Here's an article from our paddle buddies in Tacoma - Check out the Tacoma Dragon Boat Association.
Babes and Chix make International Debut at Vancouver Regatta
By Janice Brevik
Vancouver, Canada -- Under questionable skies at the Dragon Zone (venue near the Science Dome at former Expo site) in Vancouver, Canada, the Babes with Blades and Chix with Stix made their international debut at the 9th Annual False Creek Women’s Regatta. This is the fourth year a TDBA crew has participated in the annual False Creek Women’s fundraiser regatta. Clad in Hawaiian attire complete with stunning red lips (provided by Ann Martin) the Tacoma teams with their Canadian teammates had a great day of racing, eating, and talking story. All that kept the rain at bay for the entire day.
The Babes, with first-time captain Ann Martin, started the action very well with a first place win in their heat with a time of 2:49:74. Not to be outdone, the Chix, captained by another first-time captain, Diane Wetzel, followed suit in their heat, also with a first place time of 2:49:61.
As luck would have it, the two first place wins had the Babes and Chix opposite each other in heat two. The Chix placed first again with a time of 240:15 and the Babes a close third with a time of 2:41:75. It was a very close race with the three boats inches apart. A great finish watching—for spectators-not those in the boats.
The third and final heat garnered the Babes with another first place win with a time of 2:37:87. The Chix placed third in their final heat with a time of 2:43:62. Both teams finished in the top 10 of the 52 teams entered. Nice job ladies!
Both boats had composite teams of experienced, novice, first-time racers and guest paddlers from Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragonboat team from Vancouver. Gung Haggis also hosted us with food, water and shelter, not to mention a healthy dose of good company and paddler fun. Topping the racing activities was having Todd Wong serving as guest drummer /caller/motivational dude with the Babes. Way to go Todd!
Tips o’ the paddle go to Merri McHugh as our paperwork queen, Head Coach Clem for critique of each race and tips to improve and our hosts Gung Haggis Fat Choy—you are awesome! A great time was had by all and we shared the spoils of our day with luscious Canadian chocolates provided to each team by the race organizers—after the race, of course.
Thanks to all the paddlers, coaches, supporters and family members that enjoyed this delightful event. We couldn’t have done it without you.
