Heading out to our last #ParaDragonboating team practice of the month! Our first race is next Sunday, May 26th. I'll post more info about that, after this weekend.
I will be moving into #outrigger#paddling training sessions, after May 26th Gorge Fairway Super Sprints dragon boat season opener races.
I'll need to coordinate my outrigger training dates with my #ParaSailing training, which starts in June. I'm training with Able Sail, to obtain recertification for my #WhiteSails. Able Sail runs their #sailing programs for #PeopleWithDisabilities out of Oak Bay marina. I'm looking forward to sailing those waters. Only sailed Esquimalt & Metchosin areas prior.
You can see how seating changes are done, while we are out on the waters. Everyone except the 2 people transferring, row by row, has to brace the dragonboat while these seat changes happen.
Today, we worked on more race stops, transitions & on improving team #paddling timing/synchronization.
I led a good warm-up before we started & was put into front near end of practice. Our coach is also training me on doing drumming/calling out paddle beats so I can go on multiple boats for races. Our first race is May 26th!
Here's some video from my #ParaDragonboating coach of my 1st day of training as a new drummer/paddle beats leader, today.
You can see, I started out sloppy because I've never done this before & was nervous at beginning. Further along, I got hang of things & was able to call out the #paddling beats better.
Selkirk Trestle, walking & cycling bridge - spans from Banfield Park to Selkirk waterway paths on other side of waterway.
Views from the dragonboat. From today's practice. I'm with new #ParaDragonboating pilot program, run by #FairwayGorgePaddlingClub on Jutland. Our team name: Storm the Gorge.
40 minutes before our practice ended - big gust of wind blew my hat off my head & into the waters. We paddled backwards to rescue it. I tossed rescued, soaked hat on dock & we picked up another paddler, while docked.
Part of our #ParaDragonboating - Storm the Gorge #team 🥰 We're all enjoying learning on the waters together. We have a very #diverse & #inclusive group of fine folks on our team. It's sure nice to be around fellow #disabled comrades. It's sure nice to feel fully included. It's great to be around people who understand me & vice versa.
I had fun #paddling this afternoon. At Fairway Gorge Paddling Club - #FGPC’s #DragonBoat Open House on Jutland. I was the only disabled person who attended. Pics(except the panoramic one) are from my Mom.
Met my para-dragonboating coach, Katy & enjoyed some chats with her, at the open house. Met some support staff for the para-dragonboating pilot program too. We start the program next Saturday🙂🛶🌊
This is a really cool canoe product that just hit the market. I have a couple heading my way and I plan to put them through the paces after the lakes thaw.