dragonboat racing

Since the girls were super duper little, actually this goes back to when I only had one daughter, I have always wanted them to find a pastime that they love to do that had ties to their heritage.  We have studied Mandarin, both oral and written but the only other thing I have found is Chinese dancing and can we say that that isn't their cup of tea. I inquired about dragon boat racing but was always told, they are too small and we don't have junior teams.

A couple of months ago we were at an Asian festival and we met some members of a dragon boat team and were told to come down and see if we like it and in Rosies case, if she was tall enough, otherwise she could drum. Rosie vehemently said NO to the drumming idea, and I didn't blame her.


One little 2 hour practice and Rosie magically conjures up her inner ancestors and shows what she's got. The very next week she is moved the the very front of the boat as stroker and the Coach is all about competitions and blah blah blah. This kid is a natural. Lily and I remain in the very last row and I expect at any moment to be thrown overboard and used as a permanent anchor.

Fast forward 7 weeks and we are headed to Sarasota for our first dragon boat race, well I was required to go as the parent of the athlete and Lily came too cos we had to support our girl. Rosie wasn't up to par as a paddler in a race where qualifying time secured your place in Paris next year but she sure as hell could be the drummer and get the feel of a big race.


My child was amazeballs. truly.

She wanted it, she worked for it and through her blood and sweat bought home 2 golds and a bronze. Hearing this tiny little person screaming, they're coming to a team of adults and pounding on that drum whilst getting bruised battered and a nice case of whiplash, made me so proud.

Coach said she would get a feel for it and she did. She loved it.

It was also a very tiny Asian festival. I was walking back to our tents and noticed a familiar face learning to do a dragon dance. 

winner winner, chicken dinner. 

Coach Dennis and all the ladies eligible to drum

Little drummer girl

that smile

didn't hurt that the boat she was on a lot was orange.

warm ups

bringing them home to a gold in the 500m
Holding on for dear life

Resting

A high 5 from all the teams, it was neat hearing them tell her she was awesome.

that one there, she's mine!

Warm ups

this team came form all over the USA the members are all part of the National team. 

This is Alice, she gave her heart to Ro in the form of a lesson on drumming. Her and her hubby flew down from NY to help Coach Dennis. Billy was steerer and a nicer couple can't be found.

A huge event

Kim and Alice

the team of Alice and Billy 

I don't think it is possible to meet a more fun, and kind group of people. Every walk of like, every age. Its fun.. If you are local and you want to try it, let me know especially if you have little people that would like to have a go.

We practice, all of us, on a Sunday morning for 2-3 hours. We love it. The workout is intense.

  🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉

~~The photos for this post are all over the place but if I try and work out what the heck I have done it could be another year before a blogpost appears. You're welcome. ~~