Calmness - Cadel Evans / Rupert Guinness (Sat 01 Jul 2017)

Pacific Dragons - AusDBF Nationals / Albury (Mon 24 Apr 2017)

Cadel Evans on Calmness:

Stay calm. Enjoy the race. Do your best

via Tour de France 2017: Cadel Evans tells Richie Porte to 'stay calm' and cycle on by Rupert Guinness.

Jenny - AusDBF Nationals 2004 / Perth (Fri 09 Apr 2015)

Jenny - Perth Apartments - State vs State Day / AusDBF Nationals 2004 / Perth (Fri 09 Apr 2015)

I'm often asked what is my favourite Dragon Boat momemt and there have been a few to pick from. Have left it until today, here in Perth, to say what it really is ..

My favourite dragon boat moment is Jenny in this photo ..

Jenny is ready to race for her State, for the very first time, in the NSW Women's Master Dragon Boat Team. She is ready to go and was so excited. You can see it in her face and smile.

The NSW Bus would swing by the Dragons Abreast Accomodation to pick up Jenny and Jo. And I would walk up along the river to the race site to watch the races. Dolphins frolicked in the shallow river waters to keep me entertained along the long river side walk.

It was an exciting day and the Australian title as well as the right to represent Australia at the World Championships in Shanghai was at stake. At the end of the day all NSW Teams had qualified and Jenny and Joanne were off to Shanghai in Oct 2004.

For me, I was yet to set foot onto a Dragon Boat, even though Jenny and Joanne had been paddling close to 3 years. My turn would come a month later, and the rest is history.

This is my first AusDBF Nationals here in Perth and I remember Jenny and those that were here back in Apr 2004, some of whom will be here today and tomorrow. As I said, a special moment for me in paddling and life.

All the best to everyone here in Perth for the AusDBF Nationals that start today. May you put your best races on the water and dont forget to have a great time.

Paddles up .. Geoff

On the Journey - Seth Godin (Fri 02 May 2014)

Pacific Dragons - 2014 AusDBF Dragon Boat Nationals - Kawana (Fri 18 Apr 2014)
Seth Godin (*) writes On Giving (*):

In the infinite game (*), though, something completely different is going on. In the infinite game, the point is to keep playing, not to win (*). In the infinite game, the journey (*) is all there is. And so, players in an infinite game never stop giving so they can take. [..]

You certainly know people who play this game, you may well have been touched (*) by them, inspired (*) by them and taught (*) by them. The wrong question to ask is, "but how do they win?" The right way to understand it is, "but is it worth playing?"

via The short game, the long game and the infinite game (*) by Seth Godin (*).

I see people like this in my club (*) and as is always the case, Seth is ever so right in his observations on life. And I know, by these experiences in my club (*), exactly what he means.

On the Challenge of Change - Viktor Frankl via Vernon Gambetta (Sun 27 Apr 2014)

Pacific Dragons - Premier Mixed 2km - 2014 AusDBF Nationals - Kawana (Fri 18 Apr 2014)
Viktor E Frankl (*) writes challenge (*) of unavoidable change (*):

When we are no longer able to change (*) a situation, we are challenged (*) to change ourselves.

via Some Random Thoughts on Sports, Coaching and Life (*) by Vernon Gambetta (*).

Had to face a few unavoidable changes in my time, and this is a brilliant summary of the only to move forward, even if there a few steps back.

The thing to remember is to keep moving forward (*)

On Performance - Julia Ryall / PDdb (Tue 04 Nov 2008)

Pacific Dragons - 500m Premier Mixed Final - 2014 AusDBF Dragon Boat Nationals - Kawana (Sat 19 Apr 2014)
Julia Ryall (*) writes On Performance (*) and Expectation (*) amongst other things:

Performance (*) is not about crossing the line first, it is about having great plan, the right preparation (*), the ability to execute the plan (*) well on the day, realistic expectations (*) and an ability to celebrate (*) the performance rather than the placing.

via PDdb - DB Paddling Update: The ultimate performance is a greater reward than first place by Julia Ryall (*).

Written, what now seems so long ago, but still so right and relevant. Almost six years on, and so many amazing experiences (*) in between, these words makes much more sense now than they did back then.

Pacific Dragons - 2009 AusDBF Dragon Boat Nationals - Kawana (Sun 26 Apr 2009)

Pacific Dragons (*) - 2009 AusDBF (*) Dragon Boat Nationals - Kawana (*) (Sun 26 Apr 2009)
(l-b-f-r) Geoff, Graeme, Kaizer, Norm, Lisa, Christian, Darren, Adam, Mark, Todd, Jo, Dave, Matt, Helen, Jenny, Gav, John, Eugene, Kristen, Christoph, PaulC, Mandy, Julia, Craig, Dean, Phil, Toby, Andrew, Shell, Becky, Jo, Bonny, Mel, Kath, Phil, Charlotte, Nicola, Lucy, Di, Dave, Leesa, Rachel, Michelle, PaulS, Suzy, Amanda, Linda, Annett, Billy
Five years have passed and we have come full circle. Jenny (*) was with us last time and I shed a few small tears as I watched the PD Girls, paddling two short and Jo drumming, cross the line second in the Women's 500m Final. In my heart I felt her presence in one of the seats left spare for her and I knew she was there with them, making the impossible possible (*) yet again.

Lots of new faces but still a few of us who paddle on. Thanks to all.

Pacific Dragons (*) - 2014 AusDBF (*) Dragon Boat Nationals - Kawana (*) (Sat 19 Apr 2014)
Kerry Davenport,
Jasmin Keick, Kathleen Burrows, Annett Happich, Nicola Frowen, Catherine Gale, Laurette Ah Jack, Amanda Wyllie, Rachel Giang, Dianne Morgan, Rebecca Oately, Kylie Haskins, Kirsi Niinimaki, Caitlin Moffat, Jane Hill, Elizabeth Cowen, Emma Walsh, Alison Linn, Daniella Storm, Greg Oatley, Eugene Lee, Geoff Eldridge, Gavin Godfrey, Matt Spies, Paul Wilkins, Craig Stewart, Christian Happich, Stuart Young, Graeme Bacon, Albert Au, Paul Smith, Kaizer Austin, Paul Cooke, Ivan Sanchez, Tim Vose, Peter McAllister, Tony Pound

Pacific Dragons - 2014 AusDBF Dragon Boat Nationals - Kawana (Sat 19 Apr 2014)

Pacific Dragons (*) - 2014 AusDBF (*) Dragon Boat Nationals - Kawana (*) (Sat 19 Apr 2014)
Kerry Davenport,
Jasmin Keick, Kathleen Burrows, Annett Happich, Nicola Frowen, Catherine Gale, Laurette Ah Jack, Amanda Wyllie, Rachel Giang, Dianne Morgan, Rebecca Oately, Kylie Haskins, Kirsi Niinimaki, Caitlin Moffat, Jane Hill, Elizabeth Cowen, Emma Walsh, Alison Linn, Daniella Storm, Greg Oatley, Eugene Lee, Geoff Eldridge, Gavin Godfrey, Matt Spies, Paul Wilkins, Craig Stewart, Christian Happich, Stuart Young, Graeme Bacon, Albert Au, Paul Smith, Kaizer Austin, Paul Cooke, Ivan Sanchez, Tim Vose, Peter McAllister, Tony Pound

On Leadership - David Foster Wallace / Dan Coyle (Wed 16 Apr 2014)

Julia and Gav - my dragon boat coaches - Kawana (*) - 2009 AusDBF Nationals (Sat 24 Apr 2009)
David Foster Wallace (*) writes On Leadership (*):

Deep down, you almost always like how a real leader (*) makes you feel, the way you find yourself working harder and pushing yourself and thinking in ways you couldn’t ever get to on your own.

via 3 Simple Things Great Teachers Do (*) by Dan Coyle (*).

Two people who have believed (*) in me right from the very start when I thought there was nothing to believe in. And who pushed and challenged me to be more than I thought I could have ever been as a paddler and a person. They have given me so much and I am forever appreciative for that.

On Photography as a Witness to Life - Kirk Tuck (Tue 05 Mar 2014)

Premier Open 200m Final - 2006 AusDBF National Dragon Boat Champs - Nagambie (Sun 16 April 2006)
Kirk Tuck (*) writes:

The images are self contained historical artifacts that I use to prove to myself that I've lived and experienced (*) the things I have. [..]

We are all on a journey (*) through life and the only important thing in my mind is to understand (*) where I've been and where I might be going. The camera helps me keep track of my progress.

via The mindset of one photographer (*) by Kirk Tuck (*).

Remembering Jenny - IDBF World Championships / Qingpu / China (Oct 2004)

Jenny and Joanne - IDBF World Championships / Qingpu / China (Oct 2004)
Four years ago just now. We remember you, Jenny (*). You are always there for us as you guide and inspire us from above.

Joanne and Geoff - 2013 AusDBF National Championships / Penrith (Thu 18 Apr 2013)
Joanne, she would be so proud of you and what you have achieved these last four years. It's been tough, tougher than most people could imagine. Just like Jenny, you are an inspiration and I look forward to seeing you carry the Australian Flag in Szeged (*) on Tue 23 Jul 2013. Go Joanne!!!

On Determination - Shawn Heidgen / Training Peaks (Wed 12 Jun 2013)

Day 2 - 2013 AusDBF Nationals - SIRC / Penrith (Fri 19 Apr 2013)
Shawn Heidgen (*) writes On Determination (*):

No one makes it to the top without overcoming obstacles that would push most people to quit. It is that mental determination (*) and the ability to endure that makes the difference between success (*) and failure (*).

via The Power of Perseverance (*) by Shawn Heidgen (*).

On Confidence - Shawn Heidgen / Training Peaks (Wed 12 Jun 2013)

Day 2 - 2013 AusDBF Nationals - SIRC / Penrith (Fri 19 Apr 2013)
Shawn Heidgen (*) writes On Confidence (*):

it’s almost impossible to win a race without having the confidence (*) to do so.

via The Power of Perseverance (*) by Shawn Heidgen (*).

NSW Masters State Dragon Boat Squad - AusDBF Nats 2012 - Docklands / Melbourne (Sun 01 Apr 2012)

NSW Masters State Dragon Boat Squad - AusDBF Nats 2012 - Docklands / Melbourne (Sun 01 Apr 2012)

NSW State Dragon Boat Squad - Post Racing - AusDBF Nats 2009 / Kawana (Thu 23 Apr 2009)

NSW State Dragon Boat Squad - Post Racing - AusDBF Nats 2009 / Kawana - Thu 23 Apr 2009

Grand Masters Crew Leader Speech - Australian Auroras Team Dinner - Tampa / USA (Mon 01 Aug 2011)

On behalf of the Grand Dragon's I would like to congratulate everyone here on their achievements in reaching this point in their Climb to Tampa 2011.

We are just about to summit and the reality of our training and efforts over the last nine months will soon become crystal clear. This time next week, Tampa 2011 and your efforts will come the most recent addition to the history of Australian Dragon Boating at International Events, in this case the 2011 IDBF World Championships here in Tampa.

In talking about Dragon Boat History, on behalf of us all I would like to acknowledge all of those people, teams and squads that have become before us. They have shown us the way forward and they have demonstrated that anything is possible.

I would like us to reflect briefly on previous Australian Squad Members who have left this world and who inspire us from above. They are:

• Margaret Cantwell - IDBF Worlds (Berlin 2005)


• Jon Taylor - IDBF Worlds (Berlin 2005)


• Jenny Petterson - IDBF Worlds (Shanghai 2004, Berlin 2005, Sydney 2007) and Asian Games (Macau 2006)


• Maurice Cowan - IDBF Worlds (Shanghai 2004, Berlin 2005)

On your behalf, I would also like to acknowledge and thank your "supporters in paddling" - your coaches, managers and team mates.

In particular I acknowledge and thank your "supporters in life" - your understanding families and friends who have no doubt made many sacrifices to see you here representing your country at the highest level in your sport.

As we sit here now, I would like you to think back that very moment you decided and were inspired to become part of the 2011 Auroras Squad. As you reflect over the time from that decision to now, you should be truly proud in your achievement and transformation as a paddler and a person.

At this moment, I would also like you to think of those people in your life or who have been a part of your life and are not on this world now. I would like to remind you of the pride they must have to see you here now and to be racing in the Green and Gold on the water over the next five days.

Today as I watched the Aurora Teams from all Divisions go through their last training drills, I was truly moved by what I witnessed. On the water, I saw a squad unified in technique, drive and purpose. Off the water, I saw teams united in arms and I felt truly proud to be Australian, in a way I have only felt a few other times.

For those who have put in place this National Selection System, there should be a hugh sense of satisfaction in the results that has been achieved as we sit here now. Dragon Boating in Australia continues to move forward from the top via the AusDBF decision making process and from the ranks, through the coaches, managers and paddlers.

Change and the willingness to try new things is always a tricky and difficult process - Who moved my Cheese (*) - (that one is for you Nicola who was there for me when I had my own fears). It is hard to move away from our comfort zones even if the we are willing to change, for you see change is a step into the unknown - a "leap of faith" some would say - and this is always a risky business.

In the end acceptance, willingness and a committment to change is the only way to improve.

To achieve longevity and success in any sport requiries an acceptance of change and adaptability. So for those who have experienced campaigns past, I congratulate you. You are role models.

For those, who this is your first campaign, I also congratulate you on accepting the change and challenges in sitting here today.

I will leave you with a quote from Cadel Evans, winner the of the 2011 Tour de France, Sunday week ago. He said in an interview the day before the now famous Stage 19, which included the famous Alp de Huez Mountain Stage:

"All you have to do is stay calm and go as hard as possible from the start to the finish. It's quite simple, [..] You are only riding a bike from point A to point B."

But as we all know through our own sport and experiences over the last nine months, there is more to it than that. He expands:

"but in terms of technique there is so much in terms of peddling and breathing, and there is the corners. Just concentrating on riding out beyond limit is very taxing."

In closing, just like Cadel, I want you to realise that you are an elite sports person. You represent your country with "Pride, Power, Intensity and Passion". You are at the top of your sport at this very moment in time.

I wish you all the best as you put in place everything that you have learnt in this campaign, in your paddling career and your life, to achieve your personal and team bests, because afterall that is all we can ask of ourselves.

9th World Dragon Boat Championships - Prague - 26-30 Aug 2009

9th World Dragon Boat Championships - Australian Masters - Prague - 26-30 Aug 2009

9th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships - Australian Masters - SIRC / Sydney - 19-23 Sep 2007

8th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships Australian Masters - SIRC / Sydney - 19-23 Sep 2007

7th Asian Dragon Boat Championships - Macau - 22 to 24 Sep 2006

7th Asian Dragon Boat Championships - Australia Premiers - Macau - 22 to 24 Sep 2006

Coming together is a beginning - Aus Squad 2011 - Parkes Place / Canberra - Sun 04 Apr 2011 (picasa)

Coming together is a beginning - Aus Squad 2011 - Parkes Place / Canberra - Sun 04 Apr 2011 (picasa)
Coming together is a beginning - Aus Squad 2011 - Parkes Place / Canberra - Sun 04 Apr 2011 (picasa)
As one Campaign ends, another begins in earnest.

At the end of the AusDBF 2011 Australian Dragon Boat Championships, the 2011 Australian Dragon Boat Squad came together for the first time.

We had all been through the same journey to get to this point. Initial selection individual fitness tests in November 2010. Then on to the 4 day selection camps for Premier, Masters and Grand Masters in Canberra in January.

The squad was a sea of colour - all the states and just about all the clubs. We had come from all over Australia to be here together for the first time. There were some faces from campaigns past, some familiar new faces from the recent selection camp and some faces I had never seen before. We had already bonded before we had even met for the first time. We were all united by this process, to make it work and the desire to represent our country - to be the best we can.

It was a moving moment as we embraced each other as a Squad for the first time and Serge inspired us to commit to our individual training programmes, and to work together as a Team and Squad on our Journey to Tampa 2011.

Again, this quote by Henry Ford seems appropriate for this historic moment:

Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.

NSW Masters Dragon Boat Squad - Parkes Place / Canberra - Thu 01 Apr 2011 (picasa)

All of us - NSW Master's Dragon Boat Squad - Parkes Place / Canberra - Thu 01 Apr 2011
Geoff, Rachel, Kaizer, Jo and Rachel - Pacific Dragons Masters Team Mates / NSW Master's Dragon Boat Squad - Parkes Place / Canberra - Thu 01 Apr 2011
Full circle for me now. Started my first State Campaign in Canberra back in April 2005.

Fantastic campaign, Great Team and Great People. My favourite campaign and I've done a few now.