Welcome to our second Meet the Dragonflies blog post! This week, we ask one of our long-time paddlers, Heather Goode, a few questions about paddling for the HKA Dragonflies... How long have you been paddling for the HKA Dragonflies, and why did you start? I've been on the team for four years. I first signed-up because I was working with long time paddlers who convinced me to give it a go and it seemed like a very "Hong Kong activity" to try! What is your role within the HKA community? I teach grade 3 and I'm the Primary School Service Learning Coordinator...for the next two weeks! I'll be moving to a new school in Austria to take up the role of grade 4 teacher and Literacy/Phase coordinator. | Heather in her daytime role as G3 teacher (and Primary School Service Learning Co-ordinator)! |
Heather, left, with fellow paddlers, Cassi, Paige, Alyson, Katherine, Erin and Maggie, at the Sai Kung DB Lovers Dragon Boat Race in May | What are the challenges you've faced whilst dragon boating? The whole posture has been a challenge at different points! When I first started it felt bizarre to hold your body, especially your arms, that tight and still and somehow be reaching, twisting and looking upfront all together. It was like patting your head, while rubbing your belly...and riding a unicycle. What do you enjoy most about paddling? Being on the water, with my friends, outside of work. Awesome feeling! |
What sorts of exercise do you like to do outside of dragon boating?
I'm a yogi! I particularly enjoy ashtanga and yin yoga, but I will do any kind in order to have savasana ("corpse pose"-lying there flat) at the end. I also run sometimes, basically because it's free. I've never experience this so-called "runner's high." I'd prefer to hike, bike, kayak, etc.!
I'm a yogi! I particularly enjoy ashtanga and yin yoga, but I will do any kind in order to have savasana ("corpse pose"-lying there flat) at the end. I also run sometimes, basically because it's free. I've never experience this so-called "runner's high." I'd prefer to hike, bike, kayak, etc.!
What tips would you give to someone considering taking up dragon boating?
Be patient, the form will happen and enjoy! :)
Stay tuned for the next Meet the Dragonflies post, coming soon!
Be patient, the form will happen and enjoy! :)
Stay tuned for the next Meet the Dragonflies post, coming soon!