Dragon Boat Camp 2017!

Thirteen Pfish joined paddlers from Miami, Colorado, Wisconsin, Florida,and two coaches made for a fantastic week.

Our coaches, Kristen Stickels and Megan Kress, were on the same page with technique training and having four eyes instead of two gave us twice the experience. Newcomers to camp, Kathy and Hal, went the full Monty with the OC training and Hal was named the most flexible man Megan has ever seen. Did we detect an eye roll from Kathy?

The “Causeway Paddle” on Thursday morning was all we remembered. A long trip for a picture and a few orange slices, but this 12K trip gave excellent endurance training. We got lucky and due to high winds took the canal route back. We could enjoy the lovely homes and smooth waters.

The weather was absolutely perfect and the Dolphins gave a premier performance while we were paddling. Race day was windy but we, resplendent in our chain-gang orange shirts, paddled well and came in a strong third. Several of our team had to leave before the race so we had Kristen of PaddleChica fame, our great yogini Anne Baker, and champion paddler Michelle Woodside on our team. They were an inspiration to watch and sure helped move our boat.

Staying at the Crowne Plaza presented us with a few challenges but the location was fabulous and Jim Farintosh is a master at organization.