False Creek Women's Regatta 2009 

 May 23, 2009 started our race season at the False Creek Women's Regatta.
The early morning was abuzz with many teams crammed into a small space due
to the construction but that didn't deter the spirit of the day.  We posted some of
our best times, although we had 2nd, 3rd and 4th places, we were very happy with our performance.
Congratulations to ALL the team members for putting so much heart and soul into each and every race.
  With our wonderful coach Sherry, we can only get better as the season progresses...side by side!!

Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival 2009 

 Wow!!! What an amazing weekend.  We started Friday night at the Survivors' Dinner where we were among the best dressed team there.
We had a first place, a second place and two third places and were set to race in the Jade A final when the races were cancelled due to the high winds. The final results were awarded based on the times in previous races.  The race results showed Spirit abreast was awarded 1st place in the final - A GOLD MEDAL!
Thank you to everyone on the team. You are an amazing team. Special thanks to Sherry who is the best coach we could wish for.

Penticton Festival 2009

What a wonderful weekend we had in beautiful sunny Penticton. Thank you to all of you.
We had very exciting close races and some great times. We didn't come home with a medal but for me the compliment we received from one of the paddlers who joined us from Abreast in Richmond was better than a medal. At the end of the weekend she told us,
 "Your team has a reputation for being the most friendly and inclusive team to paddle with and this weekend you have surpassed your reputation."
This is what our team's mission  is all about, supporting and including as well as winning a few races.

Harrison Hot Springs Regatta 2008

What a wonderful day. Spirit Abreast, with the help of 5 paddlers from the Dragon Flyers, was able to attend this well run event this year. We were inspired by our drummer Julie, who was unable to attend, to perform to the best of our capabilities at this regatta. Our 200 M sprint, the opening race of the day was one in 1:06:42, with the last 3 races being 500 M finishing  2:40:80, 2:43:24 and 2:45:45 respectfully, as the water as per norm for the lake got rougher in the afternoon. We couldn't have done this with out our great coach Sherry and steers person Graham.

Good looking group

Ahead by 1/2 a boat!

Gaining on the others

 Cultus Lake Regatta 2008

Spirit Abreast proved once again that the members are a strong determined working unit even when facing many adversities as the week leading up to this event provided.  Our day was in memory of our beloved Carmen�s husband Keith Miller who was a big supporter of the team.  We attended this regatta without several members and were able to find fill in paddlers from our support system of friends and our fellow  women�s team the Dragon Fyers. Our 1^st race of the day saw us with a time of 2:43, then 2:41:48 for the second. We finished in First Place in the women�s Heron division finals with an improved time of 2:41:18. We were very proud of our Julie who gave the breast cancer speech at the carnation ceremony. This was our last regatta for the 2008 season. Girls, what a way to finish the paddling season, Congratulations to each and everyone on the team. Well Done!

Here we are pulling ahead.

We are sooo far ahead!

The smiles tell it all.

Team Cultus 2008 

NANAIMO 2008

Nanaimo Dragonboat Festival 2008 was, as usual, a wonderful experience.  The new lodgings were very nice with the included breakfast.  We had a great crew and had help from our friends Debbie Anderson, Maureen Robinson, Melanie Kenler and Maria Heilgers.  A big thank you to them and a special one for Florence Williams who joined us for Sunday.  Although we didn't come home with ribbons or medals, we gave it our best and initiated some of our new paddlers.

All dressed up for Mardi Gras

The Candle Ceremony was very moving

Ready to shove off

Nanaimo Team 2008 

False Creek Women's Dragon Boat Regatta- May 24, 2008

WOW what start to the 2008 paddling season - 3 races and 3 wins for our team.  Our race times were 2:31,2:38 and 2.30, which is a "best" for Spirit Abreast.  The False Creek Women's Dragon Boat Regatta always provides an upbeat start to the racing season and this years event was no exception, it was lots of fun and very well organized. 
 
The hard work, commitment and dedication of everyone who contributed to this success must be recognized.  Firstly to all Spirit Abreast team members, regardless of whether or not you were physically in the boat racing, you have contributed to this achievement.  Sherry, your contribution to our team is invaluable, you have coached us in such a positive way that we are motivated to believe in ourselves. Graham, a huge Thank You; what an awesome job of steering us to victory!! Don, thank you for doing an amazing job in "managing us" throughout the day.  Another huge thank you to the many associate paddlers who "came aboard" with Spirit Abreast during the day, we certainly couldn't have participated without your help.  To the many others who worked tirelessly before and during the event to ensure that the team was organized, that tents and equipment were ready and available and that buses were driven, a big thank you.  Lastly to all those who came out to support us, please know that you are all very important to our team.  Finally a special note of thanks to team member Debbie Coe for the "pink" table of goodies -we were all touched by your thoughtfulness.   

The Winners!

A very close race #1 

There we are on the right ahead by a mile!