"I'm so pumped! I feel like a puppy who's tail is wagging and it won't stop!!!", Megs after her first race.
Earlier this year, Cali Paddler had its first exposure to a Dragon Boat race when we attended the Long Beach Festival in July as a vendor and spectator. We were stoked on what we saw, and invited by many in the community to get in a dragon boat race and learn first hand how exciting it can be. So, this past weekend, we did just that. But rather than just send one or two folks, we entered a whole team, from every walk of paddling life we could find throughout the state. And their response? Read for yourself.
Paddle Articles
Dragon Boat - Cali Paddler Answers the Call
Hawaii - Aloha and Honor (A Cali Paddler's first time racing in Hawaii)
Dragon Boat - First Impressions from an Outrigger Canoe Paddler
Ok, I have to admit, Dragon boat was not something I had experienced in any capacity, including watching, before a recent weekend...let alone having even paddled it. But within the last week or so, I have become a huge fan. Yes the races are shorter than I am used to. Yes you only paddle on one side. Yes it's kinda rad! I attended the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival at Marine Stadium, and had several observations beyond the typical stereotypes I had before.
Your novice season - soak it in
To everyone who is a novice outrigger paddler...you have no doubt received countless months of attention from coaches and thoughtful open paddlers. You have broken down paddling barriers you previously thought impossible ("you want me to paddle HOW far?"). You have pushed your limits and done so for your teammates, your team, and yourself. You have become a paddler!
So, as your novice season gets close to completion, my advice is simple.
An OC6 Paddler on Race Day
This coming Saturday marks a very special day for outrigger canoe paddlers in California. With logistics being figured out, alarm clocks being set, and paddles set by the front door, it will certainly be on everyone’s mind as we get closer. Race season for many will begin. And for the first-time paddlers, so will your paddling career!
A paddler begins
One day….My best friend introduced me to the sport of Outrigger canoe, he used to talk about it all the time. I have always loved sports but I had never paid attention that outrigger even existed. His passion for the sport got me interested and I decided to give it a try one day.