general

RACE!

By Joannie Ransberry

Our team is, indeed, pumped for Saturday’s race in Port Perry.

When we hear “Paddles Up”, we’ll be ready. We’ll give it our all.

Thanks to coaches Scotty and Lois and drummer Jane, we will race with great gusto.

Because we are who we are, our dragon boat team will keep it together and, like always, we’ll have a load of fun.

Personally, I would like to thank the coaches, the race coordinators and the club executive for all that they do.

While I’m not the best paddler in the boat, I’m okay. It’s okay to be okay.

One thing is absolute: it is a privilege to be a member of the Haliburton Highland Paddlers.

Headless since the inauguration of Haliburton Highlands Paddlers, our beloved ‘FOO’ now has a head AND a tail, which, although they may not be used regularly, are certainly available for ‘Special’ occasions. It appeared publicly on Head Lake on Sat 11th for such an occasion. Stay tuned for further details on the ‘fancy’ FOO, the occasion and lots of photos!

If you have photos (or stories) of Saturday, pls forward to admin@haliburtonhighlandspaddlers.ca for possible inclusion.

First Paddles of the Season – May 29th, 2017

The Morning Paddle was ‘slightly damp’ as described by Joannie Ransbury: “It was a dark and stormy morning– I just got out of the dragon boat, which was half full and the collective attitude was right on. We returned from Haliburton’s Head Lake laughing and very wet. I’ve got two days to dry off… it’ll be “paddles up” again on Wednesday”. (Ed. Now THAT’S the spirit!).

The evening paddle, on the other hand was in perfect conditions, sun and only a slight breeze, attended by approx. 17 Paddlers (3 new) plus coach Scotty Boyd. The Foo was resplendent in her new makeover – thanks to those who put in the many hours to scrape, sand, paint and varnish her over the past weeks! Tonight’s paddle was a leisurely ‘warm up’ one, according to Coach Boyd, however with the Port Perry Dragon Boat Festival coming up on June 17th, we can expect the upcoming practices to increase somewhat in intensity!

Hear them roar!

If you listened carefully around 7 am on Monday May 29th you may have been able to hear the dragon, the Susanna Foo, roar as eleven or so brave paddlers took to the water. It was the first official paddle of the 2017 season. The weather was not exactly great. In fact it was raining. That did not hinder our enthusiasm but had Coach Janine sent an email I am sure that we would not have been too terribly disappointed. Janine did actually sing though!

This morning was great! Sun was shining. One of the newbies actually came back even after being initiated to paddling in the rain. Coach Lois worked on our stroke. It felt good to be back in the boat and on the water.

Port Parry is in about three weeks, June 17th. I believe we still need a few more people. Waivers and health forms need to be signed too. Please have a look at the email from the Management Team today as well. Let’s pray for a sunny day with lots of fun and excitement.

A man of wisdom delights in water. — Confucius

President’s Call to Paddlers!

Greetings paddlers

Not long now!!!

After several weeks of sanding, painting and varnishing, ‘Susanna Foo’ is almost ready for her Spring launch. A dedicated crew has spent countless hours getting your boat ready for the summer season. We owe Phil Meades, Tony Taylor and their crews a big thanks!

Our start date is as follows: Monday May 29th, 7:00 am OR 5:30 pm. If this date changes due to weather conditions you will be advised by email. Please dress according to the weather and do not forget your CSA approved PFD.

Are you joining us for the first festival of the season in Port Perry on June 17th? There are still a few spots remaining. Email Ginny Carmichael ginnyginny@bell.net to get your name on the list.

And finally, have you checked out our new Website yet at: www.haliburtonhighlandspaddlers.ca

Thanks to Donna Enright and her staff at ‘Technicalities Plus’ for this gift. As well, thanks to Robin Bell and Della Redwood who have spent many hours working with the Technicalities Plus staff to get our website up-and-running.

This website is now live and ready for YOUR use. Please have a look through it, become familiar with the important information in it and direct your friends to it!

Send pictures and stories for the “paddlers blog” at any time to admin@haliburtonhighlandspaddlers.ca The more activity we have on the site, the more engaged our members will become and knowledge of our club will spread throughout our community and beyond.

We have tried to provide all the information needed by members on the site, however;

If you have any membership or ‘guest’ queries, please email membership@haliburtonhighlandspaddlers.ca

If you have any questions about the club in general, please email info@haliburtonhighlandspaddlers.ca.

Looking forward to that first day on the water.

PADDLES UP,

The ‘Pres’

Foo Maintenance Update

On Thursday April 13 and Friday the 14th some of the crew met at the Minden Curling Club to start the tasks at hand. With the dedicated help, a lot was accomplished. Last year the UV light from the sun took its toll on the starboard side of the interior vertical surface of the gunwale. Most of this has now been sanded with maybe about 15 per cent left to complete. When we had 3 or 4 sanders all running at the same time, you would think you’re right in the middle of about 50 bee hives, a lot of buzzing goin’ on.

We also made good headway on preparing the floor for re-finishing. As you may remember from last year, the paint was de-laminating and flaking off in places. Low surfaces and below the seats are the worst. With wood chisels and scrapers we’ve completed our first pass of the full interior length so we’re probably at the 85 per cent stage of being ready for paint. However we need to go over what we have completed to ensure all loose material has been removed.

On Saturday, Phil, while in Barrie, purchased varnish, thinner and paint. Talk about dedication! There is no holding us back now.

Work Plan for Next Week

We will meet at the curling club on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning for a 10 am start. The plan is to complete the sanding of the gunwale, starboard side and to complete the prep of the floor for white paint. When we’re satisfied that we’ve done our best the interior will be well vacuumed and wiped down with tack cloth. Then the paint can be applied next week. As the application of varnish is temperature sensitive, we will hold off till May when we can get some warmer weather.

It is hoped that others will volunteer some of their time. Please reply to Phil’s email, to indicate which day or days you would be willing to help out. If too many respond for a particular time the selection of volunteers will be based on sequence of first respondents. This was not an issue last week.

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