Pot Luck Extravaganza on Saturday.

I hope you all are continuing to show up to practice and doing your workouts at home. It'll be a great tournament with loads of fun and racing!!!

If you have any questions, please contact me (...or Denise!! : D )

Thanks,
Ceez

P.S. I forgot to thank all those who helped with the lending, settting up and transporting of equipment for the Baby Long Beach Tournament. Thank you all for your time and efforts.

*********************************************************
Big LB tourney is 4 weeks away (Aug 1 & 2).
What are YOU doing to get ready?
Train hard.

Below is the current LB Roster:
Review & let us know ASAP if we are missing anyone
We have space for more paddlers - especially men!
Deadline to sign-up or withdraw = July 12th (Sun)

RAVISHING LADIES (26)
Blanca
Deej
Diane
Em
Felicia Chanco
Grace
Jackie
Janet
Jen Touye
Jen Zhao
Joanne
Karen
Kat
Kathy Wells
Liz Mesa
Marina
Mary
Mic Miller
Michelle Holiman
Pearl
Sammi
Susan
Susie
Tammy
Tran
Zoe

STUDLY DUDES (35)
AJ (mr croissantwich)
Brian (post-race COL hydration provider)
Ceez (master muhfugger)
Chiu (Chew Macka)
Curt (mr IR)
David Knight (Paparazzi Pirate)
David Lui (Lil Lui)
Devant (Golden Arches)
Dominic (DOMINATOR)
Dwayne (Dwayneswoopsinfortherescue!)
Eman (E)
Garret (catch me a fish please)
James (bring us home snacks from Japan & Taiwan please)
Jason (Mr Cougar, Black Eye Victim #2)
Jeremy C (BJ)
Jeremy S (CJ)
Jim (Renaissance Man)
Joe (Lazy & Mean)
Kameron (Black Eye Victim #1)
Kim (Goal=don'tmissaraceheat)
Kevin (Kmak)
Kurt (Ripple Power 1)
Lewis (Bolo Yeung)
Marty (incredible shrinking Martin)
Pat (Ripple Power 2)
Paul (don't forget your PFD!)
Phil (the animale)
Rick - Masters only (Capt Ikemoto)
Rico (suave)
Robert (mr. pink drink)
Rod (pelvis thruster)
Roger (gonna get devirginized)
Scott (too hottie)
Tom (turtle)
Vernon (physical specimen)
Wade (Black Eye delivery service)


STEERING CLINIC: Sat, July 11th, 1pm
no cost, provided by association
required for certification
email Space Dragons gmail accnt if you plan on attending

SAN FRANCISCO: Sep 26 & 27
Sign up now!
Please update Evite with lodging and traveling plans
Team Hotel SOLD OUT - if you need a room, contact Wade wade (AT) spacedragons (dot) org
Also looking for more crew, especially men

LAKE LAS VEGAS: Oct 10
Gorgeous venue for a fun-filled 1-day tournament
RSVP via Evite

YARD SALE #2
To be held in August
Start setting aside contributions now! Thank you!

Much love,
Pearl, Tran, Wade

*********************************************************