Another dragonboat season in the books

Early April, 2005 - I work in the marketing department of a mortgage company and my colleague tells me that he has agreed to sponsor a dragonboat team. "That's the war canoe thing, isn't it", I ask.

"Something like that. Nadia knows more about it. She pitched it to me".

"When is it?", I ask, thinking that this is a one time event where bank employees get in these war canoes, have some fun and raise some money for a good cause.

"Sounds like it goes on all summer and it's like a sport", he says.

"I'll ask Nadia next time I see her", not really giving it much more thought.

Fast forward to September 13, 2009 - We, Ronin Warriors, have just finished our season with a 21st place finish at the biggest event of the year - 3rd in the B Division Final. We're very happy with our performance. Some of us stay around and close down the beer tent. Looks like we'll have a team party sometime in the next few weeks. Right now, it's over. Tuesday and Thursday evenings are free. No more prime summer weekend regattas. We ride our bikes home one last time from the beer tent. 30 or so weeks from now, we will start again. Good.

Politics, poor communication, lack of consensus, attendance issues - these are the seeds of discontent which can fester and lead to the downfall of many competitive dragonboat teams. After co-managing a team in 2006, my second year of paddling, and almost giving up halfway through, I sat out the 2007 season in a bitter contract dispute with myself.

I came back refreshed and much more care-free in 2008 for what was a mixed (and the last) season for our team. As the season came to a close, high level merger negotiations were well underway with Ronin representatives. The merger was completed over the winter and we entered 2009 hopeful and maybe a little apprehensive. Would the merger take? Would we like it? Would we be the outsiders? Well, the season is over and the answers are in: yes, yes and no.

I think that I speak for those of us who joined Ronin this year in saying how much fun it was. Thanks to Jennifer and Kevin for managing the team so well and to Dom for his patience, perseverance and positive encouragement. This team has a pretty long history, comparatively, and I am happy to be part of it.