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Feb 23, 2012

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. :)