The Delta Dragons, with less than a month of training, competed in the 10 th Annual San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival. Our novice team arrived early Saturday morning at Treasure Island for the competition. Soon after warm-ups and stretches, we hit the waters and took 3 rd place in the first seeding race.

Although the next race would be nearly 3 hours later, that wasn't a problem for the team! Not only was there some engaging entertainment, including tai chi demonstrations and Chinese acrobatic performances, but we had a great chance to enjoy each other's company and to discuss strategy for the next race. The wind began to pickup during the second and third races, but the team kept steady and kept paddling right at the other teams, never giving them an easy opportunity.

When the day was done, our team placed 18 th out of 30 novice teams. Not bad for our first professional competition! What stands out most from the day, though, isn't what number we placed in but the team moments we had throughout the day. We all had a great time not only while showing our stuff out in the waves, but also while talking and getting to know one another between races.

For photos of the event, click here. For more information about the race and dragon boat racing in general, check out some of the dragon boat links on our home page. Until next time, Go Delta Delta Delta Dragons!