Introduction

The DC Dragons began in 1992 as the National Capital Area Women’s Paddling Association (NCAWPA). What started as a women’s dragon boat festival team has evolved to include men and mixed teams that complete in both dragonboating and outrigger canoeing. Our teams have competed both locally and internationally. In addition to competing, NCAWPA spearheads the development of dragonboating and outrigger canoeing both locally and along the East Coast. Many of our members have been coaches and/or part of the organization committees for the DC Dragon boat festival since its inception. As the first dragonboat team in the DC metro area, we strive to inspire others to join in a sport that promotes cooperative team effort, is physically challenging and fun. We paddle year-round and welcome new paddlers to join us or our sister teams, GoPink!DC and NCAWPA Youth.

This blog chronicles our journeys and achievements

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A good start... (DC DB Festival)

Attempted by Chia
Saturday
It was way too early in the morning as the DC Dragons began to arrive at the Washington Harbor. Some arrived before the crack of dawn to assist at the docks. Some arrived early to setup the tent and others just because they couldn't wait to race again. The sky was gray but it looks like it just might hold up today.

On Saturday, we got off to a strong start! The DC Dragons came in first for our first two 250m race. The first race, we came in at 1.11.89 against the Pittsburgh Paddlefish and the NY Wall Street Dragons. In the semi finals, we hit our start a little better, coming in at 1.09.97 against Booz Allen Betafish, Pittsburgh and GSK Spitfire.

Perhaps it was nerves, perhaps it was overconfidence, perhaps we were the interior paddlers...... we came in second to NY Wall Street Dragons but ahead of Booz Allen in the final race of the day.

As if God was sending us a message, the skies opened up and what can I say..... it was a rain-out!

Sunday

Sunday was chiller than Saturday. Skies were gray and it looked like it would begin to pour at any second. The DC Dragons return to the race venue determine to put on a show again. (Especially since we got the right tent this time)

The first 500m race for pitted us against two team we faced yesterday, Booz and Pittsburgh. It also included Green Dragons a strong festival team from Saturday. We did a good job holding our ground and came out ahead

The final race of the festival proved to be the most interesting. The participants were a duplicate of the prior day's finals. The DC dragons gave it their all and were right alongside NY Wall Street at the finish line. It was too close to call. As we were paddling back to dock, the news came over the speaker systems. DC Dragons came in second by less than 0.2 seconds.

Final Thought
Two silver, One hell of a start to the season. A good start.....

Special Thanks to all the paddler,
Anu Gupta
Jimmy Prunier
Sharon Hong
Alvin Colasito
John Colasito
Warren Fair
JR Lequin
Norman Huang
Sonali Ratnayake
Cynthia Colasito
Victoria Nguyen
Ken King
Tina Chen
Diane Levy
Xi Wang
Hung Huynh
Melissa Paluch
Uriel Klieger
Aristotle Ambion
Aleksandra Chernavtseva
Thea Knight
Davida Wood
Kathy Wright
Chia Tan



From far to near - NY Wall Street Dragons,DC Dragons,Booz Allen Betafish
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