Came so close in the yak for stack costume contest.... yet so far

Dearest C4C Readers,

Thank you for all of the questions to date, it is very exciting to see such a positive response to our newly launched website. So far training has been getting better with each session on the water. We have just finished our first hard week, and practices will continue to near racing speed over the next few weeks and become much harder. I am really looking forward to the increased speed and intensity in the near future. In this sport, there is nothing that parallels the enjoyment of going fast in crew boats. I have always really enjoyed paddling C-2s and C-4s since I was very young. I spent a lot of time honing these skills during my summers at Banook Canoe Club. During upcoming weeks we will be spending more time in C-2, (Gabriel and I), most likely three to four practices a week. Also, I am now paddling in a C-1 Dominator courtesy of Plastex. This was a much-needed upgrade from the worn ’03 in which I was training. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Dave Anderson and Jerome Seremak for allowing me to use this boat.

Moving on to a plethora of random thoughts. This past weekend saw the 5th annual ‘yak for stack’ competition go down without a hitch. It was a fantastic day and the turnout was incredible. Unimaginable costumes were seen in every direction; from potato shooting tanks to life-like giraffes, and of course Thomas Marc Hall look-alikes. It’s great to see such uninhibited enthusiasm. I believe this type of energy is incredibly positive and great for the sport. Too often people get caught up in appearances instead of just letting loose and enjoying themselves. Big time congrats to the organizing committee on another great event and many more to come. Finally, it’s windy at the Pines, but then again I am used to the ‘occasional’ gusts that are akin to paddling in Nova Scotia, but at least in NS there is always consistent sunshine 24/7. The brackets have been finalized and it’s time for March Madness, “it’s awesome baby!”

Cheers and keep it real,
Andrew