Notable milestones of 2022:
May 12th. Finally, after a pandemic absence, we launched the refurbished dragon boat into our beautiful lake, Thursday, May 12th, at the New Denver Marina. Thanks to the heavy lifters who volunteered, friends, family, and community, it was about twenty minutes from land to water.
May 14th. Recreation Open House, our Board members were at the Knox Hall telling people about the fun to be had in dragon boating.
May 15th. Safety Orientation, Paddling Strokes and Commands instruction, and our first paddle.
May 22. May Day Recruitment Booth and Bake & Plant Sale May 22, at Centennial Park. Come out and support the team. Paddling cancelled for the week.
May 29. Paddling resumes on schedule.
October 2. Our twentieth (20!) paddle bested our record for most consecutive Sundays in our dragon boat. Everything on land or lake cooperated so we had no interruption for weather, smoke, or insufficient number of paddlers.
October 23. After a record setting 22 consecutive Sunday morning paddles, our dragon boat was put to bed for the winter. A toast 🥂 to the next season’s highly anticipated activities.
November 10. The dragons closed the year with the AGM, elected its executive, and enjoyed the hospitality of the beautiful New Denver Lodge, courtesy of Fiona.
photo credits: Kay Schweitzer, Karen Radnor, Deborah Sword. Linda
All other credit to the team and volunteers.
May 14th, New Denver Recreation Open House at the Knox Hall
Veteran paddlers and Board members, Kay Schweitzer and Gerry Buchanan, greeted anyone who wanted to find out about dragon boating.
Our first paddle in almost three years!
We didn’t care that today, May 15, 2022, was cold, overcast and wet. It was good to be in the boat, on the water, paddling as a team. Welcome to new members, and returning members. After sign in and warm-up exercises, we trooped to the dock for safety review and paddling technique refresher. Thanks to coach Gerry and steerperson Shelley for the expert guidance, and photo credit to Brian Marsh.
Dark Water Dragons win first prize for our entry in the May Day Parade
May 22, 2022, our team lined up, woke our inner dragon and marched in the parade to Centennial Park.
Rain, rain, rain and cold during the week, give way for paddles up on Sunday
We hold umbrellas all week and paddles on Sunday. Thanks to new member, Fiona, and Irene’s partner Phil, for these pictures of the team paddle, 12 June, 2022.
Today, we are grateful to our leaders, coach Gerry, steers Shelley and Herrmann, and president Kay.
Another paddle in paradise, 10 July, 2022
Herman dressed our dragon boat from head to tail in Sunday best, and we had kayaks for company. Thanks to Phil in a kayak we have photographs under a clear summer sky on our glistening lake.
Team effort: on 14 July, 2022, despite the 34C heat, we pulled invasive weeds at the marina.
out 12 week old Eddie
So far, all conditions have been ‘go’ for Sunday paddles.
Thanks to Chris Kolmel and Brian Marsh, who photographed our 24 July, 2022, practice, and Kathy Hartman, for 31 July photos.
Sunday, September 11
Neither autumn chill nor wildfire smoke nor an 8 AM start shall keep the Dark Water Dragons from their appointed paddle. Thank you new coach Irene Whitfield for taking on the coach’s duties and taking the pictures to prove it.
October 2, record setting 20th consecutive Sunday paddle
All good things end
After a record 22 consecutive Sunday paddles, our boat got put to bed on 23 October, 2022. Grateful for good weather, clear skies, committed members, terrific coaching and steering, wonderful lake, and the excellent executive and board of directors who guide us.
After the November 10, AGM at the beautiful New Denver Lodge, we close the photo gallery of our very successful and fun 2022, until 2023.
Taisa (treasurer), Kay (president), Irene (secretary).