Newbie News
It has fallen to me, the newbie for Busting With Life, to share our latest adventure on the water - the Hamilton regatta on Saturday 16th November. The day started with dawn-cracking convoy coffee en route and progressed to lakeside team tent set-up amidst some showers, some cloud and the odd splash of sunshine, interspersed with the occasional gust of wind. So, pretty much your usual spring weather, but nothing that caused so much as a ripple in the focus and determination of the pink paddlers once we were “on the high”.
We started smoothly in race one and built our speed, strength and timing as each race progressed, led by the inspirational coaching of Leslie, but also by the spirit engendered from being together for a whole day, sharing food, laughter, advice and encouragement.
Spurred on by the amazing support from Deb, Di, Michael, Pete, Paul, (Cath’s cousin) and Robyn’s sister Jan. We “breasted the tape” in first place in the BC final in a time of 1:16:54, a hair’s breadth ahead of Boobops who surged to close on us at the line in 1:16:58.
This is my second month on board as a dragon boater, and I am constantly challenged by the knowledge of what I have still to learn, but also loving the growing sense of what I have to gain from and share with an incredible group of fellow paddlers who are fast becoming friends. I have the feeling that we are only going to get stronger, faster and bolder - so bring on the 2020 finals - we can bust this!!
Lovin’ y’all - Donz. xx