Lewis Hugh

"I think dragon boat is a model of a good and healthy life. There is a set goal to strive for; there are people you need to do the sport with; you help one another achieve what you set out to do; there are things that you are good at, and things that will always need more work. 

It could be the sync, it could be an explosive start, it could be cardio or a particular muscle group - there's always something! It's frustrating at times, but there's always something to improve. I personally love the long pieces: 1ks and 2ks, I'm in heaven. Shortcomings? I tend to get excited, go too fast and fall out of sync (I'm human, that's why I'm posting here, haha).

The most memorable moment that comes to mind was before I even set foot in the boat. I remember going to the cafeteria at Dr. Sun Yat Sen Middle School, M.S. 131 for pre-season workouts in 2009. There was some calisthenics and running the stairs. It wasn't especially fun or anything, but it was a workout, and because time was spent getting out to Chinatown from Brooklyn, I should get something for my time. 

That outlook shaped how I would later approach dragon boat. I figured if it's something I will do for every weekend mid-spring to early autumn, I might as well get better at it and have a better time.

On the subject, here’s a quick shoutout to the UEAA team coaches! They really care about the sport and the team. They're accessible, understanding, want better from you, and make you want to do the same. I say, and I think I speak for the rest of the team here, too, that we're quite blessed!"

[Lewis Hugh (New York City, USA), paddler on United East Athletic Association.]

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