general

Dragon Boating opens a whole new world….

Dragon boating opened a whole new world for me when I began in 2013. It has included the joy of seeing baby loons, the rising mist, camaraderie, endorphins, laughter and physical exercise. Who knew it could get even better for me when Donna Enright began paddling in 2015.

I had no idea then that the paddling together, and getting to know each other at festivals would lead to a deep friendship and eventually a romantic relationship.

When we decided to get married, a couple of paddlers suggested that we consider arriving at the ceremony by dragon boat. The Club agreed and my friend since high school, Lois Deacon, agreed to coach and steer the crew. We are so very grateful to the Club, crew, fellow paddlers and the community for their support and sharing in our special wedding day.

We were feted with a champagne toast before our send-off on Susana Foo, who has never looked better with her refinishing, lots of fresh layers of varnish and sporting a beautiful dragon head and tail for the boat! What an honour! We were given a tremendous gift from the crew – a signed dragon boat paddle and a beautiful beginning to what we hope will be a long and happy married life together.

We appreciated the sunshine, the excitement, the enthusiasm of our paddling team as they ably paddled us to the town docks, after taking several passes past the band shell in Head Lake Park.

After the ceremony, we were delighted to make our transition into married life with a walk through a paddle arch formed by the crew.

Donna and Marg wedding paddle arch — Donna and Marg Wedding Paddle Arch

The day was perfect for us with the foundation of a magical dragon boat limo ride, surrounded by friends and cheered on by those on shore.

Donna and I give our heart-felt thanks to the Club, crew, fellow paddlers, coaches, club organizers and leaders and to Lois for helping make this a fantastic launch to our married life together!

Marg Cox

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.

The “FOO” has a Head at last!

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’

« Previous Page