With the dragon boat season about to come to a close what's everyone's take on the season, performance of teams, who's going to recruit the most in the off season, and outlook for the future?
To get things started here's what I've noticed.
Times are getting faster and faster, with more teams breaking 2:10 then ever before. The elite teams such as Mayfair, False Creek, and the Beasts are all posting sub 2 minute 500 regularily. Could we be looking at sub 1:55 times or less next year? What will another year of off season training do? What will happen to these teams and others as they gear up in 2009 for the Worlds, and perhaps the 2010 Club crews?
Mayfair - every team gets older, but these guys just seem to defy the odds ever year and get better. Clearly the best club crew in Ontario and in the world (as proven at the nationals and at the CCWC) what's in store for them in 2009? Will retirement take a toll, will this spot be taken by another one of jim's friend or will he pull from a greatly improved Warriors team. Will these guys gun to qualify for Macau in 2010 or are they setting their sights on something bigger, or will they shut down shop?
False Creek - I don't know too much about these guys except that they smoked at the Canadian Nationals. It was great seeing you at the club crews in 06, and again in 2008 for the canadian nationals to qualify for the worlds in 2009, but will you make an appearance in montreal for next year's nationals? The smart money is no as it all adds up $$$ especially with the Worlds coming up.
Beats - appropriately named, some of the women on this team make even the biggest guys on the mofos look small. And some of the guys are just down right scary looking. These guys have really stepped it up from last year, what will another year of training do for our brothers and sisters from the easts?
Ok, no doubt the next group of teams that i'm going to talk about is going to stir up a bit of controversy as we all love to do this. Hopefully, this thread will be a good one, trolls stay away.
Hydrophobic - the last few years has seen this team make some major jumps in the rankings. Have these guys peaked, or will they turn silver into gold in 2009? Only time will tell. Will school get in the way of Macau 2010?
Chiros - great performances at the Nationals as well as in Penang, will these guys have what it takes in 2009 to take down Mayfair? One of the few teams that can do it, what's in store for this team after a difficult year of training (for Penang). Macau 2010?
Hanalei - always a threat, these guys know how to paddle and have been doing it long enough at the top level they can ride wash effectively. Overall, I would say that these guys maintained the status quo in 2008. Will Brad beat out Obama? What's this bus going?
CSDC - nothing but class, these guys are world class and their results show. Always hard to beat, especially in the long distances (2k). Don't know what else to say about our seniors? Good luck at the worlds?
Verdun - Congratulations on cracking the top 10. You've managed to beat out a lot of great teams in the process. Not to discredit this team in anyway, but did this team merge with another, or did they just ramp it up big time (or both) in 2009. I think these guys will crack the A finals at Quebec Cup.
G&G - hard to believe that going 2:01 is only good enough to get you 9th overall in the rankings, but this throw together team seems to be on it's way out as i only saw them at Pickering. Did they race anywhere else this year? Where have all the free agents gone? Top 10 in 2009 or is that the end of this team?
Other teams that i've taken notice of.
Chaos - how does going 9.1 seconds faster feel like. Pretty fast if you ask me. Clear they team is making a name for itself with good performances throughout the year. Managed to make it to the finals at GWN (again). Who coaches this team, and where did these guys come from. My bet will be on these boys cracking the top 10 in 2009.
Jetstart - it's nice to see a team that's been around for a long time finally make some huge strides. After taking a beating after winning Montreal, these guys followed it up with an A division finish at GWN. Also I hear these guys only practice once a week. That's impressive, but there real question is will these guys get off their asses and start practicing more like the rest of us and how much faster will they go in 2009?
Piranhas - the only thing i want to know is if Rob is going to start paddling again and if it will be with his teams, the piranhas because they could sure have used his help this year. Will 2009 be another rebuilding year for this team, or will they continue to pull from among the university teams to further strenghen the franchise to it's past glory?
Fairport - i think these kids are going to the worlds next year, someone please confirm. If so, wow good for you. The top teams should look to pluck these kids up when they finish their junior tours of duty.
Hammerheads - the years have not been kind to you, but never the less, this team still continues to be one of the originals. More new blood is needed and quick.
I'm sure i've left off quite a few teams, not so becasue they are not deserving of being mentioned, only becasue it's now up to you guys to take over. Be kind, keep it positive.
What a great season (when it wasn't cold, or raining).
Jam