ACCA, congratulations on your first race of the season. We claimed 1st and then 2nd in the heats to become one of the top six teams of NSW to compete in the 200m major finals. These are the signs that this season promises to be a strong and successful one!

Personally, I couldn't be happier that my lungs didn't blow out. I still remembered, in my first few races for ACCA, I was constantly 'blown' backwards in my seat from the force of that first stroke in the water, my paddling was more churning the water rather than moving the boat, and I was breathing like a fish out of water... no, worse than that... like a helmetless astronaut on Mars.

A short 200m race can make even the best of paddlers feel like a novice. The course - aptly nicknamed Splash n' Dash - takes into account every trick in the paddling book that you've learnt, and speeds it up to gale force power! It's a tricky course and fast does not mean simple. Rather, fast means technique and a strong core.

For a couple of seasons, I had the dream that one day, these races would be a stroll in the park. But no one gives out gold medals for 'Best park stroller'. So, for a couple more seasons after that, I had another dream that one day, the training sessions would be as easy as cooking instant noodles. But no association, despite my fervent prayers, would heap accolades on 'Tastiest Maggie noodle soup – garlic and sesame oil category'.

Training sessions won't get easier. It can’t, not when our goal is to paddle against 50 other NSW teams, and a gazillion teams nation-wide, and stand tall and proud on the podium. But you can endure them better and make them more fun, both mentally and physically. The below are a few tips on how to do so :

• - Build the core - dragonboating as a sport is like any other sport when it comes to preparation. Take out those joggers and your pet dog and go for a run, go to the gym with a purpose, take advantage of warm weather to go for a swim. All of these activities build on strength and endurance. If you don't want to go about it alone, do a shout-out on our ACCA Facebook page. There's bound to be someone like-minded and likely to go with you.
• - Warm up as well as cool down - both are equally important. The former brings you into a mental and physical status of 'bringing it on', and the latter helps with muscle recovery and reduced risk of succumbing to injuries.
• - Most important of all, practice and practice - the more sessions you get on the water each week, the more experience you'll have with paddling techniques, knowing what works and what needs improvement, becoming aware of the 'feel' of the boat, and having access to the coaching team who'll be there to answer your questions and to help you develop.

The season is new but we've caught the scent of possible victory. Hunger for it, everyone, and have fun along the way!

ACCA TIGHT!

- To find out more about Aus DragonBoating, visit http://www.ausdbf.com.au

- To download the year’s racing calendar, visit http://www.dbnsw.org.au/regattas/racing-calendar.html