Space Dragons--the NON-Frequent Flyers (on the road)...

Hate paying for tickets? How about paying for ones you didn't even know you got (via mail)? This Space Dragon says, "STOP THE MADNESS!" Take this public service announcement as a clear HOLLA, warning, and heads up that Arizona's got photo radar speed cameras like Rod's got gunz (which I've dubbed "lightning" and "thunder" [because lightning comes before thunder, respectively!])


Here's an article to consider as you roll into Arizona this tourney weekend. And remember, while you've saved $181 a pop from those pesky tickets, consider sharing in with your fellow Space Dragon with some delicious healthy food and fuel for this weekend


...because after all, SD takes care of one another!




SAFE TRIP! NO REGRETS!!

SD Digest 3.24.10

MIGHTY SPACE DRAGONS.... Tempe, here we come! (TEMPE crew please read Tempe-specific email sent).

TEMPE crew... have you emailed your info to Denise?

1. PRACTICE
For those not participating in the Tempe tournament, there will NOT be practice this weekend. Practice next weekend 4/3, 4/4, practice poll available next week.

Wednesday evening practice starts 4/14 (6pm)

2. SPACE DRAGONS PARKA ORDER
You've seen those WARM spiffy parkas during cold mornings, now you can get your own! Tina is taking orders for Space Dragon parkas! The parka is a solid royal blue waterproof shell with black fleece lining. In addition, we're getting a large space dragons patch sewn on the back and you'll have your name embroidered on the chest. Each parka is $150. See sizes at vendor website: http://www.truwest.com/parkas/index.html (bottom of the page). Send Tina an email with your size and the name that you want embroidered. Parkas expected to be done in about a month. Already have a parka but interested in a patch for back? Llet Tina know as well. Deadline to order: Now 3/24/10

3. SCDBC BOAT MAINTENANCE -- This weekend 3/27 & 3/28. As Association members, we are committed to help with the upkeep of dragon boats. Calling all Non-TEMPE-bound Space Dragons! Please meet at Mothers Beach at 8 am. All tools and supplies will be furnished (if you have an electric sander, please bring as we may need). Maintenance usually takes 1-2 hours on Saturday and less on Sunday (dependent upon turn-out). Joint practice available afterwards! Great opportunity to meet other teams in our community. Please reply to this email if you can help either Sat or Sun.

4. YARD SALE -- SAT 4/10
Location: Redondo Beach. Save your goodies!More details to follow.

5. FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY -- SUN 4/11
Time to show your friends and family what DB is all about. Flyers and more details to follow

Much love,-- Pearl & Tran

SPACE DRAGONS TEMPE BOUND!!

Psyched for the first tournament of our 2010 season!? Let's take it on the water and paddle our it out against the finest in and around Tempe!!!

Please review ALL the information below and make sure you provide a response back ASAP if you haven't already done so!

Contact numbers - Please provide by Wed. March 24th

Please email Denise with the following:

1. Your cell phone number

2. Your emergency contact and phone number (not someone on the boat!)

Race Schedule

SAT: Call time 6:30 a.m. - Be in the team tent @ the race site (no, that doesn't mean, "I'm 5 minutes away.") Tentative Race times for Sat: This is the Sat. schedule as we know it now, just remember race heats can change at any time. Stay close and let your team leads know if you are leaving the tent areas. Expect to marshall with your team at least 1 hour before the race heat.

Heat 2 - 8:10 am - Blue

Heat 7 - 9:00 am - Red

Heat 16 - 10:30 am - Women

Heat 19 - 11:00 am - Men

Heat 30 - 1:30 pm - Red

Heat 33 - 2:00 pm - Blue

Heat 43 - 3:40 pm- Men

Heat 47 - 4:20 pm - Women

Sunday - TBD

Team Leaders (they tell you to "jump," you ask "how high!?")

Please give team leaders your cooperation for gearing and warming-up, marshaling, etc.!

Sat. night Paddler's party - 6:30 pm

Cadillac Ranch

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy

Tempe

Approx. 2 miles from the hotel (about $8 cab ride)

Weather It is forecasted to be in the 80s next weekend but remember Tempe has desert climate, so be prepared for anything, dress in layers.

Equipment

Many thanks to our equipment guru Czar for pulling together tents, tables, and coolers needed for our stay in Tempe. Those of you providing equipment that needs to be transported should coordinate drop-off with drivers.

Lunches - Sharing is caring. So, bring snacks to share! There'll be several food vendors near the marshaling area but remember to eat light and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Other important info.

Please familiarize yourself with the official race rules (see SD tempe emailer).

THINGS TO BRING:

* PFD
* Paddle
* Sacred Royal blue jersey and black bottoms
* Water Bottle
* Sunscreen
* Beach towel
* Snacks to share
* Sunglasses and hats/visors
* Watch so you know the time
* Cell phone so we can find you
* Print out of this email so you know what to do
* Chair, umbrellas (opt)
* Swim suits for hotel pool or jacuzzi (opt)
* A good team-first, ready-to-compete attitude!

In Tempe, we will probably spend quite a bit of time in the marshalling area and at the sidelines cheering on our teammates. Stay cool and hydrated - Arizona sun can be pretty intense.

Please keep away from the official timing tent. The festival organizers emphasize that this area is out of bounds for everyone. Teams may be penalized if members approach the area.

Tempe race fee is $35 per paddler. Please pay by cash or check payable "Space Dragons."

Team hotel:

Aloft Tempe

951 East Playa Del Norte Dr.

Tempe, AZ 85281 480-553-5686

Festival information:

Directions are at http://www.azdba.com/

Parking: If you are driving to the race site, see attached map for parking info. Parking at the marina is limited and will fill up quickly (No. 1). Next nearest parking lot is at Wilson Electric on Gilbert Road (No. 2). Overflow parking from Wilson Electric is at the Arizona Historical Society (No. 3). There will be shuttle pick up from Parking #3, 4 and 5. Please note the shuttle will be every 15 minutes starting at 7:30-6 PM. There will be signs posted for pick up by shuttles at the overflowing lots. However, the Marquee Theatre (#4) parking will closed at 4:30 PM, so the last shuttle pick up there would be at 4:30 PM.

Plan on being at the race site all day Sat and Sun - there will not be time to leave the site & come back during the day - we will have races running all day.

Lastly - HAVE FUN and represent Space Dragons well! We have worked hard for our strong reputation and sportsmanship, please further this with your actions at the competition. Part of the fun of this sport is making new friends within the large dragon boat community! Also be sure to thank the volunteers at the tournament. They are giving their time to make this a well run and fun event for us.
And the very last thing to remember....Support and cheer for each other - we are ONE TEAM!!!!!

Space Dragon Love,

Denise

Tomorrow, March 20 - Let's be sexy!

Can you imagine being THIS sexy? Think of the possibilities! But, you ask, "how can I get as sexy as that?" Well, my friend, let us show you the secret!

Mr. Davin da Sexy Man himself will be bringing his secret weapon (that's what she said!) to practice so we can use it during land workouts.

A few weeks ago, Davin brought his kettle bell and gave a quick primer on how to incorporate it into regular workouts. Now he's bringing it out again. Much like Emily's OC-1 Challenge, this is not something you want to miss!

So come out to practice on Saturday, and stick around for what will be a great Land Workout!







This is a
kettlebell

This is your body

on a kettlebell

ANY QUESTIONS?

SD Digest 03.17.10

The weather's warm, so let's come out & play!  Tell us if you're going to practice.

Please check the spreadsheet on the email digest regarding $ paid/owed.

1.  TEMPE

• Last weekend before Tempe, let's get pumped!
• If you have equipment (tents, coolers, tables, team eq) that needs to be transported, please drop off at practice this weekend
• Tournament fee $35, Team due $80, Paddler's party $10, all payable to Space Dragons
• Tempe specific email to be sent to participants

2.  SPACE DRAGONS PARKAS

• You've seen those WARM spiffy parkas during cold mornings, now you can get your own!
• Tina is taking orders for Space Dragon parkas!
• The parka is a solid royal blue waterproof shell with black fleece lining. In addition, we're getting a large space dragons patch sewn on the back and you'll have your name embroidered on the chest.
• Each parka is $150
• See sizes at vendor website: http://www.truwest.com/parkas/index.html (bottom of the page)
• Send Tina an email (listed on the SD digest emailer) with your size and the name that you want embroidered. I expect the parkas to be done in about a month.
• For those already have a parka and interested in getting a patch for the back of the parka, please let Tina know as well
• Deadline: Next Wednesday 3/24/10

3.  CALLING ALL CREATIVE MINDS

• Do you have a suggestion for the next Space Dragons jersey design?
• Let us know!

4.  FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY -- April 11th

• Start spreading the word!

5.  BLIND MUD RUN

• Jason is forming a team to run in the Camp Pendleton Mud Run with Blind Start America!   This is a great organization that is helping blind and visually impaired people to empower them to lead lives of independence.   Our team will be composed of 4 sighted runners and one blind runner(or a wounded soldier) will be assigned to us, also one of our sighted runners will be blindfolded!   The Mud Run is June 5th but we need to form our team this week so that we can be registered with Blind Start.  Please contact Jason for details (contact info. in the SD digest emailer).   Be a Legendary Blind Mud Runner!!!
  More details http://www.blindstart.org/

6.  RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

• Support Devant in raising money for YouthRun4Fun at the San Francisco half marathon
• See here for details

-- Pearl & Tran

MC BKizzle - He Brews, He Paddles, He COACHES!

There's a new sheriff in town! well not really, but there is a new coach, me!

So I wanted to let you know about my thoughts on coaching and give you a bit of background to me as a coach. I would like to share my philosophies and style and give you and understanding of where I’ll be coming from.

8 things you should know about me and coaching.

#1 I'm competitive: This one is obvious if you know me at all, I am very competitive. I can’t stand losing at tic tac toe let alone anything else, I absolutely hate losing. Now the question is what defines losing in dragon boating? Dragon boating can be interpreted many different ways and I don’t define losing as not getting 1^st place. I want a good run where the boat feels good, and you know everyone’s giving their best. Sometimes we don’t finish first and as long as the boat felt good and everyone gave it their best, then you just have to accept you’re not the fastest this time and improve next time. (Sometimes easier said than done, but I’ll come around fairly quickly if peeved by a race)

#2 RTR: An old coach of mine used to say this and it’s kind of stuck with me over the years. It stands for Reciprocate Trust and Respect (RTR). Trust that we as coaches can effectively lead you and are taking the necessary steps to take us in the right direction. And respect us as a leadership role. We in turn will trust and respect you as essential team members to our combined success; we certainly need each other and can’t go at it alone.

#3 I’m loud: During practices occasionally I will yell encouragements and try and get the intensity up in the boat. This doesn’t mean I am yelling at any one individual. I will also give positive reinforcement for those who feel yelling doesn’t motivate them. So when I yell it’s for 1/2 of the boat and the positive speech is for the last 1/2. So keep up the good work and I will try and figure out what your individual coaching preferences are and try to oblige.

#4 I’m honest: Sometimes too honest, I will try extremely hard to regulate this. I also ask you to be honest with me as well and if I’m doing or saying something you don’t like let me know.

#5 I want to have fun: Above all else dragon boating is about fun; if it weren’t would we really all get out of bed so early on weekends? We should definitely have balance and there is a time to be serious and a time to have fun, we’ve done a good job so far of balancing the two, so let’s keep it up.

#6 I’m here for you: This should be obvious as part of me being a coach, but seriously you need something or want to talk, give me a shout. We can hash it out over a nice pint of BK Brew.

#7 I will do my best: I don’t know everything, but I have spent a decent amount of time in a dragon boat. I will try and give you the answers to any questions you have so fire away.

#8 THE YANKEES SUCK!: I did a little research into this and this is actually a fact, weird.

Thanks all and I look forward to coaching and helping out the rest of the coaching staff in taking us to the next level. 

new one for you, ALWAYS KEEP IMPROVING (AKI) (i like acronyms!)

BK

Paddler Spotlight -- Jenn!!

Hometown:

Diamond Bar, CA, rated one of the best cities to raise children!!

Dunking Day (birthday):

October 30

Favorite Food(s)?

I SCREAM FOR EYE CWEAM (ice cream) & MOOTHIES (smoothies)!!! But, I also love Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, etc. I guess everything!

How long have you been paddling and who got you into Space?

About 3 months. Mista July (Scott) got me in!! He coached the water ninjas from Northrop Woodland Hills in July 2009.

Who got you into paddling and why do you do it week in and week out?

Although I'm afraid of the water and don't enjoy waking up EARLY (for a college student) during the weekends, the SDs are too freakin entertaining! Everyone is so different but meshes so well that it makes me feel the possibility of world peace.:) I also paddle to workout and lose weight; however, I think I've gained weight after dbing because I started eating like a Space Dragon.

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

Probably angry?!

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?

My first practice. I showed up to a huge crowd of people. I didn't know what to expect from practice or the team except from what Scott always told me, "you'll fit right in with the team." As we're doing our morning stretches, Janice makes her grand entrance by grabbing Tammy's boobies. :O Scott never told me the team was THIS comfortable with each other!

How do you prep yourself for a Race?

Eat light and hydrate! The combination of eating too much and anticipation makes me feel like throwing up.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?

1. shop, Shop, and more SHOPPING. Yes, I'm a shopaholic and I'm not afraid to admit it. Don't get me wrong, I don't buy anything expensive because I'm not loaded. When I go into a store, I dash straight to the back of the store where the sale/clearance section is. At the end of the day, it's FASHION SHOW time of all items bought!

2. FOOD! Whether it's making it or eating it! I love finding hole-in-the-walls on yelp and trying it for myself!

3. I love doing outdoorsy stuff! Things to come: hikes, pedal boating, snowboarding, rock climbing, etc. Oh oh! Anyone interested in going to a shooting range?!

4. Good ol? hanging out with friends and family  ♥

Any advice for new Paddlers?

I'm still new myself, but I would say, MAKE YOURSELF GO TO PRACTICE! I would say that waking up during wee hours on weekends is the hardest part of practice. So once you?ve dragged that hot ass to long beach, you're good to go!

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

I HAVE A DREAM to lose weight, get fit, and build endurance.

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

Not to eat at Ruby's, L&L's, or anything fatty after practice. I need to eat like a rabbit once again.

Best thing about being a Space Dragon:

Being able to be a part of the light-hearted and fun SD Family.

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

Grace. She gives THE BEST Chinese girl massage EVER, even better than those Chinese girls at the heaven on earth massage parlor that Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker went to (in Rush Hour 2).

Most interesting character you've met through the team?

But everyone has their own unique personality! I can't choose!

Something our SD readers don't already know about you:

I'm a big baby. I can do a wide variety of voice imitations ranging from baby to mickey mouse. Once mickey has come out, Disney will be ruined forever. Listen at your own discretion, don't say I didn't warn you.

If you were to trade any SD teammate for an RFX (Ripple) paddler, who would it be?

...but I don't want to trade anyone...can I not?

If you were to be stranded on an island with any 3 SD paddlers, who would you choose to get-by and pass the time with?

only three? fine, here they go: Janet because she seems to have traveled the world so she would know her way around, and she enjoys food just as much as I do! Jason because he's bold enough to do anything wild, funny, and stupid. He's probably your ticket out of the stranded island when he ends up doing something insanely smart.and Louise because gotta have my homegurl there to have our gangsta talk! She's also funny as hell. aw, can I have more? I still have a list going...

First thing that comes to mind when you hear the word(s):

1. pounce - Kesha
2. voluptuous - Curvayyy
3. predator - Janice, Tammy, Deej, Kat, Denise
4. prey - Allan
5. Space Dragons - Family

SD Digest 3.10.10

Space Dragons,

We're looking forward to a beautiful SUNNY weekend--see you on the water!

1. SCDBC SAFETY TRAINING: THIS SAT 3/13 @ 9:30

Mandatory: It's a requirement from the associationImmediately follows practiceReview safety orientation video beforehand on http://www.ladragonboat.com/

2. PRACTICE

You know the drill--visit the blog and fill out the pollThere are ONLY 4 practices before TempeWe want EVERYONE out--not just Tempe paddlers!

Continue to augment paddle practice w/personal fitness regimen--NO FADE!

We will be racing 1000m in Tempe!

Join us for 7am morning runs (Saturday) and 11:30am Abs/Core sessions (Sunday)

3. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS THIS SUNDAY

Rememember to "Spring Foward" this Saturday nightTime changes at 2 AM Sunday 3/14

4. TEMPE

RSVP deadline for tournament and paddlers' party has passed: "No Flake" policy now in place

Tournament participants MUST be paying members of Space Dragons ($80 annual team membership); $35 tournament fee; $10 paddlers' party ticket. All payable to Space Dragons

5. HELP FOR BLIND START AMERICA (BSA) DRAGONBOAT TEAM

Gary Furukawa is looking for paddlers to help this groupMost are blind/visually impared whom require 1:1 coaching. Contact Gary for details. Or meet at the El Monte training facility this Sun 3/14 at 2 PM

6. YARD SALE -- April 10

Save your goodies! Proceeds go directly to SD coffers.

7. RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

Support Devant in raising money for YouthRun4Fun at the San Francisco half marathon. See here for details: http://spacedragonsblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/every-bit-counts-running-it-for-cause.html

Paddles up,

-- Pearl & Tran

Final Part of the Coaches' Farewell SERIES -- Galen

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” ~Theodor Seuss Geisel

Space Dragons-

Well to be honest, I’m not sure why I’ve been selected to write a coach’s farewell, for in my heart - I have not left. Distance or time, does not lessen my love for the Space Dragons and what we stand for. I have always been amazed by how this team has grown and yet has kept the essence of what hooked me to the sport in the first place.

When I first decided to start paddling, I just wanted to come out and supplement my running workouts. My first thought about paddling was this is crazy! Warps? Powers? Starts? Finishes? Really? Does this workout REALLY need all these? I stuck it out and, during the inaugural/infamous Circle of Love, I realized that this team not only wanted to win badly, but was going to have fun doing it. While running away from the Po-Po, that night, I realized that the team meant more to me than simply a weekly workout (Yep! they were only weekly back then) The team, rather, took on the role as a social network of fun, love, support, and good-natured competition. This is and always will be our greatest challenge, managing the delicate balance between fun and competitiveness.

All you newbies there only is 1 COMMAND you absolutely HAVE TO FOLLOW and that is to have fun. Paddling should be fun at all times. Don't let anyone take that away from you. The competitiveness will come - and it should be internally driven. Until then, go out there, let loose, and have fun!

For the vets, I know most of you want that bling bling…but to me, success is knowing that: I gave it my all, that my teammates have my back, and that I have no regrets. All of this mean so much more than any pretty misapeled coasters. Winning is all well and good, but it’s the journey that takes you there is what is worth remembering.

I was once asked if I see myself hanging out with my SD friends 5 years from now. Not only do I see myself doing that, I hope to grow old and grey with them. In 2010 and beyond, I look forward to continued growth in the team, the love the team has for each other, and the ever expanding blog readership. I think the webmaster last year did a fairly decent job (and was quite handsome - if I don’t say so myself!), and has since been replaced by someone awesomer!

So go out there, work hard, have fun, and realize that any day on the water is a good day. Do it now, while we can, because some things are fleeting....including our health and our lives.

-Galen

SD Digest 03.03.10

Space Dragons,
How many practices till Tempe?  6! 

1.  PRACTICE

• Make it a habit to visit the blog and fill out the poll
• The weather has been crazy lately...What is protocol?  Check the blog!  We will post cancellations by 6:30PM the day prior (i.e. 6:30pm Friday for Saturday practice; 6:30pm Saturday for Sunday practice).  Otherwise, practice is ON.
• GET YOURS! Work hard for your win. 

2.  TEMPE

• RSVP for Tournament Evite deadline is this Sunday, March 7th
• RSVP for Paddler's Party deadline is this Sunday, March 7th
• "No Flake" policy enforced after 3/7 for both events
• Tournament participants MUST be paying members of Space Dragons
• If you have not given Pearl your weight & side preference, please do so ASAP, need for boat seating

3.  FINANCES

• See Digest spreadsheet for payment status; highlighted cell means you owe that amount; filled-in number is what you paid
• Cash/Checks payable to Space Dragons 

4. YARD SALE -- April 10

• Save your goodies & help raise funds for team expenses

5.  2010TOURNAMENTS

• See Evites for all tournaments in the weekly SD digest emailer.

6.  LONG BEACH TOURNAMENT RECRUITMENT

• Interested in recruiting new college and/or corporate team(s)?
• Dr. Chen is offering $300 incentive for the team
• Let us know and we'll work with you!

7.   SD Apparel & Gear?

• See here for details.
• Need a paddle? Contact Pearl
• Need a PFD? Contact Tran
• Need a jersey for Tempe? Contact Tran
• Anything else? Email us!

Cheers,
-- Pearl & Tran

Every Bit Counts! -- Running it for a Cause

Mighty Space Dragons and Friends,

I’ve always admired people who live like it matters. Stout ones who dive right in and straight up live well for themselves as well as for others around them. Ones who don’t smoke; who give back; who exercise and eat right; those who just plain LOVE. The individuals of the Space Dragons crew are no exception when it comes to such things.

Earlier this year, I decided to “be the change [I] want to see in the world” by not only doing something meaningful for myself by running the SF half in July with a few of our fellow SD/RFX paddlers, but for others by raising money for YouthRun4Run, an inner city youth running program managed by the non-profit organization Committed 2 Community (C2C). $500 will be my goal, but the sky's the limit!

I've realized that despite the wake of disasters like those in Chile or Haiti, along with the presence of global changes and a hardened economy, people helping their fellow people by thinking globally and acting locally no matter how large or small the gesture really does matter.

Please take a moment to consider donating to the cause I've chosen by visiting my fundraising page. Thanks much for helping take part in this experience in changing it up for the better. None of it really happens without the support of caring peeps like you. SO, whether you decide to donate a penny, a thousand dollars, or simply your time in reading this, I appreciate your support in helping me realize my goals as an agent of change in this global community.

Much love for your generosity & support and see you on the water!

--devantosaurus rex