Space Dragons Dragon Boat Racing Team

SD Digest 2/15/12

2012-02-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

Ahoy Space Dragons!

It's that time again.. for the DIGEST! Your weekly summary of events and going-on's in the world of the Space Dragons!

So what do we have in store this week? Let's read on...

1. temPEEEE

Yo, seriously, it's 1.5 months away. That's March 31/April 1.
Carpooling: Do it, because driving alone sucks. Email captains if you need carpooling buddies.
Lodging: We recommend sleeping in a hotel room. The weather should be nice, but we still think sleeping indoors on a bed is probably a good idea.
Email captains if you need bunk mates. Alternatively, there are still rooms available in the Space Dragons room block at team hotel (rooms will be released on March 1, so move fast!). Check the Evite for details.
More Paddlers! We still have room for more paddlers, so it's not too late to sign up and join in the fun! Tempe is our season-opener and always a guaranteed good time for newbies and veterans alike. Sign up on Evite and bring out your friends, still time to get in shape!
No Flake Date: March 4. Let's do this!

2. 2012 DUES

Oh I know... you've heard it all already.
Lots of "pay your $100 2012 dues"
... followed with a little "pay your tore-nament fees"
... and maybe some "you're late with your 2011 dues and fees, so pay up"
... with a sprinkle of "the team is fronting all this cost signing up for tournaments and needs your money!" guilt trip line.
But hey, at least we haven't resorted to calling you a deadbeat yet, right? So pay up, deadbeat! Yea, you know who you are! But in case you don't know who you are, email Denise.
When I inquire about who has paid this weekend during announcements, there better be a bunch more hands raised than last weekend!

3.
SD BOARD GAME NIGHT

Who:    You!
What:   Board Game Night
When:  4:00pm, Sunday February 19, 2012
Where: Zina and Andy's place.
Why:    Team bonding time! And do you really need an excuse to come hang out with your lovely teammates?

Parking will be free for Game Night guests. More details on Evite.
What to bring: Potluck-style snacks and drinks. Bring some Scooby snacks for yourself, a little more to share. More details about dinner will be sent through the Evite. Maybe also your favorite board game from home. Perhaps a little cash for a Yogurtland run. Or Little Tokyo bar hopping. (Oh My!)

4. JERSEY ORDER

These are the new very slick looking dye-sub blue jerseys we started wearing at the end of 2011. Want to see a sample? There is also the bicycle jerseys!

Please review your order on the attached spreadsheet:

* If your order is not correct, I strongly suggest you email Galen to correct your order.
* If you want to order a jersey and have not, email Galen. Orders will be put in SOON, so talk to Galen!
* Update/Order deadline Thu Feb 16!!! That's TOMORROW for the Date-Challenged (and I don't mean the folks who ate dinner alone last night. Oh woe is me!).

5. IN REMEMBRANCE OF JASON

Brian will have JH patches for sale. Proceeds to go to the Hafer family.
Celebration of Life event on Saturday, February 18 at 2PM with happy hour to follow. See Evite.
May 19 San Diego Century Tour - we will be riding the 37 mile route in remembrance of Jason. Buy a discount voucher here for the 37 mile ride, then sign up and join us. Today is the last day to buy the voucher (50% off). Don't have a bike? We'll try to set you up with one.
Need a Bike Have a Bike: Check the GDoc in your weekly email to organize bikes for the San Diego Century Tour!

6. UPCOMING EVENTS

February 26: OC-2 Testing & Steering Clinic: Testing for Tempe. But also for yourself! We will hold practice, which will also be the Space Dragons steering clinic. So definitely come out if you are interested in learning to steer.
March 3: Lantern Festival. We will be participating in the Lantern Festival at the Chinese American Museum in downtown LA. Volunteers needed to help introduce people to the sport of dragon boating and the Space Dragons. This will be a post-practice event.
March 10: Ladies' Night. Pillow fights and lingerie. At least that's what I've grown up believing. Details to follow.
March 24: Beach Clean-up. Keeping our beach clean and showing the community some love!
April 7: Friends and Family Day. It's not too early to start thinking about who to invite.

7. Invitation from Yilin

I thought it would be nice to invite you all to a recital (a concert with me and a piano) that I am giving next week, Saturday, Feb 25, 3:00pm. It's at a church in El Segundo, and there's no admission, open to the public. There will be a light reception afterwards, too! Flyer HERE!

-- Yilin Hsu Wentlandt

-- les capitaines

They Love Us! They Really, Really Love Us!

2012-02-12T20:47:00.001-08:00

On a slightly more upbeat note, our dearest friends and fellow early Saturday morning diehards, the LA Pink Dragons stopped by to send their condolences and to wish us a happy Valentine's day. There is no resisting Space Dragons charm!

Thank you to all the beautiful ladies of the Pinks and an ESPECIALLY large thanks to whomever it was that baked those amazingly dee-lish chocolate chip walnut cookies. They were totally worth the extra crunches required to burn them off during land workouts.

See you on the waters, Pinks!

In Memoriam, Jason Hafer

2012-02-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Space Dragons,

As many of you already know, we lost a dear friend last night. The Hafer family would very much like to thank this extended family for the outpouring of love and support seen on Facebook.

If Jason touched your life and you are so moved, we are putting together a donation fund to help the Hafer family with funeral expenses and to help fly his parents to California for the services. All donations can be made to the Space Dragons and given to Denise or Roger. If you are writing a check, please include "FBO Hafer Family" in the memo line.

Additionally, we are also putting together a ride in memory of Jason during the San Diego Century Tour on May 19. Buy a discount voucher here for the 37 mile ride. Let us know you are joining us via Facebook, here - or email captains if you are not on Facebook so we can keep track.

Much love and eternal peace.

*********************************UPDATE*********************************

On Saturday, please join us for a moment of silence immediately following practice.

On Sunday, please join us for a short flower celebration on the water during practice.

On February 18, there will be a Celebration of Life in honor of Jason. Please RSVP via Evite and/or Spacebook. We are also still collecting a donation fund for the Hafer family. Please check your email for details.

Thank you all for the support, and for supporting one another.

On Staying Positive

2012-02-09T00:24:00.000-08:00

One night during a weekday workout, I found myself pitted through a series of challenging bleacher exercises...

The dread started with quad punishing bunny hops to the top of the bleachers and down. Next, I was met with a harsh set of 20 Mason twists at the base of the first set of stairs. Follow with an all-out sprint up the next set of steps and down, 20 dips on the stadium seats waited for me to do with yet another backbreaking bleacher sprint. What followed? Only 20 grueling elevated push-ups to start the last excruciating sprint. 20 plyo jumps later, I was slated to rinse and repeat for another 7 times!

I try my damndest to move through the flow of exercises without stopping or cheating on the sets, yet the acid in my legs sends thoughts to my brain with flashbacks of Rocky training for Apollo Creed. "You're a BUM," I think to myself. Muscles spaaazz and quiiiiiver. Breathing turns into gasps and grunts as I hurl obscenities into the bleachers. "Why am I doing this to myself?" I question my motivation to finish out the set and whether or not I really know my limits. Why did I choose these exercises to do right now when I could be eating, sleeping, or otherwise getting comfortable on my couch. I begin to wonder if I really have time to do these workouts at all. My lungs are on fire, legs like Jello, and the breath in my mouth is visible frothy foam. For a few moments I even hate training. But then I realize something....I'm only just resisting.

In realizing the resistance, I get it--and I finally let go, smiling into the pain. I know exactly who's doing this to me. It's because:

I'm in the class.
I know I'm capable of strength.
I can stop anytime I choose--on my own volition.

In reality, I'm doing a set of exercises that I've done over and over already--I know I can do it better. I continue on to let it all go as I allowed the pain to become my teacher.

This was a huge lesson for me. There have been times when I let negativity cloud my judgment because I'm feeling either tired, unmotivated, or otherwise sapped for morale; times especially in the early weekend mornings when I think to myself, "GUH, I didn't get enough sleep. I've got other things to do. They'll hardly miss me. I'm too tired. I partied too much last night. I won't make my goal anyways. Its cold out. (Insert excuse here).

I've been crazy to think, "Why am I doing this to myself? Why do I have so much to do? Why should I keep trying? Shouldn't people know that I have a life too?"

Now I get it. The truth is I do this to myself because:

I'm in the class.
I know I'm capable of strength.
I can stop anytime I choose--on my own volition.

I do it to myself. Developing a positive attitude is only one piece of what it takes to be a champion competitor. Along with skill, talent, drive/mental toughness, discipline, patience and a myriad of other things--positivity is one of those pieces that is worth the effort.

Here are some things you can focus on to remain positive throughout this season:

Focus less on the external factors (placements, beating this team or that, etc.)--instead focus on what you can control; you control your attendance, your workouts (and the quality thereof), the company you keep, and how you view yourself in it all. Your thoughts, speech, beliefs, actions, and attitudes create the picture part of your life. Draw it well.
Attitude with gratitude--Even when life is miserable, small, good things happen--sometimes only fleetingly--that not only make life livable, but meaningful. Being receptive of the small, medium, or large moments of pleasure reminds us to be grateful and leads to familiar "things could be worse" reminders. Show gratitude to yourself for having perfect timing on that last set, finally getting down the feathered recovery, being able to do 10 consecutive push-ups--however small or large, be grateful for those growing moments.
Take it personal to be the 0.1 second difference in a race. Nuff said there.
Be here now--mulling over mistakes, misfortunes, or missteps in the past prevent a person from truly living in the present and can hinder the growth of a positive attitude. Worrying about the future in how you'll do and the good or bad events yet to come wastes valuable "now" time. That's why the turtle master from Kung Fu Panda (Master Oogway) was so wise when he quoted saying "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."
Make your positivity infectious! People who have positive, happy attitudes seem to exude positivity from their pores. A person with a positive attitude can help lift and impact others in need. Pay it forward Space!

"A man is but the product of his thoughts.
What he thinks-he becomes" -Gandhi

SD Digest 2-8-2012

2012-02-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Hump Day Space Dragons! It Digest Dayyyyyyyy!

1. TEMPE

Tic Toc ... March is just around the corner!
Tempe Races are March 31/April 1. Do you have your carpool buddies and lodging situations sorted out? If not, email captains and we'll set you up with some bunk mates and/or put you in touch with teammates who live near you for carpool. Like your privacy? There are still 5 rooms available in the Space Dragons room block at team hotel. Check the Evite for details.
We still have room for more paddlers, so it's not too late to sign up and join in the fun! Tempe is our season-opener and always a guaranteed good time for newbies and veterans alike. Sign up on Evite and bring out your friends, still time to get in shape!

2. PORTLAND

Come with us to the land of rivers, big fat dragon boats, VooDoo Donuts, and more Canadian Geese than you can shake a stick at. Oh, and the tasty beer! (for kiddies age 21 and older)
We have a full boat of participants already, let's make it TWO!
June 9-10 is apprroaching fast, so sign up via Evite!

3. 2012 DUES

You know the drill. Thank you for helping us make our registrations on-time. We must register by May for all the season's events, including San Francisco Tournament and the YE Party! So do you part and pay your dues! If you are not sure if you owe back-fees, please email Denise. If you have issues in fronting the dues, pay in increments with a final payment Goal of June. Thank you for helping us keep the team running smoothly =)

4.  WEEKDAY WORKOUTS
OH Yeah! The Space Dragons Weekday Workouts are going strong! Email Devant for South Pasadena and Em/Galen for South Bay.  GET YOUR BEAST ON!

5.  SD BOARD GAME NIGHT

Who:    You!
What:   Board Game Night
When:  4:00pm, Sunday February 19, 2012
Where: Zina and Andy's place.
Why:    Team bonding time! And do you really need an excuse to come hang out with your lovely teammates?

Parking will be free for Game Night guests. More details on Evite.
What to bring: Potluck-style snacks and drinks. Bring some Scooby snacks for yourself, a little more to share. More details about dinner will be sent through the Evite. Maybe also your favorite board game from home. Perhaps a little cash for a Yogurtland run. Or Little Tokyo bar hopping. (Oh My!)

That's just 12 days away, so MARK it on your calendar and save the date. Then sign up on the Evite!

6. JERSEY ORDER

These are the new very slick looking dye-sub blue jerseys we started wearing at the end of 2011. Want to see a sample?

Please review your order on the attached spreadsheet:

* If your order is not correct, I strongly suggest you email Galen to correct your order.
* If you want to order a jersey and have not, email Galen. Orders will be put in SOON, so talk to Galen!
* Update/Order deadline Thu Feb 9!!! That's TOMORROW for the Date-Challenged

7. LADIES NIGHT

If you are a member of the fairer sex, Marina is setting up the next Ladies' Night for March 10. If you are not sure whether you belong to the fairer sex, believe me when I say that you don't. Save the date!

-- Your Captains

Part 2 of the Coaches' Farewell Series -- WE MISS CEEZ!

2012-02-02T01:35:00.000-08:00

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” ~Theodor Seuss Geisel

Aloha Space Dragons!! Welcome to the 2012 Dragon Boat season. If you haven’t already heard, I have relinquished my coaching duties with the Space Dragons. I would love to continue coaching but I have to honor my other obligations that I have at work, with my family and unfinished chores at home. Also, I need to have some quality time with my sweetie… Deej. But being together at practice IS quality time isn’t it?? : )

Being a coach made me really appreciate what coaches do for the team. I’ll have you guys know that the coaches make great sacrifices to achieve our goals. More often than not, they sacrifice their time and go beyond the call of duty more than the average paddler. They have to be your friend, your teacher, a psychiatrist and they try to be fair. They have to do all that and still try to make a winning team. When Joe asked me about 5 years ago that I should coach I asked him, “doesn’t one have to know how to paddle before one can teach someone to paddle?” He said I was more than ready. Ooookay, I thought the big lug must have lost his mind suggesting that I coach on the team. I tried to model myself after them. I took all their great coaching traits and added my own Poi Pounder (softball team) spice to the formula.

I’d like to say, nothing pleases me more than to see a boatful of newbies leave the beach paddling like crap only to return to the beach somewhat looking like seasoned vets. I also like to see people grow as a paddler and making big contributions when they get the call to perform on the elite boats. I would like to thank you all for the wonderful memories and putting up with me and my bad jokes during my tenure as a coach. I would like to apologize for all the cursing and (unintentional) innuendos I may have said while coaching on the bow. If you thought what I said was sexual, racial or of bathroom humor nature, shame on you for thinking such thoughts!!

I would also like to thank Joe, Wade, Rick, recently departed Yackie, the captains and the current coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to coach on a team with such great people. Special thanks go out to Deej for being patient with me and my coaching duties. I forced her out of bed to go to practice many times because “I have to be there!!” Also, she had to go to bed alone many nights while I stayed up late to review and edit seating charts. Over the years, I have seen the Space Dragons rise to prominence!! We have reached new heights and experienced things we haven’t before. Year after year, the bar is set higher for the Space Dragons. We have exceeded expectations because of your dedication and hard work.

I would like to leave behind a few simple tips behind to help keep our success(es) going:

Trust your coaches. The Space Dragons have access to some of the best dragon boat coaches on the beach. They are trying their best to do what’s best for the team. Don’t be afraid to approach them. It is their job to help you with your technique or any other problems you may have.
Keep up with your training. Of course there is more to this sport than just being fit, but your fitness will carry you a lot and benefit your team if you are a fit son-of-a-gun.
Be honest with your workouts and at practices. Dragon Boating is a team sport. Everyone relies on their teammates giving their best and to trying their best.
Be a student of the sport. Learn all you can from the coaches, your teammates, paddlers from other teams and the internet to become a better paddler.
Have the right attitude. Have the will to succeed and have the insatiable desire to be a winner. Do I need to say more I have always preached to make your dragon boat experience fun. If you are not enjoying yourself, you will not want to come out. If you are not there physically and mentally, you are definitely no good to the team. Of course we are not there to goof off…we are in the business of racing for goodness sake!!
Do all you can to make your Space Dragon experience worth it. You’ll want to be a Space Dragon for a very long time!
And last but not least, and possibly the most important tip to all of dragon boating….please wear deodorant when you come to practice!! It is bad enough the person behind you has to bend over and stare down the Kracken you may have released during practice starts. Be considerate. Your teammates will enjoy their workouts, with no distractions, if you smell of Irish Spring or Febreze.

Know what this illustrates? -- Years of SD love and commitment

If you follow some of these tips, the Space Dragons legacy as winners will never die!! SPACE DRAGON HARD…SPACE DRAGON STRONG!! Miss you guys. See you guys on the water soon…then we FEAST!!!

Ceez

SD Digest 2-1-2012

2012-02-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Space Dragons, welcome to another installment of the SD Digest. Let's get right to it, shall we?

1. TEMPE
Holy moly Tempe is just around the corner now!
That's right, kids. March 31/April 1. Do you have your carpool buddies and lodging situations sorted out? If not, email captains and we'll set you up with some bunk mates and/or put you in touch with teammates who live near you for carpool. Rather have your own room? There are still 5 rooms available in the Space Dragons room block at your hotel. Check the Evite for details.
We still have room for more paddlers, so it's not too late to sign up and join in the fun! Tempe is our season-opener and always a guaranteed good time. Sign up on Evite!

2. PORTLAND
Come with us to the land of big fat dragon boats, gravity-defying flag-catching, great coffee, awesome breweries. At least that's what Brianne tells us.
June 9-10, which seems like a long time but believe me, it's gonna creep up with the quickness! Sign up via Evite!

3. 2012 DUES
Ok folks, let me be straight with you guys. I don't like this part of being a captain. I don't like asking people for money. But Space Dragons needs money to keep paying for registration for tournaments and everything else we do. Baby Long Beach seems far away in May, but we are already gearing up to pay and register for it as a team. So do you part and pay your dues!
2012 dues are $100. Please pay your past dues and tournament fees as well. If you are not sure if you owe back-fees, please email Denise. Even if we don't like to nag and ask for money, believe me... we'll hunt you down (this is said with a non-menacing smiley face).

4. WEEKDAY WORKOUTS
FYI! The Space Dragons Weekday Workouts are ON! Email Devant for South Pasadena and Em/Galenfor South Bay. GET YOUR BEAST ON!

5. SD BOARD GAME NIGHT
Who:    You!
What:   Board Game Night
When: 4:00pm, Sunday February 19, 2012
Where: 375 E. 2nd Street, Los Angeles CA 90012, aka Zina and Andy's place.
Why:    Team bonding time! And do you really need an excuse to come hang out with your lovely teammates?

Parking will be free for Game Night guests. More details to follow on Evite.
What to bring: Potluck-style snacks and drinks. Bring some Scooby snacks for yourself, a little more to share. More details about dinner will be sent through the Evite. Maybe also your favorite board game from home. Perhaps a little cash for a Yogurtland run. Or Little Tokyo bar hopping.

But, you know what you need to do now? Mark it on your calendar and save the date. Then look out for that detailed Evite you are now oh-so excited to be receiving soon.

6. JERSEY ORDER
If your name is Allan, Gerard, Gracey, Henry, James or Jill, check the attached spreadsheet to confirm your order. If it is correct, then no action is necessary. If you order is not correct, I strongly suggest you email Galen to correct your order.
If your name is not listed above and you want to order a jersey, email Galen. Orders will be put in next week, so talk to Galen!
These are the new very slick looking blue jerseys we started wearing at the end of 2011. Want to see a sample? Email Captains, let us know (a) what size, and (b) long sleeve, short sleeve, or no sleeves. We will coordinate with other teammates get someone to bring out the right size for you to try on at practice.

7. LADIES NIGHT
If you are a member of the fairer sex, Marina is setting up the next Ladies' Night for March 10. If you are not sure whether you belong to the fairer sex, believe me when I say that you don't. Save the date!

8. MORE SAVE THE DATES
       Activity Timeline:
       * 1st OC2 Test - Sun Feb 26th (stay tuned for signup notification!)
       * Tempe Races - Sat Mar 31st - Sun Apr 1st
       * Friends and Family Day - Sat Apr 7th
       * 2nd OC2 Test - Sun Apr 8th
       * Baby LB Spring Races - Sun Apr 29th
       * Space Dragons Yard Sale - Sat May 5th
       * Portland Races - Sat Jun 9th - Sun Jun 10th
       * Space Dragons Bake Sale - Sat June 30th

-- Los Capitanos!

On Staying in the Game

2012-01-27T12:38:00.000-08:00

Pondering the details as Coach Em performs her patented "Asian squat"

In any sport--dragon boat included--to do well you have to work hard, be confident, and most importantly, stay in the game. As you shake the cobwebs off, grab your PFDs, and assess your overall fitness game to your sport this season, consider this analogy...

Training for a dragon boat season is a lot like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. Both in paddling and in puzzle solving, the number of pieces can be daunting. Which comes first? Endurance after power? Or was it conditioning before technique? Its like the old saying "you can't see the forest for the trees." If the details of puzzle solving--or dragon boat training--get in the way of seeing the big picture, wasted effort and time are inevitable. It will take longer to get to the end result of a completed puzzle, and there is a greater possibility that you'll give up early in the process.

The way to solve any puzzle is to have a system--a set of guidelines to keep you organized. Simplifying the task by choosing to spread the pieces out on the table so all are visible, grouping similar colors, working the corners and edges are examples of steps that will take you toward your goals.

As a coaching staff, it is our goal to keep on a plan towards greater strength, power, and technique while peaking at the right time (tourney time).

But anyone who has ever worked on a complex jigsaw puzzle knows that it takes a long time. Working straight through to completion could be an all-night thing, and if you decided to tackle it that way, puzzle burnout would be likely. By the time you finished putting the puzzle together, you wouldn't want to see it again or even think of doing another for a long, long time. To prevent burnout, you would need to take longer than a night to do the puzzle, as well as take frequent breaks. That way, you would start-up again with renewed enthusiasm and heightened creativity.

Like they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day," and neither is the accomplished athlete.

So while your brush-up your skills and fitness for the long haul, be mindful of a couple things:

Consider the bigger picture. Teamwork--"A few harmless flakes working together [to] unleash an avalanche of destruction." (L. Kersten)
Don't doubt yourself--Be confident! Trust.
Most importantly though, whatever your paddling goals are this season, don't forget to stay in the game.

Part 1 of the Coaches' Farewell Series -- We miss JACKIE!

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." --Seneca, Roman Philosopher, mid-1st century AD

Hola my awesome teammates!

It's been almost a month since I moved up to The Bay, and I'm finally settling in. But my weekends feel strangely empty!! I miss you all.

How about a short summary of the last 4-5 years:

2007: Hi guys! Please don't dunk me!

2008: Yay, this is fun! I love waking up early! and high five for flag-catching =)

2009: Let's tick sum rass, Space Dragons! Guts and glory!

2010: OMG, what do coaches do? I am clueless!

2011: Bahahahaha little space kiddies. Let's do this!

And let's not forget the awesome ski trips, bonding with Ripple, all the feasting, hanging out at the Matsunami Crib...

I've loved every moment.

My Space Dragons flag, representing at the office
here in Mountain View

Once a Space Dragon, always a Space Dragon!

I know you all are in for an amazing season. Be kind to your coaches... and everything will be good.

Space love!

Jackie

PS: Portland is gonna be a blast!!

SD Digest 1-25-2012

2012-01-25T13:02:00.000-08:00

Space Dragons

1. PRACTICE SCHEDULE -- Tempe is just around the corner!!!

Saturday practice: 7:30a on the beach, 8a-9:30a on the water, followed by Land Drills!!!
Saturday practice: Same time as Saturday! followed by Core!!!

Make sure you sign up on attendance sheet!
Please fill out the practice POLL!

2. 2012 DUES AND TOURNAMENT FEES

The team has already paid ICEA dues, and Tempe and Portland registrations! And now we need YOU to help out and pay the 2012 team dues so we can stay current on registrations (and take advantage of "early bird" registration discounts when available).

As always, if you have any payment issues, please don't hesitate to talk with the Captains, Coaches, or Denise.

It's gonna be another great season!

3. WEEKDAY WORKOUTS

The Space Dragons Weekday Workouts are ON!

Email Devant for South Pasadena and Em/Galen for South Bay.

4. SOME IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2012 - Mark your Calendars!

FYI, note the following important dates!

1st OC2 Test - Sun Feb 26th

Tempe Races - Sat Mar 31st - Sun Apr 1st

Friends and Family Day - Sat Apr 7th

2nd OC2 Test - Sun Apr 8th

Space Dragon Yard Sale - Sat May 5th

Space Dragon Bake Sale - Sat June 30th

Details to follow!!!

5. JERSEY ORDER

We are thinking about ordering another batch of jerseies. Cost ~$30ish. Normal cuts: Men, Women, short/long/sleeveless. Email Galen if you are interested!

6. TEMPE TOURNAMENT - 3/31 - 4/1

Come out and PLAY! Sign up on the Evite!
Tons of racing! Mixed 500m, 250m, 1000m, Open, Women and Masters!!!

7. PORTLAND TOURNAMENT - 6/9 - 6/10

Yes, BIG FAT Portland Rose Festival boats!
Ultra FUN, Ultra COMPETITIVE Taiwanese Flag Catching
Great Eats and Adventures!
Respond to the evite ASAP!!! We need to gauge interest and determine how many boats to register for this tournament. You saw those intense gravity-defying flag catching pictures and video here... be a part of it this year! The more the merrier, so join in!
If you have any questions, ask a Portland vet!

-- Your Captains

Where Are They Now? - Eileen, Jun, Adam (Jawa), and Jake!

2012-01-22T01:10:00.000-08:00

To all of our family and friends near and far we want to wish you a wonderful Year of the Dragon!

We thought we would use this opportunity to update you on our lives this past year (since Mom couldn't get out the Christmas email in time - thank goodness for Chinese New Year!)

2011 was the Year of the Rabbit and The Year of Jake! Jake Tian Yung Hoshino joined our happy little family June 1, 2011 weighing in at 8 pounds and 21 inches. We don't know where he gets his height and weight but we hope it continues! Jake's Chinese name is Tian Yung which means Heavenly Courage or Bravery and is much loved by his older brother Adam aka Tian Chi (Heavenly Gift). So far, Jake is a very laid back baby, very smiley and happy to return a giggle or smile with anyone.

Adam is loving his new role as Guh Guh and is always helpful even changing diapers himself. Big brother was convinced from the very beginning that Jake would be a brother, not a sister and even insisted naming the baby Jake! "Jake Justice" is Adam's favorite action hero - and it must be fate since Grandfather chose "bravery" to be Jake's Chinese name too. Luckily, mom and dad actually liked the name so Jake so it was. (Hey it could have been worse - Buzz Lightyear Hoshino.) Adam is also enjoying attending his Chinese kindergarten and is already conversational in Chinese and working hard to learn Japanese too.

Eileen is enjoying her time as a stay at home mom learning all about organic babyfood, Singapore Math, and meeting other Tiger Moms, haha. Mom is just very proud of Adam's language skills and desire to learn and is taking inspiration to learn Chinese and Japanese too. She is also taking this opportunity to explore her entrepreneurial side - stay tuned for more exciting news on that!

Jun is doing great at work and enjoying the whole experience of changing poopy diapers, making bottles and getting up in the middle of the night. Despite sleepless nights, Dad still finds time to train for his first ever long distance road bike race and keep in awesome cardio shape - needed stamina for chasing after little ones!

We hope you and your families enjoy a prosperous year of the Dragon and receive many Hong Baos - little red envelopes stuffed with money!

XOXO

Eileen, Jun, Adam and Jake

Who Doesn't Like Wine and Cheese?

2012-01-19T15:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

I'm trying to drum up attendance for my UCSD Alumni Club. We are having a Wine and Cheese Tasting event at a Santa Monica art gallery on Jan 28th featuring wine and cheese from The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.

It does not matter if you are NOT affiliated with UCSD in any way, would be awesome if you could go with a UCSD alum of course!

Location: Frank Pictures Gallery (located at Santa Monica’s historic Bergamot Station)
Exhibit: Vintage photographs by Imogen Cunningham (The artist is most known for her

                                     stunning close-ups of flowers and her uncensored celebration of the human form)
Date and Time:       Jan. 28th 6-9pm PT
Parking:                     Plenty of parking located inside the Bergamot Station Open Lot
Cost:                           $25 pre-registration required

Excerpt of event details via link:

Event Details
To kick off 2012, the UCSD Alumni Los Angeles Club invites all alumni in the LA area to its annual Wine & Cheese Tasting Reception. Join us at Frank Pictures Gallery (located at Santa Monica’s historic Bergamot Station), and indulge in a wide variety of the imported cheeses along with hand-selected paired wine from The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. Mingle with your fellow alumni as you take in an exhibition of vintage photographs by Imogen Cunningham. Featuring rare photographs Cunningham shot and printed herself, the exhibition spans her enduring and miraculous seven-decade career as a fine art photographer. The artist is most known for her stunning close-ups of flowers and her uncensored celebration of the human form. Whether you are a fan of the arts or simply a wine and cheese lover, the Los Angeles Club would love to see you at our first event of the year!

If you are interested in going please also invite any of your friends to go as well. It's a pre-pay event of $25 (Event link Registration: http://bit.ly/vFqIpZ ) . (Ed. note: that cheese store is pretty awesome)

Please contact me (via Spacebook or email [check the digest for specific contact info.]) if you have any questions!

2012 "Meanies" (aka your loving coaching staff)

2012-01-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

A new year signals new beginnings, which means a new season! What comes along with this new 11th season is a new set of "MEANIES" (aka coaches) to take you towards your paddling goals. They're new, they're motivated, and they're there for YOU! But without your continued commitment and effort, they'd be like a bunch of steerers with no paddlers! They don't come out all-knowing though, nor do they claim to be. In fact, at one point or another they were "new" just like anyone else.

Here are some stories from your 2012 fitness and coaching staff sharing their earliest experiences on their humble beginnings within the sport of dragon boating as you consider this Chinese proverb...

"To get through the hardest journey we need only take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping."

Emily

The first dragon boat team I paddled on was the Microsoft corporate team. I was up in Seattle interning there for the summer, and a friend of mine from NYC had told me about dragon boat before. We had 5 practices and then raced at the Kent Dragon Boat Festival, and I had a lot of fun, enough that the next year, I joined the MIT dragon boat team for the Boston race and Space Dragons later that summer, both of which were festival teams at the time.

I always thought paddling was a fun past time, like playing beach volleyball after work or surfing on the weekends. In 2006, I got my first taste of real competitive racing. Space Dragons used to practice only Saturdays, and we had added Sundays and Wednesdays only a year before, so we were nothing like the team we are today. That year, I went to US Nationals in Tampa and the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Never before had I seen boats run with such clean timing and with such large wakes off the bow. I met people who had been paddling for 20+ years, many of whom had paddled in World Championships before. I was in awe of their stories and experiences, and all the cool international jerseys they had traded for. They knew when to sleep, how to stretch, what to pack, and what to eat and drink so their bodies were in top shape for the races. I was clueless. My eyes were opened to a whole new level of dragon boat competition that I didn't even know existed. And that was only the start.

These days, Space Dragons participates in races, such as Alcan, where some of the fastest teams in the world compete, so our newbies are introduced to the larger world of dragon boat immediately, either by attending those races themselves or hearing the stories from fellow teammates. But that wasn't always the case, and I was the fish in a little pond who didn't realize how big the ocean really was.

Rod

I’ve been fairly active in a variety of athletic activities pretty much my whole life. Coach Joe and I used to hit the weight room before work way back when Northrop was TRW. I played League Basketball for several years and practiced Wushu for over 5 years. I even competed at the 2000 Nationals in San Diego. So when Coach Joe invited me to come out and try Dragon Boating I thought to myself, " hmm…paddling?...couldn’t be that hard." Was I in for a surprise! My muscles ached in places I never knew I had muscles. My paddling technique was absolutely horrible. I had terrible timing issues and a really bad bobble head. But as one season turned to two, two turned to three, eventually with the help and encouragement of all of the coaches I cleaned up my paddling technique, got rid of my bobble head and improved on my timing. I even learned to steer. Moral to this story? Never give up as hard as it may seem. No matter how much your body screams of pain and muscles ache, these things are only temporary. But the memories of training and competition and the bonds we build together with the Space Dragon Family will live on. “Gunnels… Set…Go”!!

Devant

I'd consider myself a coordinated, athletic person. I've climbed 5.13 routes, bouldered V9 problems, ran a 5-minute mile, walked slacklines, and snowboarded double black diamond runs. But of all those activities and talents, none have provided the same type of challenge and satisfaction while maintaining its competitive spirit as the sport of dragon boat--particularly with the Space Dragons. Before I joined in winter of 2008, I mentioned to Jackie that I was looking to try "something new" from what I've been doing and she convinced me to come out. I think of how it was only 4-years ago when I sat in [Coach] Emily's boat, surrounded on a cold, foggy morning by the likes of vets Caesar, Wade, Denise, Pearl, and Joe and thought to myself, "how the heck are they making it look so effin' easy!? Its probably those swanky carbon fiber paddles." In no time at all I burned out my forearms from over-gripping my paddle as I struggled to keep up in the set. By the end of practice I had pulled out in silent whimpers and ended up a defeated passenger--straight-up dead weight!

Why continue doing this you ask, when I was obviously in over my head? Simply put, its the people. The people within this team along with my hard-headed compulsion to "get it down" kept me coming back. What's funny in thinking about where I was then compared to now is that while my stroke has improved somewhat and I am now involved in coaching this group of people, the people--some who've gone, some who are newer--are still the ones who keep me coming back!

The fact that our team has grown to what it is today is the result of all the effort from people (past and present) who have poured their continual spirit and hearts into this team. This team isn't a finished product today just as it wasn't then. Its a team that is constantly evolving because people come back. Moral of the story is that I'm glad I kept coming back. For those of you starting off this 2012 season whether as a 1st year newbie, 2nd year paddler, or straight-up vet, I'll say this--keep coming back, we've got great things coming up this season and it'll be worth it!

Brian

I remember my first practice back in 2006. It was early and I remember thinking "why am I here again?" I borrowed a PFD from the shed and grabbed this yellow 20 lb. wet log that resembled a paddle. We pushed off the beach and took off. Only a few hundred meters into the warm up the burn already started creeping through my back and shoulders and we hadn't even made it to the bridge yet. We started the actual practice running endurance sets and some power sets, I don’t think I said one word from then on. I routinely pulled out after about a minute or two and at the end, maybe the last 10 mins, I was just along for the ride. When we finally got to the beach I was spent, I rinsed off then proceeded to my bag and sat on my towel. I had a glazed look on my face and Ceez asked me “you alright” I nodded not being able to muster many words. I got served a big piece of humble pie without any whipped cream, it was dry and didn’t taste good.

The next morning my butt was sore, my lower back was pretty much useless, and my shoulders felt like I was hit by a bat. I ran into Ceez at work, and he said “well what did you think?” I told him it wasn’t that bad, and I felt fine but something tells me he didn’t believe me as he laughed quite maliciously. Next Saturday morning rolled around and it was decision time: either get up and go endure another painful practice or admit that something was too tough, get back in the warm covers of my comfortable bed, and go back to sleep. I don’t know if I’m just glutton for punishment, or something isn’t quite right upstairs, probably a little of both. Well I got up and went, and wouldn’t you know it, it wasn’t as bad and was maybe even a little fun. For me it was the challenge and friendship keeps you coming back for more. As you travel with the team you become stronger as a boat and as a family. Wins, losses, laughs, seeing things that can’t be repeated, only makes it worth it. All that time and energy you exert into the sport pays you back with bonds and experiences unequaled through other means. It’s an adrenaline rush, sometime a disappointment, good times and bad, but through it all I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s certainly not for everyone, it takes a good amount of commitment. To find out if you’re willing to endure that commitment, I would say to any newbie, give it 3 practices, force yourself to come to 3 consecutive practices. At the end of that time you’ll know whether you want to come back or not, and it’s OK either way, just give it a real shot, and don’t be discouraged from one practice. Your first practice is the worst, it will only get better from there. Lastly be lucky we don’t have the waterlogged old yellow paddles anymore, it’s much easier to pull the nicer grey owls the team provides now. See you on the water to kick your ass! MWAHAHAHAHA!

Galen

Hah! I remember my first practice like it was yesterday. It was the weekend before tempe. We only had 1 boat and barely one at that time. The team barely had any time to teach me any basic commands or technique. Basically it was "just follow the guy as far front and across from you". Then the team went into race sets.

It was an interesting practice of race starts and race pieces filled with powers and warps. What are warps you ask? Just imagine our "ups" at like 4x the speed. Yeah...that was a little hard to follow. After that, I wasn't sure if I was going to come back. I'm glad I did (and not just because if I didn't I probably wouldn't have seen any girls in my day to day life - aside from my mom.)

Today, dragon boating has become an integral part of my lifestyle. My workouts have a sense of purpose. Work is now a vehicle which I use to fund my tournament and auction bidding habit. Meeting new people inevitably ends up with me groping them, and declaring "you sure can paddle!" Hmm...maybe that's not so smart. I should change things up - time to re-implement warps!

Robert

I started in the Space Dragon Middle Ages in the Winter of 2006, when we had only one mixed boat and we mixed with other teams for genders in away races. I made my move in November, which was off season, though I had no concept of what that meant. The then 2-hour practices were long, cold, wet, painful and soggy in my cotton tees and sweat pants. You see I had no winter sport wear, so I wore short sleeve tees in the Winter, adorned with those lovely ICEA blue/yellow and polka-dot O_O pfd’s.

I only say painful because let’s face it, the burn in your butt (no butt pad), back, obliques and pumped up arms due to newbie form can be excruciating, but more importantly life affirming. YOU KNOW YOU ARE ALIVE with each stroke.

In time, with practice, coaching, proper gear, the annoyances go away or at least fade to normal, and all that is left is you, the paddle and the water. I think the event that really hooked me was my 1^st race, months before my 1^st tournament in Tempe, was that morning where we mixed paddlers from all the teams on the beach and formed 2-boat relay teams to race around the island, where each boat paddles ½ way around non-stop! That seemed all but impossible to me. The butterflies were dog-fighting in my tummy. I thought for sure I would die, like a kid jumping off the roof of his home for the 1^st time. Big Billy Loa was in my boat, along with a bunch of strangers. IT WAS AWESOME! We took the lead in our leg and were 1^st to the ½ way mark and although the 2^nd boat dropped the ball ;), the 1^st half, my leg, my race, I was hooked.

I have paddled in some 30 tournaments in the 5 seasons since that day, and still, before each race, I need to calm the butterflies, especially that very 1^st race.

Esmer

It all started when my ever-so-strong, yet younger sister Arlene (also a veteran of this sport) had invited me to watch and cheer her and the SD team at the Big Long Beach tournament in July of 2009. I finally showed up with the family in the early afternoon just in time to watch one of her many races. As I sat and cheered, I thought to myself... "heck, I could do something like this too." My daughter also suggested that perhaps they too could use me on their boats. It definitely looked hella fun! Sure enough, the following weeks.... 'Lo and behold, I show up for my first practice, not knowing what the heck to do. I've paddled before on an outrigger, but nothing like this. These guys are sprinters! I love the fact that it's an all around workout and has it's health benefits, no doubt, but the camaraderie and feel of the teammates was great. Everyone here is very friendly and welcoming. Practices will always be a great workout.

It's what you as an individual put into your workout that make a difference in running a great race. In this sport... even a mere fraction of a second counts. However, we try not to focus on the medals, but the journey we take to get there. Ever since then, I continue to look forward in paddling side by side with anyone of our teammates, especially being a part of one of the most competitive and intense teams on the beach. My advice to newbies out there, is to keep coming out to paddle and workout hard on and off the water. You'll catch on and be a strong paddler sooner than you know it. The coaches and captains are all here to help. So whether it be on the bow or the bench, as a new coach for 2012, I'll try my best to teach, support, listen and learn from every one of my teammates. In the belly of the fierce dragon boat, we are all students of this sport. Paddle hard my friends... we got work to do!

Gunnels Set!

------------------------------------------------------------------

So whether you're newbie to the beach and checkin' out the SD sea of blue, an out-of-towner looking for a paddle, or a long-time Space Dragon--don't hesitate to look for these friendly faces before or after push-off, they're there for YOU!

Love the game for the pure joy of accomplishment.

Love the game for everything it can

teach you about yourself.

Love the game for the feeling of belonging to a

group endeavoring to do its best.

Love the game for being involved in a team whose members can't

wait to see you do your best.

Love the game for the challenge of working harder that you ever

have at something and then harder than that.

Love the game because it takes all team members to give it life.

Love the game because at its best, the game tradition

will include your contributions.

Love the game because you belong to a long line of fine

athletes who have loved it. It is now your legacy.

Love the game so much that you will pass on your love of the

game to another athlete who has seen your dedication,

your work, your challenges, your triumphs...

and then that athlete will, because of you,

love the game.

---Unknown

SD Digest 1-18-2012

2012-01-18T13:28:00.000-08:00

Space Dragons

Important Dates in this Digest, mark your calendars!!!!

1. PRACTICE SCHEDULE -- Great start to 2012, KEEP coming out!!!

Saturday practice: 7:30a on the beach, 8a-9:30a on the water, followed by Land Drills!!!
Sunday practice: Same time as Saturday! followed by Core!!!

Practice attendance is being taken and Late Penalties being levied ;)
AND, be good little boys and girls, fill out the practice POLL!

2. 2012 DUES

Welcome to the 2012 Season! As we start our new season we need to inform you of fee increase for this year to $100 ($50 for minors). As you know, we are a self-supporting team. After 1 year without a fee increase, two years of increases in Association fees, insurance and tournament fees require us to do the same for 2012 dues. This may seem like a steep jump from 2011 dues, but here are some of the increases we have already experienced this year on top of last year's similar increases:

· ICEA Association dues - increased by approximately 5.5%

· ICEA Insurance - nearly doubled in cost! (2011-$280; 2012-$530)

· Tempe registration - increased by approximately 10-11%

We will continue fundraising and sponsorship efforts throughout the season to help decrease fees whenever possible. If you have ideas for team fundraising, share them with the Captains!

As always, if you have any payment issues, please don't hesitate to talk with the Captains, Coaches, or Denise.

Looking forward to another great season!

3. WEEKDAY WORKOUTS
FYI! The Space Dragons Weekday Workouts are ON! Email Devant for South Pasadena and Em/Galen for South Bay.

4. SOME IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2012 - Mark your Calendars!

1st OC2 Test - Sun Feb 26th
Tempe Races - Sat Mar 31st - Sun Apr 1st
2nd OC2 Test - Sun Apr 8th
Friends & Family Day - Sat Apr 7th
Space Dragon Yard Sale - Sat May 5th
Space Dragon Bake Sale - Sat June 30th

Details to follow!!!

5.  JERSEY ORDER
     We are thinking about ordering another batch of jerseies. Cost ~$30ish. Normal cuts: Men, Women, short/long/sleeveless. Email Galen if you are interested!

6.  TEMPE TOURNAMENT - 3/31 - 4/1
Come out and PLAY! Sign up on the Evite!
Tons of racing! Mixed 500m, 250m, 1000m, Open, Women and Masters!!!

7. PORTLAND TOURNAMENT - 6/9 - 6/10

Yes, our June "away" tournament will be at the Portland Rose Festival
Ultra FUN, Ultra COMPETITIVE Taiwanese Flag Catching
Great Eats and Adventures!
Non-Stop Flights from LA area ~$200
Respond to the evite ASAP!!! We need to gauge interest and determine how many boats to register for this tournament. You saw those intense gravity-defying flag catching pictures and video here... be a part of it this year! The more the merrier, so join in!

8. SPACE RIPPLE MAMMOTH TRIP - 1/26 - 1/29 Fresh snow fall this week and next!!!

1 week left! Important information, please read:

There STILL 5 spots left!!!! JOIN THE FUN!
Full $220 payment is due ASAP, includes 3 nights lodging and dinner for each night.
Limited to 24 spots. Currently 5 spots available.
We'll be able to get most people on some type of mattress or sofa but beds go to those who pay first.
Contact Andy for info on paying with your credit card.
House of where we are staying: http://www.mammoth-holiday.com/ (check out the pool table and private hot tub!)
Evite Invitation in your email!
For questions, contact Andy or Jim

------------------------------------------------------------------

Location: Frank Pictures Gallery (located at Santa Monica’s historic Bergamot Station)
Exhibit: Vintage photographs by Imogen Cunningham (The artist is most known for her

If you are interested in going please also invite any of your friends to go as well. It's a pre-pay event of $25 (Event link Registration: http://bit.ly/vFqIpZ. (Ed. note: that cheese store is pretty awesome)

Please contact Christine if you have any questions!

-- Your Captains!

9. SPECIAL NOTE FROM CHRISTINE - UCSD Alumni and Friends Function

2012 Season Opener

2012-01-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

SD Digest 1-11-2012

2012-01-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

Space Dragons

The 2012 Season is in full swing!!!!

1. PRACTICE SCHEDULE -- Great showing, KEEP coming out!!!

Saturday practice time is unchanged!

7:30a on the beach, 8a-9:30a on the water, followed by Land Drills!!!

Sunday practice time has changed! Same time as Saturday:

7:30a on the beach, 8a-9:30a on the water, followed by Core!!!

Practice attendance is being taken!
Late penalties being levied ;)
Land workouts after practice!
AND, don't forget to fill out the practice POLL!

2. WEEKDAY WORKOUTS

FYI! The Space Dragons Weekday Workouts are in full swing. Email Devant for South Pasadena and Em/Galen for South Bay.

3. 2012 DUES

Welcome to the 2012 Season! As we start our new season we need to inform you of fee changes for this year. As you know, we are a self-supporting team. Due to increases in Association fees, insurance and tournament fees, we have to increase 2012 dues to $100. This may seem like a steep jump from 2011 dues, but here are some of the increases we have already experienced:

· ICEA Association dues - increased by approximately 5.5%

· ICEA Insurance - nearly doubled in cost! (2011-$280; 2012-$530)

· Tempe registration - increased by approximately 10-11%

Unfortunately we anticipate the increased tournament registration fees trend to continue for all of our 2012 festivals. We will continue fundraising and sponsorship efforts throughout the season to help decrease fees whenever possible. If you have ideas for team fundraising, share them with the Captains!

In case you were wondering what your dues pay for (no, not mani/pedi's for the coaches), 2 pie charts are attached in an excel file reflecting how your dues are distributed for team expenses. Chart #1 shows how your dues were paid out in 2011, and chart #2 shows the projected distribution for 2012.

As always, if you have any payment issues, please don't hesitate to talk with the Captains, Coaches, or Denise.

Looking forward to another great season!

4. YARD SALE

Thinking about cleaning out your closets or garage??? Don’t throw out the items that are useable; the Space Dragons Yard Sale will be in the next few months. If you are not able to store these items, please contact Marina. In the past, the funds we made at our yard sale, helped reduce the tournament fees.

5. 2012 OC2 Testing Dates are up, mark your calendars!

Check the blog here and Team Calendar here!

6. PORTLAND TOURNAMENT - 6/9 - 6/10

Yes, our June "away" tournament will be at the Portland Rose Festival
Ultra FUN, Ultra COMPETITIVE Taiwanese Flag Catching
Great Eats and Adventures!
Non-Stop Flights from LA area ~$200
Respond to the evite ASAP!!! We need to gauge interest and determine how many boats to register for this tournament. You saw those intense gravity-defying flag catching pictures and video here... be a part of it this year! The more the merrier, so join in!

7. SPACE RIPPLE MAMMOTH TRIP - 1/26 - 1/29

Coming up quick! Important information, please read:

There STILL 5 spots left!!!! JOIN THE FUN!
Full $220 payment is due ASAP.
Payment includes 3 nights lodging and dinner for each night.
Limited to 24 spots. Currently 5 spots available.
We'll be able to get most people on some type of mattress or sofa but beds go to those who pay first.
Contact Andy for info on paying with your credit card.
House of where we are staying: http://www.mammoth-holiday.com/ (check out the pool table and private hot tub!)
Evite Invitation in your weekly email
For questions, contact Andy or Jim

-- Your Captains

SD Digest 1-4-2012

2012-01-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

Space Dragons

Welcome to the 2012 Season!!!!

1. PRACTICE SCHEDULE -- 2012 Practices start this weekend!!!

Saturday practice time is unchanged! 7:30a on the beach, 8a-9:30a on the water, followed by Land Drills!!!
Sunday practice time has changed! Same as Saturday: 7:30a on the beach, 8a-9:30a on the water, followed by Core!!!
Practice attendance will be taken!
Land workouts begin!
As always, don't forget to fill out the all-important POLL!

2. 2012 OC2 Testing Dates are up, mark your calendars!

Recap below, check the blog here!
Practice cancelled on Primary dates, so be there!

      OC-2 Testing - February 26 (primary) / March 4 (make-up)
       TEMPE - March 31/April 1

       OC-2 Testing - April 8 (no make-up)
       BABY LONG BEACH - April 29

       OC-2 Testing - May 6 (primary) / May 13 (make-up)
       PORTLAND - June 9/10

       OC-2 Testing - June 17 (primary) / June 24 (make-up)
       BIG LONG BEACH - July 28/29

       OC-2 Testing - August 5 (primary) / August 12 (make-up)
       TREASURE ISLAND - TBD

3. PORTLAND TOURNAMENT - 6/9 - 6/10

Yes, our June "away" tournament will be at the Portland Rose Festival
Ultra FUN, Ultra COMPETITIVE Taiwanese Flag Catching
Great Eats and Adventures!
Non-Stop Flights from LA area ~$200
Respond to the evite ASAP!!! We need to gauge interest and determine how many boats to register for this tournament. You saw those intense gravity-defying flag catching pictures... be a part of it this year! The more the merrier, so join in!

4. SPACE RIPPLE MAMMOTH TRIP - 1/26 - 1/29

Important information, please read:

There STILL 6 spots left!!!! JOIN THE FUN!
Full $220 payment is due ASAP.
Payment includes 3 nights lodging and dinner for each night.
Limited to 24 spots. Currently 6 spots available.
We'll be able to get most people on some type of mattress or sofa but beds go to those who pay first.
Contact Andy for info on paying with your credit card.
House of where we are staying: http://www.mammoth-holiday.com/ (check out the pool table and private hot tub!)
Check Evite Invitation for more info
For questions, contact Andy or Jim

-- Your Captains