Stacey Thompson is a third grade teacher at Hong Kong Academy, and a big part of the HKA community. After a couple of years of light (!) persuasion, we finally got Stace back on the boat last year! Read on as we chat with our most positive paddler about her dragon boating thoughts! 1) How long have you been paddling for the HKA Dragonflies? Why did you start? This is my second full year paddling. I began because good friends were part of the team and this impacted on my company at happy hour! If you can't beat them join them right? Also, I had tried earlier and wanted to see if I could do it. It's great exercise and it kind of tricks you into working out. Once you are out on that boat for 2 hours there is no cheating yourself of quitting halfway through. | On our way out to a race! |
2) What sorts of exercise do you like to do outside of dragon boating?
I like walking (especially on long beaches) and swimming.
3) What are the challenges you've faced while dragon boating?
Beating the mindset of 'I'm tired" after a long day. Also, there really is nothing natural about the movement of dragon boating strokes so getting the timing right, the reach, twist, snaps and everything else took patience and practice (and still very much does!). Additionally, it can be a challenge to get back into the boat after a swim break sometimes!
I like walking (especially on long beaches) and swimming.
3) What are the challenges you've faced while dragon boating?
Beating the mindset of 'I'm tired" after a long day. Also, there really is nothing natural about the movement of dragon boating strokes so getting the timing right, the reach, twist, snaps and everything else took patience and practice (and still very much does!). Additionally, it can be a challenge to get back into the boat after a swim break sometimes!
4) What do you enjoy most about dragon boating? I love the camaraderie and spending time with the team and with people I don't get to see on a daily basis. The team aspect is a strong motivator for me. I also enjoy seeing personal progress and feeling good after a hard training. Oh and you do develop pretty good guns by the end of the season! 5) What tips would you give someone considering taking up dragon boating? Give it a few sessions, enjoy the pier beers after and don't expect to perfect it after just a few sessions. I'd also suggest you get a pair of gloves as those callouses are real. 6) Any last words? I'm pleased I came back to dragon boating as it really is a unique Hong Kong experience and we have a lot of fun along the way too. Being out on the water with friends, after a long day is always worth it! | A celebratory practice in the Sai Kung sun |
Karin, Kira, Paige, Heather and Stace hiding out from the rain
during last year's Warm-Up Races at Stanley!
during last year's Warm-Up Races at Stanley!