Cougar Dragons Race @ Dragon Zone

We hit the Dragon Zone at 8:00 on Sunday morning. Everybody was excited but just a bit apprehensive. What would the first race be like? Could we paddle in time? Would we paddle deep and paddle hard?

With Justin Yee in the drummers seat and Coach Todd Wong steering, the Cougar Dragons hit the water for the first heat.



A good effort, especially as the Cougar Dragons were racing against older and more experienced teams. Re-grouping, captains Chi Hsi and Garvin Pang, encouraged the team, while Coaches Todd Wong and Mr. Mackinnon offered sage advice and refocused everyone.

Refocused and re-energized the Cougar Dragons showed their mettle and improved tremendously in the second heat. Michele Shi had taken the drummers chair and inspired the Cougar Dragons to stay focused and finish fast.
An incredible effort in the second heat gave the team the incentive they needed. After a very brief break it was on to the 'D' division final.

A fabulously exciting race from start to finish, the Cougar Dragons exceeded all of our wildest dreams, gaining 7 seconds on the previous race and placing an unbelievably close second.

Well done Killarney! We have shown what we are made of. We have practiced and been successful. Can we improve? Sure, but we can now proudly bear the honourable title of a Dragon Boat Racing team.

Congratulations Aleck Pham, Caitlin Allum, Cherry Chen, Chi Hsi, Deborah Gee, Dipa Barua, Eddy Ha, Garry Ly, Garvin Pang, Irene Peng, Jenny Tan, Jordan Lee, Jordan Wong, Justin Chow, Justin Yee, Krystal Han, Michele Shi, Sally Chan, Stanley Tsia, Taylor Yee, and Wayne Li. Thanks to Linda Chen, and all the parents who came out to support us. An extra big THANK YOU to coach Todd Wong-- without you, we wouldn't be here!

On to Alcan June 16/17.

Dragon Zone Regatta

Well this is it! Our first big test. Are we a team? YES!
Will we paddle in time? YES!
Will we paddle deep and paddle hard? YES!
Will we keep our heads up and our minds focused? YES! YES YES!

I am very proud of all of you. Your hard work, commitment and dedication makes it all worthwhile. Have a great Saturday. Don't over do it Saturday night. Be sure to have a good dinner, a great sleep and a light but nourishing breakfast Sunday morning. Bring water, bananas, fruit, water, nuts, sunscreen, water, sunglasses, a hat, and...did I say bring water?

I know all of the Killarney community is with us. Know that when you paddle, and you will have that much extra power.

Remember: Sunday 8:15 meet at the Dragon Zone
8:30 registration
8:35 Warm-up
9:00 Marshaling for the race

See you on Sunday

Pre-Race schedule

Tuesday: Practice 4:00 @ the Dragon Zone. All racers should be there!
Thursday: Meeting @ lunch in rm B109. All racers MUST there.
Sunday: Race--more info to follow

Cougar Dragons on the Water

Arrival after a hard practice on False Creek. The Cougar Dragons are training for their first race, June 3rd in the Dragon Zone.

Killarney to Race June 3rd

Killarney Cougar Dragons will compete in their first race ever on June 3rd. This 500 m. race in the Dragon Zone, (False Creek near Science World), will be a good practice run for the Alcan Festival to be held later in June. Stay tuned for information.

Random thoughts on a sunny day

Sun's up, uh huh, looks okay
The world survives into another day
And I'm thinking about eternity
Some kind of ecstasy got a hold on me
(Bruce Cockburn from Wondering Where the Lions Are)

Another beautiful day and it got me thinking about Dragon Boat racing and how fortunate we are to be able to do this sport in such a beautiful place. Next time you are on the boat, take the time to stop and look around. Vancouver is so beautiful. This is my first year paddling--just like you--and I am amazed how much this sport has impacted my life. I love the sport and the people who do the sport and the changes in my body, mind, and spirit that I have noticed after just a few weeks. Indeed, "some kind of ecstacy got a hold on me".

Speaking about beautiful days...don't forget to bring and USE sunscreen. 30 SPF is best, but certainly a minimum 15 SPF. On sunny days you will also want a bottle of water. Tea, cola, or other 'sugar' drinks are not good on the water. Good ol' water is the best for rehydrating.

May Day practice

Yesterday's practice was terrific. We had 16 paddlers out. Thanks Stanley and Jordan for making the effort and getting down in time to get out on the water--it wouldn't have been the same without you. I think we all had a good time and learned lots. Dipa and Taylor were great leads, Debora and Daphne were also great first time paddlers. I hope that those of you who could not make it today will be at the next practice. We only have a few weeks to get ready for Alcan. St. Thomas More has challenged us for next week, so we might be able to have a mini race.

Thanks to Coach Todd Wong for his great teaching and inspirational speaking. Today was my first time steering, and so it was a pretty sharp learning curve for me too.

Don't forget to drop by B109 and drop off your $20.00 to me this week. I look forward to seeing all of you soon.