|
|
|
|
|
A successful AGM took place after training on Sunday 1st March. We addressed survey results and set our goals for 2015. A new committee was elected:
Chair: Joy Braun
Team Manager: Kevin Truong
Head Coaches: Jen Szeto, Victor Martinez
Team Captain: Richard Marfiak
Treasurer and Secretary: Connie Ip (supported by Kitty Man)
O1 and Land Training Manager: Andrew Travers
Boat and Equipment Managers Justin Ryan, Richard Edmunds, Ken Chow
Social Coordinators: Sharyl Jauod (and a massive thanks to newbie Jessica Lee for taking this up too!)
Last year's hardworking committee of four (Kitty, Kev, Vic and Jen) are grateful to see so many Ragers step up to form our new and mightier management team. More people on board means a more diverse range of skills to help tackle any challenges that get hurled our way.
Rage's relationship with other teams has flourished in the past season, and we are making great friends not only within our own club, but with everyone in the BDA. Our current open and respectful culture will continue to be championed by the new committee. We've already held two meetings this month to lay down foundations for 2015.
With new blood comes fresh new ideas and approaches. We plan to do some things differently this year, which is a very exciting prospect. Awesome stuff – thank you, one and all.
|
|
A successful winter season
|
|
Record winter attendance, team bonding circuit sessions and an influx of energetic recruits have been heartening indicators of a successful winter season.
Rage was due to take part in the final Henley Winter series event, but unfortunately our perfectly procured boat towing plans were foiled when our van driver from Thames pulled out last minute. We made the most of our weekend anyway by completing a timed 6km session at our home training ground instead.
|
|
On the upside, not attending the last Henley race also means our nervous but excited newbies now have a few more weeks to familiarise themselves with paddling technique and race practise.
We're kicking off the season with a strong happy team. Let's put in the hard yards so we can give our best at all of this year's BDA events. Race dates have been published on the Rage website.
|
|
|
Above: Feeling like super heroes at Nimbo's circuits, and Ragers warming up at winter training with a game of tag :)
|
|
|
Marfiak, madness and medals of honour
|
|
This month, Richard Marfiak and Andrew Travers signed up to a BDA-accredited helming course. Due to a weekend work call Travers was unable to attend – but Jess, Jay, Fernando, Gaydon, Sharyl and Jen all showed up as volunteer paddlers in support of our new captain. It turned into a crazy day involving seemingly endless hours of paddling...an unexpected stamina session!
In recognition of their efforts and to mark the occasion, Joy presented 'medals of honour' to our team heroes. Our favourite part of this story is how Joy promised a medal ceremony that weekend via group announcement...and then texted Jen to ask (with two days' notice), "how long does it take to get medals made?!" :D
Congratulations to Captain Marfiak for successfully passing his first level BDA helm certification, and thanks to Joy for the generous medal ceremony gesture (a Rage first) :)
|
|
Rage is known as a fun-loving team who work hard and play hard. Thanks to Connie for kicking off the Rage social scene this year with a team bowling event.
Jam suffered from a bout of high blood pressure: "You guys are setting the bar too high!!" We love Jam for always striving to achieve his best in all his endeavours – which is why he was named as our January 'paddler of the month' :)
Despite Jam's mini meltdown, he (and the rest of the team) had a great time ;)
|
|
|
Out of the boys, Vic was the highest scoring player of the night, while Jay and Joy both got high scores on the girls' tally. Vic reckons the side guards were up in Joy's lane though, so he's hoping to challenge her to a game soon. I'd say don't get your ass kicked for the sake of it, Vic... :D
We then proceeded to an adjacent arcade where a flurry of air hockey pucks brought out Rage's competitive side. We need more team players like Fernando: "We lose...it's your fault!!!" :D
|
|
Paddler of the month: Ken Chow
|
|
Despite his busy personal life (as daddy-to-be and renovator of their new home), Ken consistently stands out as one of our most dedicated and loyal paddlers.
A role model to Ragers (both old and new), he has recently accepted additional responsibility as one of our newly appointed boat and equipment managers. Last season we named our race power call after him, and this year he has continued to lead by example.
Not only is he paddler of the month – he's a respected and highly valued veteran Rager. Congratulations, Ken.
|
|
|
A double birthday bash was held for Messy Jessy and "I beat cha" Jay on Friday 20th March :D
It was a boisterous night of bass and boogying. Champagne was popped, a dance-off ensued between Joy and Vic, while Connie and JoJo (our dance recruiters) attempted to get everyone up and grooving (although Fernando refused) :D
|
|
|
|
Later that evening, the Cocoa room transformed into a dark cavernous lair of heart-pounding music and flashing lights – the perfect setting for triggering off uncontrollable bouts of epilepsy... :D
Happy birthday to Rager by correspondence Dave Jarvis, who's travelling around South America – hope you're enjoying yourself. We're very envious! :)
Also a happy birthday to Diana who joined us for her first paddle this month in her distinctively stylish blue hat and matching paddle. She celebrated her birthday (possibly in a more sophisticated manner) elsewhere ;) We hope to see you on the water again with us soon.
|
|
Congratulations to our 2015 Rage GB representatives
|
|
|
The coaches are extremely proud to see record Rage representation at GB training this year. Most Ragers didn't end up at the time trials due to financial or other reasons (such as having a baby!) :)
Regardless, we are extremely proud of Kitty, Ken, Kev, Marfiak, Travers, Row and Vic for taking the initiative to attend the sessions and learn more about our sport.
Congratulations to Row for qualifying as a GB paddler for the first time, and to Vic for his fifth season on the GB circuit. We wish them both the best of luck at the World Championships in Canada later this year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
