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

Enjoy Life - Bronnie Ware (Sun 05 Apr 2015)

Pacific Dragons Mixed Orange - Penrith (Sat 04 Apr 2015

Bronnie Ware on Life

Change is constant. We make it easiest on ourselves by accepting that fact. Our ability in letting go of the need for control, giving up the insistence that things have to be a certain way, is a courageous gift of freedom.

It is also a gift of love and gratitude. By surrendering to life, accepting that change is a natural part of the flow, we learn to appreciate the moment for what it is.[..]

Life really is such a short and precious gift. It can also change unexpectedly in one tiny moment. So please, love yourself enough to commit to enjoying your life. Make decisions that support your happiness – your genuine, heartfelt happiness.

via Enjoy Life by Bronnie Ware.

Coaching Observations - Physiology4Performance (Sun 01 Jun 2014)

Untitled - Langelinie promenade / Copenhagen (Fri 23 Aug 2013)
Physiology4Performance (*) writes On Coaching Observations (*):

After meeting and talking with some 700 DB coaches around the country, here are some common truths that keep cropping up:

• Every club struggles with numbers. Recruitment is key for every club. Recruit smart and relentlessly.


• People fall out and clubs split and create new clubs. It's painful but good for the sport. Most clubs I can think of started that way.


• The most effective coaches do it because they get great satisfaction from helping people develop, learn, achieve and become part of a club/family - not because they get their ego stroked. Most effective because they make decisions based on performance rather than their ego.


• Good coaches educate themselves and maximise the the time/effort that their team invests, by training their clubs smart and hard.


• The best clubs have two or more coaches that work together synergistically (i.e. their strengths and weaknesses compliment each other). It takes coaches with their ego's in check to work this way as they have to understand their own weaknesses and take a back seat to the other coaches in this area.


• Performance comes from the club culture as much as anything else. Culture is based on a set of values and ideals that is put in place and shaped by key members and taught to new members implicitly. Not everyone will fit in with it and that's OK.


• Some people see 'having fun' and 'being competitive' as two opposing concepts. The best clubs know that these things go hand in hand.

via Physiology4Performance Facebook (*) by Physiology4Performance (*).

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 (*).

On Leadership - David Foster Wallace / BrianPickings (Mon 17 Feb 2014)

Pacific Dragons Premier Women's Crew - CNY Pre-Final Huddle / Darling Harbour (Sat 08 Feb 2014)
David Foster Wallace (*) writes On Leadership (*) and Inspiration (*):

A real leader (*) is somebody who, because of his own particular power and charisma and example, is able to inspire (*) people, with “inspire” being used here in a serious and non-cliché way. A real leader can somehow get us to do certain things that deep down we think are good and want to be able to do but usually can’t get ourselves to do on our own. It’s a mysterious quality, hard to define, but we always know it when we see it, even as kids.

via by David Foster Wallace on Leadership, Illustrated and Read by Debbie Millman (*) by Maria Popova (*).

On Belief and Effort - Sports Are 80 Percent Mental (Sun 15 Dec 2013)

Jo, Cath and Geoff with Jenny's Paddle - SIRC / Penrith (Sun 15 Dec 2013)
Sports Are 80 Percent Mental (*) writes On Belief (*) and Effort (*):

As long as you believe (*) that you still have something left, your brain (*) will believe (*) you.

via Positive Self Talk Can Boost Your Athletic Endurance (*) by Sports Are 80 Percent Mental (*).

Cath was this years recipient (*) of the Pacific Dragons (*) Inspire Award (*) Dedicated to the Memory (*) of our Jenny (*). It was exciting to have the opportunity to make this photo at Penrith yesterday. So pleased and excited for you Cath. Congratulations again.

Adam, Jo and Geoff - Bank Street / Pyrmont (Sat 29 Jun 2013)

Adam and Jo - Bank Street / Pyrmont (Sat 29 Jun 2013)
Adam, Jo and Geoff - Bank Street / Pyrmont (Sat 29 Jun 2013)

2013 Senior B Australian Dragon Boat Squad - Auruoas Team Dinner - Gyor / Hungary (Sun 21 Aug 2013)

2013 Senior B Australian Dragon Boat Squad - Auruoas Team Dinner - Gyor / Hungary (Sun 21 Aug 2013)
The team:

Sue Beith, Loretta Lewis, Blair Gamble, Serghei Cucsa, Alfred Pawlicki, Alison Mourant, Andrea Trappes, Anita Riikonen, Annie Richardson, Brett Bartholomew, Carmen Que, Chris Rathbone, Dave Brugioni, Deb Hirst, Denise Sundercombe, Desma Smith, Dianne Coyle, Emiliia McDonald, Fran White, Gail Richardson, Geoff Eldridge, George Dimech, Gordon Waycott, Jennifer Brown, Jennifer Reilly, Jo Petterson, John Grech, Kaizer Austin, Linda Robinson, Lyn Payne, Lynne Pearson, Lynne Richardson, Marco Celenza, Martin Hirst, Martin Turner, Maryanne Picker, Michael Higginson, Michele Moroney, Paul Langley, Peter Teichmann, Pia Mitchell, Robyn Woollcott, Steve Clinch, Steve Clinch, Susan Pidgeon, Zillah Dunton

Thank you all, it was an amazing experience and I have so many fond memories from the campaign (*).

Introducing Joanne Petterson: Your 2013 Auroras Flag Bearer / YouTube - Gyor / Hungary (Sun 21 Jul 2013)

Introducing Joanne Petterson: Your 2013 Auroras Flag Bearer - YouTube (*) Gyor / Hungary (Sun 21 Jul 2013)
A tribute to Joanne and those that have shared her journey over the last 13 years in paddling and in life.

The song, Holy Grail by Hunters and Collectors is a personal favourite of Joanne's and I think it goes back to her first campaign - Poznan 2003. She would also choose it as her song contribution to the Tampa 2011 Senior A warmup / motivational CD compilation.

I hope you like it Joanne.

It was fun trying to sequence the photos with the lyrics - I hope I have not been too literal. All done on the road with final touches were made on the 80 min train trip from Budapest to Gyor (lucky i got that seat by myself) using an iMovie on an iPad mini - incredible really

These photos have taken right across Joanne's experiences in paddling and across the World. I was unable to title the photos, some places include Shanghai, Qingpu, Busan, Wujin, Macau, Hong Kong, Scotland, Sydney, Canberra, Kyoto, Berlin, Prague, Kawana, Cairns plus lots more.

I will change the cover photo of the YouTube video to that of the first photo in Kyoto when I get back to Sydney. This is the one YouTube automatically selected on upload.

It has been an honour to share these moments and memories with you and I know Jenny and your Parents would be so proud of you.

Go Joanne and Go the Auroras.

Five One Hundredths of a Second - 500m Premier Opens Final - AusDBF Nats / Penrith (Fri 19 Apr 2013)

Five One Hundredths of a Second - 500m Premier Opens Final - AusDBF Nats / Penrith (Fri 19 Apr 2013)
Once, twice or, maybe three times (if you are fortunate enough and willing to take the risks) in a paddling career you do something unbelievable. Something you just can’ t explain, though sometimes it worth giving it a try. Here goes ..

You are happy you have made the major final. You know you are up against strong teams. The favourite, the team directly on your left, you have not beaten in three years. In fact you have not been within a boat length, over 500m, for the last two years. Against the odds, and your failing self-confidence, you still somehow believe that we can still get across the line first. To be part of of something great. There is always hope at the start. It is a chance to create who you want to be. You don't get your hopes up too high, as you have been disappointed in the past. You don't think about all of this too much at this point. The focus is putting your best race on the water and seeing how it compares to the others when you have all crossed the line. You are not overly nervous, but you are excited and proud to be there. A supportive and encouraging tap on the knee for those around you. Remember it is a 30 stroke start. Just focus on the first 3 strokes and take it one by one from there. Clean water. Hand out of the water. Blade buried. Make sure you feel and stay connected with the water with every stroke. The starter aligns us and we ready. "Paddlers, are you ready, attention please" .... the gun does not fire for some reason. This has happened a few time before over the years. Keep your focus, no distractions. We will be away soon. Refocus, lets do it again - 30 Start, first 3, deep and clean - feel the water. "Paddlers, are you ready, attention please" ... "GO". You Go on the "G". 1-2-3, up, up, .. 10, up, up, .. 20, up, up, ..7,..30, reach, reach, hinge, hinge. The boat is up and running and there is something there. We are hingeing and driving through the stroke. The boat is more than running, it is been driven through the stroke like it has felt in training over last few weeks, except this time it is race intensity, not level 4, Remember this Geoff, Remember this moment. We are there next to them, where usually they pull away here, but we talked about staying connected. Give it everything to the 250m and refocus. Somehow, we are sttil there at the 250m. Refocus and reinvent yourself, I think. Drive, Drive is the call, We are still there, connected. You have a 6th sense (and good hearing) and you know without looking that our drummers are side by side. Passing the 200m start hut and the little red lane marker buoy. There is something uplifting in our Sweep's voice - "you are doing it". The lane buoys turn to red - we are 100m out. We have done everything our training has given our bodies - it's amazing to find that something extra that the sport scientists say should not be there. Mentally, prepare for the lift home. This is the most crucial part of the race - they are probably a nose ahead. We are going to have to do something amazing - something the other teams have pulled on us often over the years. "do it for the gold (or was it girls?)" is the call. We lift. We lift. The rate comes up a touch and the boat becomes light as we surge forward with every stroke - narrowing the margin. It is all clear as day, those last few strokes. You give it everything you've got when there is nothing to give. You cross the line, you hear the finish horn blast away in succussion. You look across and you know you have done it. The look in your competitors faces tell you that they know you have also done it and you take a few quiet moments to take it all in, while some of the others around you show their elation more jubilantly. Gasping for air, you touch the same knees as you did before the start. This time the "ritual" tap is to acknowledge your team mates efforts and the fact that you have done something that does not happen that often in a paddling career. "Three cheers for the other crews" is the call from our Drummer - three "hip hip". and a breathless "hooray". We bring the boats in and we all get off. Back slaps and hugs all around. Not even a second thought who won that one as you make your way through the other 180 or so paddlers you have just competed against. You smile and for some reason laugh. This kind of win does not happen that often - "take it in", "take it in" you say to yourself. You see many familiar faces as you walk through the line. They are happy for you. Many you have experienced some amazing experiences around the world in Australian Campaigns past and you hope that the journey with them will continue. Somewhere along the way you hear that we did it by five one hundredths of a second. You know the course well and you smile that you can pick such a small amount of time moments after crossing the line. What a race. You think to yourself, "it's not that we won it, it is how we won it" – it's just not what was expected by many (including yourself) and that is the beauty of dragon boat racing - the randomness and uncertainty to some extent. The boat has never felt like that out of the start and into the transition. You think to yourself, you have never paddled like that before. You feel fortunate that you took the risk to be there, you did the training, the testing, you've put yourself on the line time and time again. You have been crushed by the ramifications of defeat and oddly enough, those one or two other once in a life time victories . At the end of the day you know that it is worth the sacrifices you make to do what you have done, do and hope to do. Maybe this is not the end, but a new beginning ..

I will leave this unedited. It’s just a stream of thought that came out of my subconscious in the last 20 mins. Hope it makes sense and it will be fun to read, many year’s into the future.

Five One Hundredths of a Second - 500m Premier Opens Final - AusDBF Nats / Penrith (Fri 19 Apr 2013)

Where all the Good Stuff Happens - Spencer Lum (Tue 28 Aug 2012)

Last Training Session - Sydney 2012 Auroras - Bank St / Pyrmont (Sun 26 Aug 2012)
Spencer Lum (*) observes (*) that:

The 90% point is deceptive. It feels like you’re nearly there. But you’re really just getting started. And if you don’t make the big push right then and there, you’re not doing the things you need to do to learn what you are really all about. It’s in the final 10% that all the good stuff happens.

A Big Thank You to all the Sydney based 2012 Auroras. The training is now done here in Sydney, though the journey continues and the final push starts - Brisbane this weekend and Busan (*) / South Korea the following week. Enjoy the final phases of preparation.

I hope you find all the Good Stuff that comes with the sacrifices made and risks taken to get to this point.

Last Training Session - Sydney 2012 Auroras - Blackwattle Bay (Sun 26 Aug 2012)

Joanne and Jenny - Blackwattle Bay / Glebe (Sat 30 Mar 2002)

Joanne and Jenny - Blackwattle Bay / Glebe (Sat 30 Mar 2002)
Very early days for Dragons Abreast Sydney.

Dragons Abreast Sydney - Glebe / Blackwattle Bay (Sat 15 May 2004)

Dragons Abreast Sydney - Glebe / Blackwattle Bay (Sat
15 May 2004)
Early days back then. Brings back lots of memories looking at this photo which I submitted as my entry for the 2004 Sydney Life Photo Exhibition.

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)

Pacific Dragons - State Titles - International Regatta Centre / Penrith (Sun 11 Mar 2012)

Pacific Dragons (1 of 2) - State Titles - International Regatta Centre / Penrith (Sun 11 Mar 2012)
Pacific Dragons (2 of 2) - State Titles - International Regatta Centre / Penrith (Sun 11 Mar 2012)

Premier Open Final - Chinese New Year (Sat 04 Feb 2012)

Premier Open Final - Chinese New Year (Sat 04 Feb 2012)
Photo courtesy of Kerry Davenport

DBNSW 2008 Dangle Presentation - Bank St (Sun 30 Mar 2008)

DBNSW 2008 Dangle Presentation - Bank St (Sun 30 Mar 2008)

Australian Senior Dragon Boat Team - IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships Collage - SIRC / Sydney (Sep 2007)

Australian Senior Dragon Boat Team - IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships Collage - SIRC / Sydney (Sep 2007)

500 km in 40 days - Code Yellow - Geoff (12 Apr 2011 - 21 May 2011)

500 km in 40 days - Code Yellow - Geoff (Tue 12 Apr 2011 - Sun 21 May 2011)

As Gav told me a long time ago:

The BIGGER the BASE, the HIGHER the PEAK.

Joanne, Gav and Geoff - Senior A Mixed 500m World Champions - Thank You Gav - Racice/Prague - Sat 29 Aug 2009 (picasa)

Will reiterate Billy's (my OC6 Coach) words from our 400km in 40 days Challenge in January 2011..

For-40 Achievements by Billy ..

Congrats to all those that took on the For-40 Challenge!

Whether you made the full 400km or not here's how working towards it would have transformed your body over the last 40 days...

You would have increased the number of capillaries in your paddling muscles. More oxygen rich blood can now reach the muscle fibres to see you paddling harder for longer... awesome!

The density of mitochondria would have increased in your paddling muscles . These little babies use oxygen to break down glucose and fats to create the energy that fires your muscles. The more you have the faster you can paddle for longer ... yeah!

You would increased the number of enzymes available to breakdown fats. The more of these you have the better you are able to use fat as fuel source and conserve precious sugars for passing other crews, catching runs and big finishes... you gotta love that!

You would have improved your muscular efficiency. Through repetition your brain now better coordinates all your paddling muscles so they work smoothly and seamlessly together. This minimises energy use to see you paddling harder for longer... and looking good too!

The number of red blood cells and hemoglobin would have increased. This sees your blood now have a greater oxygen- carrying capability.The more oxygen in the blood, the more blood to your paddling muscles, the harder you can paddle for longer... wow!

Thanks Billy for this great initative. The 400 km in 40 days was definitely what I needed for where I was at the beginning of January 2011.

Have to feel good about all the changes that are happening in our bodies as we move into the Blue and Red cycles of the first Meso Cycle.

Keep on Paddling. Win the Workout

Thank you - Geoff, Marty, Norm, Christian, Todd and Billy - Had just done a successful Individual Time Trial for Prague that morning at Penrith - just made it to the start and we had a great race all things considered. - State Titles OC6 Long Course - Ettalong - Sat 09 May 2009 (picasa)