Are You Coming Out To Practice? Remember To Fill Out Our Practice Polls

2024 Season Practices Begin Sat Jan 6th! ...
Check Practice Poll for actual practice dates.

Aug 6, 2009

Paddler Spotlight - Marina!





Hometown?
Marina:
I was born in Long Beach, CA; when I was 5 yrs old, we moved to Omaha, NE for 2 years and then to Jacksonville, FL for 3 years then Washington D.C for another 2 years; we returned to Long Beach when I was 12 years old and I have lived in the Long Beach/Carson area most of my adult life, except for 2 years in West Germany, when I was 18 years old.

Birthday?
Marina:
November 3....if I get thrown in the water, I STOP baking....

Favorite Food(s)?
Marina:
Filipino food and fish, salads and I love sweets!

How long have you been paddling for?
Marina:
This is my 4th year, but 3rd year with my favorite team, the Space Dragons

Why do you paddle?
Marina:
At first it was just to incorporate another means to workout, now I'm addicted to medals.

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Marina:
Either makes a difference.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Marina:
Last year when the Red team was in the finals at LB, my manly coaches showed how proud they were of the entire team, what an moment for SD...FINALLY we are the 'big boys'. Also, Monday night dinner in Vancouver, I enjoyed watching you all put down some food, especially Sammie, where did you put it?????

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Marina:
Plenty of sleep.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Marina:
I have lots of plates, I could feed over 100 people with my current collection of plates. I just think at any meal you should have a choice of what color or type of plate you use. I also crochet afghans and scarves; I love to bake and cook, it's relaxing.

Any advice for new Paddlers?
Marina:
Stick with it, we are a GREAT team of people on and off the water.

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
Marina:
My personal goal is get 'lighter' and move out of the engine room...oh yeah, and keep my eyes on the strokes.

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Marina:
Nothing...I just love this team!

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Marina:
love to go to practice, everyone is encouraging and no matter how you felt before you got to
practice, you'll be much better when you leave.

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

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Marina:
Wade...a great coach, he's full of fun, but 'mean' on the water (in a positive way). What a athlete, he sets the bar high for himself and the team and respects everyone...BTW, he could sell anyone the Brooklyn Bridge....love you Wade!

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Marina:
It's 50th birthday this year; I thought I would be depressed about it, 50 is so 'old'... But I'm happy and proud to be 50...I think they call 50 the new 40's. Most of the time I feel 40ish.

Who got you into Space Dragons/Dragon boating and How did you meet him/her?
Marina:
I was on the 'other' team, a friend of mine said I should try dragon boating, I just ended up
liking the sport; I started practicing with SD on the off-season and asked to join the team, I think Joe may now be sorry he said yes!