It is coming close - the end of summer that is and it has been an interesting one for sure as my first summer paddling. Or should I say struggling to paddle.

Why struggling?

I found out quick that I absolutely love the sport. But too late to join a team. So I decided I was going to make it happen for myself so I offered to start paddling for teams. Mostly everyone was very polite and nice which was great. But very few offers came along - understandably. But it is the worst feeling in the world watching someone's face drop when you tell them this is your first year. And you can see the wheels turning ... thinking ... "I want someone with more experience". I don't blame them however its the same old story - how do I get experience unless I get on a boat. Or when you go with your friend to a festival and he is experienced. He isn't planning to paddle with anyone but ends up on 5 different races. And me - 1 race. But to his credit he works hard and is good. I hope that I am too one day. I also know that you have to start off with a team in the winter training.

Anyways ... My condolenses goes out to all the new people who like me had to bug and beg to paddle, and walk away with a "we'll keep you in mind". And you keep doing it hoping that it will get you experience and a chance at a team someday. Its a wonderful sport and the people are wonderful too. But I have to admit I won't be happy until I get the true team feeling and know that I am wanted.

Just when I was feeling poorly about myself ... 2 really nice ladies offered for me to come and train with their womens team in the winter. And their words that put a smile on my face were " We would love to have you join us". And all the sincerity in their eyes I knew they were not lying, no wheels turning looking for someone better. Thanks ladies. You made my day!

Raise a glass to the newbies for hanging in there ... Cheers!

I have heard that GWN is a great event for checking out other teams and trying to network yourself for the upcoming season. Try to speak with the coaches of some teams that you are interested in possibly joining and see if you can arrange to go to their pool practices in the winter. I think that it's great to make yourself available at regattas but I don't know if this is as helpful in getting yourself on to a team. There are so many teams in the GTA - I am sure with your persistence you will find a good one for next year!

You gotta start somewhere. My suggestion to newbies is to train hard and often. Just when you think you're in shape and ready to paddle, train even harder. I for one will take a newbie who works hard for his/her seat over the vet who never shows.

Have patience!

Do go to events that newbies go to.

Don't go to Welland race off event as a first year paddler and expect to get on a team that is there to prove that they are one of Canada's best.

Winter training and early season recruitments are key.

Now you have two teams that have offered you opportunity to paddle with them. Take one of them up on their offer.

If someone invites you out to a practice so that you can paddle with the at GWN, do it.

I thought of this after a while of posting this thread. I do hope that people aren't reading it thinking I am crying in my beer. Because that is not how I wanted it to come off at all. I just want other newbies to know that they are not the only ones out there trying to get a chance to paddle. It has been an awesome experience, one I will always remember, Hopefully in years to come I will say fondly " I remember my first summer and ...."

Cheers everyone.

Well I find it nice everytime I see people just getting started with dragon boating. It reminds me when I first started and how much fun I had.

I'd heard about dragon boating before, but never had the thought about participating in it. I'm glad a friend recruited me to join her team.

We all start somewhere. Just like everyone else I'm still learning and getting experience. My experience has been widened;whereas, I also cox.

I've enjoyed paddling and coxing.

Team dynamics(how team members get along)is important in my opinion. A competitive team can also be a fun group to hangout with-socialize.

So if you love this sport, please stick with it. You would be amazed how hard it is not to be drawn back, especially those who have taken time-off.

Dragon boating has a lot of teams and participants, but it's funny how small it seems where so many people know each other or have a mutual friend.

The truth remains

Yes Fox Mulder

Yeah, you're a woman, alright.

Only in ****ing dragon boat can someone -usually a woman- piss and moan about not being accepted to a top team in her first ****ing year.

Do your ****ing time, pea brain. The top teams are full of people who've been busting their humps for YEARS to get where they are. And YOU'RE getting indignant, and offering your "condolensces" to other newbies, because they won't take you. Shut up, already. Post a video of your technique, or be quiet and find a nice recreational team to start off with.

Sounds like someone needs a nap!
Sounds like the last poster has had some experience being told their services weren't required. I'm guessing it was more of an attitude thing than actual skill set though. What a moron.

Just had a nap.

Nope... 'still smells like some 9 to 5, office manager, with a sense of entitlement, for expecting to start at the top in her first year with a paddle in her hands. Maybe Oprah should do a show around this. The rejection must be devastating.

I bet you the original poster doesn't paddle any more. It was one of those "three years is just about right" paddlers. Dime a dozen.