Dedication. Desire.

冬景色 from Kenny Kaneko


As we get into the heart of this new race season, there will definitely be some bumps along the road.  Mornings where we're sore.  Days where it's cold.  When you just wonder if it's all worth it.

Always keep in mind that somewhere out there is someone who's going to want it more.  Who's motivated... possibly more motivated.

Let's be the most motivated and hardest working bunch on the beach.
No regrets in 2012.

PS I just thought this video was pretty awesome too, so just wanted to share.  ;)

PPS enjoy your new found ability to leave comments here with your Facebook credentials!

SD Digest 2/29/12

Happy LEAP DAY Space Dragons!  

Word of the week: Fitness!  ...  For many of us the OC2 Time trials were an eye opener … Time to awaken the beast from that Winter slumber =)

1.  Tempe, Tempe, TemPEEEE – 3/31

March 31st is one week closer!!! Time to take care of business:  

·         Carpooling: Do it, because driving alone is bad for the earth ... and it sucks.  Email captains if you need carpooling buddies.

·         Lodging: We recommend sleeping in a hotel room. The weather should be nice, but we still think sleeping indoors on a bed is probably a good idea.  

Email captains if you need bunk mates.  Alternatively, there are still rooms available in the Space Dragons room block at team hotel (rooms will be released on March 1 [tomorrow!!!!], so move fast!).  Check the Evite for details.

·         More Paddlers! We still have room for a couple more paddlers, but we're almost filled up!  So it's not too late to sign up and join in the fun! 

Sign up on Evite!

·         No Flake Date: March 4. Clear your schedule and sign up NOW!!

Note: If you have already setup transportation and lodging and have space in your car and/or room, email the captains so we place our orphans!  

2.  Baby Long Beach – Sun 4/29

One day, local fun in the sun, sign up on the Evite!

3.  OC-2 Testing Make-up – Sun 3/4

RIGHT AFTER PRACTICE!  For those that made early arrangements or were sick, Sunday after practice.  Contact the coaches to see if you qualify!  

4.  UPCOMING EVENTS

·        March 10: Ladies' Night:  Pillow fights in SD Jerseys.  Evite coming, right Janet? ;)

·         March 24: Beach Clean-up:  Keeping our beach clean and showing the community some love!

·        April 6: SD Social: First Friday @ Natural History Museum in LA

·        April 7: Friends and Family Day:  It's not too early to start thinking about who to invite.

·        May 5: SD Yard Sale:  Spring cleaning? Save your stuff for the Annual Yard Sale! 

  

SO, did you sign up on the evites and email the captains accordingly?

 

Die Kapitäns!

It's Coming...

This weekend, it's coming...

Jerseys! Last Chance

Yay Jerseys! Last chance to order your very own special Space Dragon Jersey!

PAY GALEN THIS WEEKEND

The Italian Guy in this picture would look good in one of our new Jerseys!
PAY GALEN THIS WEEKEND!

$21 per regular jersey

PAY GALEN THIS WEEKEND!!

$56 for bike Jerseys

PAY GALEN THIS WEEKEND!!!

Check out Princess Pearl's B..ike Jersey!

PAY GALEN THIS WEEKEND!!!!

Who knows what the prices will be like for the next order.

PAY GALEN THIS WEEKEND!!!!

Orders will no longer be accepted after 11:59PM Sunday 2/26/2012

PAY GALEN THIS WEEKEND!!!!

Ohh and did I mention to:

PAY GALEN THIS WEEKEND!!!!!

Paddler Spotlight: Zina

Remember kids: Sugary drinks on race day makes for strong bones and great teeth!

Dunking Day: Dec 30th

Good race day eats!

Favorite Foods: Fresh fruit, sushi, protein bars

How long have you been paddling: Since June 2005

Believe it or not, beneath the Under Armour shirt and cap, Thomas is actually a cyborg sent from the future.

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

 My brother Thomas and I joined another Long Beach festival team in 2005. Six years later, I decided to join the Mighty Space Dragons to stay active on a year round basis. Sometimes its stressful day in and day out when you have an adult job and adult problems. Getting out on the water, staying active, and teaming up with some wisecracking paddlers is a form of stress relief for me.

Under what conditions are you paddling at your best?

Ideally I paddle best when I am not hungover, and the stroke rate is nice and steady. ;p (Editors note: kids, by hungover she means feeling sick from eating too much candy.  Yeah.  Candy.)


Is there anyone non-paddling related in your life that motivates and inspires you?
Yes, of course. I'm inspired in all areas of my life - everyone in my family, work mentors, celebrity chefs, fashion designers, artists, people who make or play good music, etc.

One of these....is not like the others....one of these just doesn't belong...

What's your absolute favorite Space Dragon memory?
Hmmm, Party Rock Flash Mob of 2011 is the obvious choice. But I actually think my fave memory is hanging out at Matsunami Orphanage for the first time. I felt welcomed to the team, welcomed to the family... good times.

If you had a working time machine for a single day, where / when would you explore and why?
First I would make sure I take a photograph with me into the time machine, just like Marty McFly. Then I would go visit my family, both past and future. I would stretch that single day to as long as I could. Hopefully whatever I do, I don't erase myself from that photograph.

This picture has no context w/ this interview.  Nor is that even Zina in the costume.  Yet it must be used.

What do you do when your'e not paddling?
I take on creative projects, cook meals, catch up on my to do list, dance and sing when no one is watching, or go on random adventures.


Any advice for newbie paddlers?
A dragon boat stroke is a lot like a golf swing. There is a lot going on all at once. You will probably get frustrated, but eventually it will all click. And when it clicks, it keeps you coming back for more.

What's that Andy?  I can't hear what your'e saying... 

How do you get prepared for a race?
Depends on my role on the boat. If I'm paddling, I prepare by keeping my heart rate up in the staging area. If I'm calling or steering, I prepare by observing the earlier race heats.


Do you have any paddling related goals at the moment?
Participate in as many tournaments as I can.

Who's the most interesting character you've met from the team?
Rod. If you think about it, he's looking out for your best interest. He's the only one on the team to make sure you're fully equipped, steer you to safety, and lead you to a fit and better body.

What's the best thing about being a Space Dragon?
The best thing about being a Space Dragon is being inspired by other Space Dragon teammates.

Sorry Zina, I think Raja is too busy stealing Andy away.... the bromance is strong on this team.

Brianne looks mad about being relegated to "ex" status.

If you were stranded on an island, which 3 Space Dragons would you want to be stranded with?
Andy, my boyfriend. Brianne, my ex-girlfriend. And Roger, Bri's bestest friend. <3


Name something our readers don't know about you?
I'm sort of ambidextrous. :)

SD Digest 2/22/12

Greetings Space Dragons!  

 

Last day to update this week's Practice Poll! In other words Digest day!

 

IMPORTANT stuff this week!  ...   Let's read on shall we?...

 

1.    Arizona Dragon Boat Festival aka temPEEEE

March 31st is creeping fast, sooooo:  

Carpooling: Do it, because driving alone is bad for the earth ... and it sucks.  Email captains if you need carpooling buddies.

Lodging: We recommend sleeping in a hotel room. The weather should be nice, but we still think sleeping indoors on a bed is probably a good idea.  

Email captains if you need bunk mates.  Alternatively, there are still rooms available in the Space Dragons room block at team hotel (rooms will be released on March 1, so move fast!).  Check the Evite for details.

More Paddlers! We still have room for more paddlers, so it's not too late to sign up and join in the fun!  Tempe is our season-opener and always a guaranteed good time for newbies and veterans alike. Sign up on Evite and bring out your friends, still time to get in shape!

No Flake Date: March 4. Clear your schedule and sign up NOW!!

 

2.  2012 DUES

 

You know the drill !    

 

3.   

OC-2 Testing and Steering Clinic - Sun 2/26

Baseline testing for 2012 as well as for Tempe. We will hold practice, which will also be the Space Dragons steering clinic. So definitely come out if you are interested in learning to steer.

Sign up for OC-2 testing HERE! 

4.  

Steering Certification - Sat 2/25

3 people certified for the 1st time last year, you know who you are. You need to Re-cert this year and this Sat is a PERFECT time to do it. Also anyone who thinks they are ready to get certified should DO IT!   RSVP to steering@ladragonboat.com

 

What:    SCDBC Steering Certification

When:   Saturday, February 25th, 1pm

Where:  Mother's Beach, look for Step! 

 

5. Steering Video Shoot -  2/26

Extra paddlers also needed for Steering Video Shoot on Sunday, February 26th, at 9:30am. Please wear a white shirt. RSVP to steering@ladragonboat.com

 

6.  UPCOMING EVENTS

March 3: Lantern Festival.  We will be participating in the Lantern Festival at the Chinese American Museum in downtown LA.  Volunteers needed to help introduce people to the sport of dragon boating and the Space Dragons.  This will be a post-practice event. Contact captains to volunteer!

March 10: Ladies' Night.  Pillow fights and lingerie.  At least that's what I've grown up believing.  Details to follow.

March 24: Beach Clean-up.  Keeping our beach clean and showing the community some love!

 

April 7: Friends and Family Day.  It's not too early to start thinking about who to invite. 

7.  Jerseys

LAST CHANCE to get in on this early season order! We may not make another order for many many months.

Also you last chance to confirm Galen has your order correct.  Check the attached spreadsheet before it's too late! 

8.  Invitation from Yilin

I thought it would be nice to invite you all to a recital (a concert with me and a piano) that I am giving next week, Saturday, Feb 25, 3:00pm.  It's at a church in El Segundo, and there's no admission, open to the public.  There will be a light reception afterwards, too!  Flyer HERE!

        -- Yilin Hsu Wentlandt

 

 

-- Your Captains

Red/Blue/White Selection Criteria 2012

Most of you have been around long enough to know how the coaches decide who paddles on which boat. Since it's a new season, here's a reminder of the Red/Blue/White selection criteria, as well as a few bubble busters in case there are multiple paddlers who are equally qualified under the usual criteria.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How do the coaches determine who paddles on which boat? It's no black magic. The coaches make the decisions based on what we believe is best for Space Dragons as a whole, and we use the following set of criteria:

1. Practice Attendance - Quantity and Quality
Coming to practice makes you a better paddler. Only at practice do you get the opportunity to sit in a dragon boat and get coaching on your technique. You work on starts, finishes, pacing, timing, blending, paddling-specific conditioning. How do you become a more effective paddler? Paddle more! BUT, just showing up isn't enough. In order to become a better paddler, you need to take advantage of the time on the boat by staying focused and determined, and by seeing every single stroke as an opportunity to make our team better.

2. OC-2 Water Testing
The OC-2 time trials are the best way for both you and the coaches to measure your individual contribution in getting the dragon boat past the finish line. Even in a dragon boat race, each paddler pulls some dead weight (the weight of the boat, plus the caller and steersperson). Similarly, in an OC-2 each paddler pulls the boat weight plus Devant. Water testing isn't everything - it doesn't show how well your technique blends with the rest of the paddlers, and it doesn't show how good your timing is, both of which are essential to being a good dragon boat paddler. What it does show is your fitness level, strength and how effectively you connect with the water to propel a boat forward. New this year: if you cannot make it to either the primary or make-up test dates with an excuse cleared with the coaches, your previous test time from the same season can be used (2011 times are invalid for 2012 tournaments). Remember, people tend to get faster as the season goes on, so it's in your best interest to test before every tournament.

3. Land Drill / Core Workout Attendance - Quantity and Quality
Dragon boat races are an athletic competition, so physical fitness and strength play an important role in how quickly we cross the finish line. Participating in the land drills and core workouts designed by Coach Galen helps build that foundation. Again, just showing up isn't enough. You need to push yourself in order to make yourself (and the team) stronger. Bubble buster: bust your ass at the SDWW!

4. Coaches Discretion
There are many unquantifiable qualities that make a good dragon boat paddler, things like timing, experience, technique, focus and a team-oriented, positive attitude. These are some of the things that the coaches watch out for when we stand at the bow during practice. A boat of the twenty "strongest" paddlers is not our fastest crew if they can't work together and motivate each other.

As always, if you have any questions about the selection criteria, any of the decisions that are made or what you personally can do to make yourself a better paddler, don't hesitate to ask! We want each and every one of you to finish off this season with NO REGRETS!

SD Digest 2/15/12

Ahoy Space Dragons!  

It's that time again.. for the DIGEST! Your weekly summary of events and going-on's in the world of the Space Dragons!

So what do we have in store this week? Let's read on...

1.  temPEEEE

Yo, seriously, it's 1.5 months away.  That's March 31/April 1.  

Carpooling: Do it, because driving alone sucks.  Email captains if you need carpooling buddies.

Lodging: We recommend sleeping in a hotel room. The weather should be nice, but we still think sleeping indoors on a bed is probably a good idea.  

Email captains if you need bunk mates.  Alternatively, there are still rooms available in the Space Dragons room block at team hotel (rooms will be released on March 1, so move fast!).  Check the Evite for details.

More Paddlers! We still have room for more paddlers, so it's not too late to sign up and join in the fun!  Tempe is our season-opener and always a guaranteed good time for newbies and veterans alike. Sign up on Evite and bring out your friends, still time to get in shape!

No Flake Date: March 4. Let's do this!

2.  2012 DUES

Oh I know... you've heard it all already.  

Lots of "pay your $100 2012 dues" 

... followed with a little "pay your tore-nament fees" 

... and maybe some "you're late with your 2011 dues and fees, so pay up" 

... with a sprinkle of "the team is fronting all this cost signing up for tournaments and needs your money!" guilt trip line.  

But hey, at least we haven't resorted to calling you a deadbeat yet, right? So pay up, deadbeat! Yea, you know who you are! But in case you don't know who you are, email Denise.

When I inquire about who has paid this weekend during announcements, there better be a bunch more hands raised than last weekend

 
3. SD BOARD GAME NIGHT

Who:    You!

What:   Board Game Night

When:  4:00pm, Sunday February 19, 2012

Where: Zina and Andy's place. 

Why:    Team bonding time! And do you really need an excuse to come hang out with your lovely teammates?  

Parking will be free for Game Night guests.  More details on Evite.

What to bring: Potluck-style snacks and drinks.  Bring some Scooby snacks for yourself, a little more to share. More details about dinner will be sent through the Evite.  Maybe also your favorite board game from home.  Perhaps a little cash for a Yogurtland run.  Or Little Tokyo bar hopping. (Oh My!)

4.  JERSEY ORDER

These are the new very slick looking dye-sub blue jerseys we started wearing at the end of 2011.  Want to see a sample?  There is also the bicycle jerseys!

Please review your order on the attached spreadsheet in your email:

* If your order is not correct, I strongly suggest you email Galen to correct your order.

* If you want to order a jersey and have not, email Galen.  Orders will be put in SOON, so talk to Galen!

* Update/Order deadline Thu Feb 16!!!   That's TOMORROW for the Date-Challenged (and I don't mean the folks who ate dinner alone last night. Oh woe is me!).

5.  IN REMEMBRANCE OF JASON

• Brian will have JH patches for sale. Proceeds to go to the Hafer family.
• Celebration of Life event on Saturday, February 18 at 2PM with happy hour to follow.  See Evite.
• May 19 San Diego Century Tour - we will be riding the 37 mile route in remembrance of Jason.  Buy a discount voucher here for the 37 mile ride, then sign up and join us.  Today is the last day to buy the voucher (50% off). Don't have a bike? We'll try to set you up with one. 
• Need a Bike Have a Bike: Check the GDoc in your weekly email to organize bikes for the San Diego Century Tour!

6.  UPCOMING EVENTS

February 26: OC-2 Testing & Steering Clinic: Testing for Tempe. But also for yourself!  We will hold practice, which will also be the Space Dragons steering clinic. So definitely come out if you are interested in learning to steer.

March 3: Lantern Festival.  We will be participating in the Lantern Festival at the Chinese American Museum in downtown LA.  Volunteers needed to help introduce people to the sport of dragon boating and the Space Dragons.  This will be a post-practice event.

March 10: Ladies' Night.  Pillow fights and lingerie.  At least that's what I've grown up believing.  Details to follow.

March 24: Beach Clean-up.  Keeping our beach clean and showing the community some love!

April 7: Friends and Family Day.  It's not too early to start thinking about who to invite.

7.  Invitation from Yilin

      I thought it would be nice to invite you all to a recital (a concert with me and a piano) that I am giving next week, Saturday, Feb 25, 3:00pm.  It's at a church in El Segundo, and there's no admission, open to the public.  There will be a light reception afterwards, too!  Flyer HERE!

      -- Yilin Hsu Wentlandt

-- les capitaines

They Love Us! They Really, Really Love Us!

On a slightly more upbeat note, our dearest friends and fellow early Saturday morning diehards, the LA Pink Dragons stopped by to send their condolences and to wish us a happy Valentine's day. There is no resisting Space Dragons charm!

Thank you to all the beautiful ladies of the Pinks and an ESPECIALLY large thanks to whomever it was that baked those amazingly dee-lish chocolate chip walnut cookies. They were totally worth the extra crunches required to burn them off during land workouts.

See you on the waters, Pinks!

In Memoriam, Jason Hafer

Dear Space Dragons, 

As many of you already know, we lost a dear friend last night.  The Hafer family would very much like to thank this extended family for the outpouring of love and support seen on Facebook.  

If Jason touched your life and you are so moved, we are putting together a donation fund to help the Hafer family with funeral expenses and to help fly his parents to California for the services.  All donations can be made to the Space Dragons and given to Denise or Roger.  If you are writing a check, please include "FBO Hafer Family" in the memo line.

Additionally, we are also putting together a ride in memory of Jason during the San Diego Century Tour on May 19.  Buy a discount voucher here for the 37 mile ride.  Let us know you are joining us via Facebook, here - or email captains if you are not on Facebook so we can keep track.

Much love and eternal peace. 

*********************************UPDATE*********************************

On Saturday, please join us for a moment of silence immediately following practice.

On Sunday, please join us for a short flower celebration on the water during practice.

On February 18, there will be a Celebration of Life in honor of Jason.  Please RSVP via Evite and/or Spacebook. We are also still collecting a donation fund for the Hafer family. Please check your email for details.

Thank you all for the support, and for supporting one another. 

On Staying Positive

One night during a weekday workout, I found myself pitted through a series of challenging bleacher exercises...

The dread started with quad punishing bunny hops to the top of the bleachers and down. Next, I was met with a harsh set of 20 Mason twists at the base of the first set of stairs. Follow with an all-out sprint up the next set of steps and down, 20 dips on the stadium seats waited for me to do with yet another backbreaking bleacher sprint. What followed? Only 20 grueling elevated push-ups to start the last excruciating sprint. 20 plyo jumps later, I was slated to rinse and repeat for another 7 times!

I try my damndest to move through the flow of exercises without stopping or cheating on the sets, yet the acid in my legs sends thoughts to my brain with flashbacks of Rocky training for Apollo Creed. "You're a BUM," I think to myself. Muscles spaaazz and quiiiiiver. Breathing turns into gasps and grunts as I hurl obscenities into the bleachers. "Why am I doing this to myself?" I question my motivation to finish out the set and whether or not I really know my limits. Why did I choose these exercises to do right now when I could be eating, sleeping, or otherwise getting comfortable on my couch. I begin to wonder if I really have time to do these workouts at all. My lungs are on fire, legs like Jello, and the breath in my mouth is visible frothy foam. For a few moments I even hate training. But then I realize something....I'm only just resisting.

In realizing the resistance, I get it--and I finally let go, smiling into the pain. I know exactly who's doing this to me. It's because:

1. I'm in the class.
2. I know I'm capable of strength.
3. I can stop anytime I choose--on my own volition.

In reality, I'm doing a set of exercises that I've done over and over already--I know I can do it better. I continue on to let it all go as I allowed the pain to become my teacher.

This was a huge lesson for me. There have been times when I let negativity cloud my judgment because I'm feeling either tired, unmotivated, or otherwise sapped for morale; times especially in the early weekend mornings when I think to myself, "GUH, I didn't get enough sleep. I've got other things to do. They'll hardly miss me. I'm too tired. I partied too much last night. I won't make my goal anyways. Its cold out. (Insert excuse here).

I've been crazy to think, "Why am I doing this to myself? Why do I have so much to do? Why should I keep trying? Shouldn't people know that I have a life too?"

Now I get it. The truth is I do this to myself because:

1. I'm in the class.
2. I know I'm capable of strength.
3. I can stop anytime I choose--on my own volition.

I do it to myself. Developing a positive attitude is only one piece of what it takes to be a champion competitor. Along with skill, talent, drive/mental toughness, discipline, patience and a myriad of other things--positivity is one of those pieces that is worth the effort.

Here are some things you can focus on to remain positive throughout this season:

• Focus less on the external factors (placements, beating this team or that, etc.)--instead focus on what you can control; you control your attendance, your workouts (and the quality thereof), the  company you keep, and how you view yourself in it all. Your thoughts, speech, beliefs, actions, and attitudes create the picture part of your life. Draw it well.
• Attitude with gratitude--Even when life is miserable, small, good things happen--sometimes only fleetingly--that not only make life livable, but meaningful. Being receptive of the small, medium, or large moments of pleasure reminds us to be grateful and leads to familiar "things could be worse" reminders. Show gratitude to yourself for having perfect timing on that last set, finally getting down the feathered recovery, being able to do 10 consecutive push-ups--however small or large, be grateful for those growing moments.
• Take it personal to be the 0.1 second difference in a race. Nuff said there.
• Be here now--mulling over mistakes, misfortunes, or missteps in the past prevent a person from truly living in the present and can hinder the growth of a positive attitude. Worrying about the future in how you'll do and the good or bad events yet to come wastes valuable "now" time. That's why the turtle master from Kung Fu Panda (Master Oogway) was so wise when he quoted saying "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."
• Make your positivity infectious! People who have positive, happy attitudes seem to exude positivity from their pores. A person with a positive attitude can help lift and impact others in need. Pay it forward Space!

"A man is but the product of his thoughts.
What he thinks-he becomes" -Gandhi

SD Digest 2-8-2012

Happy Hump Day Space Dragons!  It Digest Dayyyyyyyy!

 

1.  TEMPE

Tic Toc ... March is just around the corner! 

Tempe Races are March 31/April 1.  Do you have your carpool buddies and lodging situations sorted out?  If not, email captains and we'll set you up with some bunk mates and/or put you in touch with teammates who live near you for carpool.  Like your privacy? There are still 5 rooms available in the Space Dragons room block at team hotel.  Check the Evite for details.

We still have room for more paddlers, so it's not too late to sign up and join in the fun!  Tempe is our season-opener and always a guaranteed good time for newbies and veterans alike. Sign up on Evite and bring out your friends, still time to get in shape!

 

2.  PORTLAND

Come with us to the land of rivers, big fat dragon boats, VooDoo Donuts, and more Canadian Geese than you can shake a stick at. Oh, and the tasty beer! (for kiddies age 21 and older)

We have a full boat of participants already, let's make it TWO!

June 9-10 is apprroaching fast, so sign up via Evite!

3.  2012 DUES

You know the drill.  Thank you for helping us make our registrations on-time.  We must register by May for all the season's events, including San Francisco Tournament and the YE Party! So do you part and pay your dues!  If you are not sure if you owe back-fees, please email Denise.  If you have issues in fronting the dues, pay in increments with a final payment Goal of June. Thank you for helping us keep the team running smoothly =)

4.  WEEKDAY WORKOUTS

OH Yeah! The Space Dragons Weekday Workouts are going strong! Email Devant for South Pasadena and Em/Galen for South Bay.  GET YOUR BEAST ON!

 

5.  SD BOARD GAME NIGHT

Who:    You!

What:   Board Game Night

When:  4:00pm, Sunday February 19, 2012

Where: Zina and Andy's place. 

Why:    Team bonding time! And do you really need an excuse to come hang out with your lovely teammates?  

 

Parking will be free for Game Night guests.  More details on Evite.

What to bring: Potluck-style snacks and drinks.  Bring some Scooby snacks for yourself, a little more to share. More details about dinner will be sent through the Evite.  Maybe also your favorite board game from home.  Perhaps a little cash for a Yogurtland run.  Or Little Tokyo bar hopping. (Oh My!)

 

That's just 12 days away, so MARK it on your calendar and save the date.  Then sign up on the Evite!

 

6.  JERSEY ORDER

These are the new very slick looking dye-sub blue jerseys we started wearing at the end of 2011.  Want to see a sample?

Please review your order on the attached spreadsheet:

* If your order is not correct, I strongly suggest you email Galen to correct your order.

* If you want to order a jersey and have not, email Galen.  Orders will be put in SOON, so talk to Galen!

* Update/Order deadline Thu Feb 9!!!   That's TOMORROW for the Date-Challenged

 

7.  LADIES NIGHT

If you are a member of the fairer sex, Marina is setting up the next Ladies' Night for March 10.  If you are not sure whether you belong to the fairer sex, believe me when I say that you don't.  Save the date!

 

-- Your Captains 

Part 2 of the Coaches' Farewell Series -- WE MISS CEEZ!

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

Aloha Space Dragons!!  Welcome to the 2012 Dragon Boat season.  If you haven’t already heard, I have relinquished my coaching duties with the Space Dragons.  I would love to continue coaching but I have to honor my other obligations that I have at work, with my family and unfinished chores at home.  Also, I need to have some quality time with my sweetie… Deej.    But being together at practice IS quality time isn’t it??  : )

Being a coach made me really appreciate what coaches do for the team.  I’ll have you guys know that the coaches make great sacrifices to achieve our goals.  More often than not, they sacrifice their time and go beyond the call of duty more than the average paddler.  They have to be your friend, your teacher, a psychiatrist and they try to be fair.  They have to do all that and still try to make a winning team. When Joe asked me about 5 years ago that I should coach I asked him, “doesn’t one have to know how to paddle before one can teach someone to paddle?”  He said I was more than ready.  Ooookay, I thought the big lug must have lost his mind suggesting that I coach on the team.  I tried to model myself after them.  I took all their great coaching traits and added my own Poi Pounder (softball team) spice to the formula. 

I’d like to say, nothing pleases me more than to see a boatful of newbies leave the beach paddling like crap only to return to the beach somewhat looking like seasoned vets.   I also like to see people grow as a paddler and making big contributions when they get the call to perform on the elite boats. I would like to thank you all for the wonderful memories and putting up with me and my bad jokes during my tenure as a coach.  I would like to apologize for all the cursing and (unintentional) innuendos I may have said while coaching on the bow.  If you thought what I said was sexual, racial or of bathroom humor nature, shame on you for thinking such thoughts!! 

I would also like to thank Joe, Wade, Rick, recently departed Yackie, the captains and the current coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to coach on a team with such great people.    Special thanks go out to Deej for being patient with me and my coaching duties.  I forced her out of bed to go to practice many times because “I have to be there!!”  Also, she had to go to bed alone many nights while I stayed up late to review and edit seating charts. Over the years, I have seen the Space Dragons rise to prominence!!  We have reached new heights and experienced things we haven’t before.  Year after year, the bar is set higher for the Space Dragons.  We have exceeded expectations because of your dedication and hard work.

I would like to leave behind a few simple tips behind to help keep our success(es) going:

• Trust your coaches.  The Space Dragons have access to some of the best dragon boat coaches on the beach.  They are trying their best to do what’s best for the team.  Don’t be afraid to approach them.  It is their job to help you with your technique or any other problems you may have. 
• Keep up with your training.   Of course there is more to this sport than just being fit, but your fitness will carry you a lot and benefit your team if you are a fit son-of-a-gun. 
• Be honest with your workouts and at practices.  Dragon Boating is a team sport.  Everyone relies on their teammates giving their best and to trying their best. 
• Be a student of the sport.  Learn all you can from the coaches, your teammates, paddlers from other teams and the internet to become a better paddler. 
• Have the right attitude.  Have the will to succeed and have the insatiable desire to be a winner.  Do I need to say more I have always preached to make your dragon boat experience fun.  If you are not enjoying yourself, you will not want to come out.  If you are not there physically and mentally, you are definitely no good to the team.   Of course we are not there to goof off…we are in the business of racing for goodness sake!!  
• Do all you can to make your Space Dragon experience worth it.  You’ll want to be a Space Dragon for a very long time! 
• And last but not least, and possibly the most important tip to all of dragon boating….please wear deodorant when you come to practice!!  It is bad enough the person behind you has to bend over and stare down the Kracken you may have released during practice starts.  Be considerate.  Your teammates will enjoy their workouts, with no distractions, if you smell of Irish Spring or Febreze.

Know what this illustrates? -- Years of SD love and commitment 

If you follow some of these tips, the Space Dragons legacy as winners will never die!! SPACE DRAGON HARD…SPACE DRAGON STRONG!! Miss you guys.  See you guys on the water soon…then we FEAST!!!

Ceez