By Jessica Tsai
After almost 2 weeks of miserable rainy weather and only 45 minutes of sunshine, it gave me little hope that the weather was going to be nice on race day. Surprisingly, it miraculously turned up a notch to over 30 degrees with scorching hot sun on Sunday 27th November 2011 - DBNSW Race 3 was upon us.
Despite the gorgeous hot weather in Penrith, the strong head wind added an additional level of technicality and challenge to our 500 meters race day. As always, no mountain is too high for ACCAdians to climb and we accept the challenge head on!
I was plotting along, enjoying the sun and feeling quite chillaxed leading up to our first race. But when we were marshalling just after 9.30am, my nerves set in and all I could think about was “what happens if I run out of energy half way through and need to pull my paddle out? What happens if my hat blows off during the race?” and these were clearly worries of a rookie paddler! We got off to a good start and were neck and neck with Pacific Dragons for a little while. Unfortunately, these experienced guns pulled ahead with their massive stokes and took first place in the 1st mixed heat, almost effortlessly. We placed 2nd and you’ll be glad to know that I didn’t have to pull my paddle out half way through.
Next race was the Opens Heat and we again placed a very respectable 2nd. Due to constant strong winds throughout the day, there were minor delays with race starts and not to mention, a lot of waiting around and a cancellation of a round of heats. With a second in the first Mixed Heat, we unfortunately had to settle for the Mixed Minor Final and again came a very close 2nd.
Finally came the last race of the day - the Opens Minor Final. The truth is I was quite bummed at the fact that I wouldn't be paddling in this race. Nevertheless, my bummed-ness was short lived when an opportunity arose and I jumped at it like there was a mountain full of macaroons! At the top of my lungs I shouted “ME, ME, ME, I’LL PADDLE!!!!!” (what an irony from someone who was ever so sceptical about dragon boating). Then it was time for the minor finals opens race where we laid low in our battleship lined up against other crews of men, ready to go. We had a strong and powerful start and kept up considering we were a mixed crew paddling against big tough boys; we landed in 3rd place.
A big shout out to Lingzilla and what an amazing job she did sweeping her first race. Our president, Brad, also swept his first ever race and kept us straight the entire day. And of course a job well done to the other sweeps Aron and Scottie as well! It is also worth mentioning that although it was a competition, I was proud of our sportsmanship and ACCA spirit by helping our competitors in their races - Brad swept, Shu drummed and both Lynsey and Katie paddled for other teams.
Despite not making the major finals, we all had a fantastic time. Sophie, Katie, Pat and Lynsey filled with excitement and soaking in their first race experience. Megsi, Nic and Foofi ecstatic over Breaking Dawn movie night. Shu not being shy that Breaking Dawn isn’t her cup of tea. Indy being fascinated on how girls can be so excited over Breaking Dawn. Keg and Scott as masterminds and strategists of the day. Ray and Siv as the power couple pacing together. Georgie platting Megsi’s hair. Spartacus ensuring all ACCAdians were well fed, hydrated and sugar hyped throughout the day. Oz getting hit on the head 3 times. JJ contributing to one of those blows on Oz’s head. J-Man sleeping everywhere, anywhere and anytime. Sarge being humble over his delicious cupcakes, ginger bread cookies and custard tarts. Matt reviewing work reports and struggling to stay awake. Aron as the usual Korean food expert and Brad just being his hyperactive self, whilst Romeo and Rob quietly snapped away capturing every moment and emotion (and our strokes to report back to Keg!) of the day. Me? I was just glad that I didn’t fall sick again.
In all seriousness, although we didn’t walk away with any medals this time, the experiences gained and lessons learnt only makes us ACCAdians more determined, focused and motivated in smashing the next round!
Power, ACCA roar, bring on race 4!!!!!!!!!!
