Dino Laurel

The summer is mine.

Two years ago after competing with my previous Dragon Boat team, Inbalance, I wrote an impassioned e-mail to my team about how achieving fourth in  Comp D was an accomplishment and about how a medal was really nothing. Because really, we are not our medal.

With that said, the same rings true. Reaching as high as we did in so short a time has been miraculous—dare I say to even Mother Teresa proportions. My journey with Dragon Hearts Ultimate, has just been fantastic. Despite being called out during practice—one fateful day (really, no scar tissue!)—the weekly grind has reinvigorated my love of competition and paddling. Especially paddling with a great group of people who genuinely care about each other and are focused towards the same goal.

Listen, two years ago when I wrote my e-mail I was drinking Crown Royal and feeling rather deflated, so I just wrote—it was therapeutic. This year with two Alcans in my back pocket, I don’t need to drink to know that we accomplished something great. I’m not sad. I’m not disappointed. Conversely, I feel focused and dedicated to improving our team and getting out of Dragon Hearts Magnum’s shadow! Don’t get me wrong Magnum—you’re a superb group and you’re even better friends. Very few people are as lucky to have such a tight-knit group that you currently possess. Regardless, we’re going to get you, and it going to be sweeter than ambrosia.

So how am I going to contribute (aside from keeping my arm straight and rotating more effectively)?

• I’m going to work out regularly—I’ve been getting by with just paddling and playing softball, but to help our team, I’m going to schedule my workouts and be less sporadic with them.
• When I lead warm-ups, I’m going to gas you out as much as heavenly possible. Because if you want to achieve better results, you’re going to have to put in the extra effort.
• Cross-train. Who’s down for paddle boarding?!
• Most importantly, be grateful that I found a group of people that I consider my friends (big ups to Thia!).

So yeah, I can’t wait for this summer. I have a lot of sports-related activities lined up, but most importantly, it’s with my team. It’s with Dragon Hearts Ultimate.

I’m off to watch the game tonight, where the Vancouver Canucks will massacre the lowly (golf-playing, Tiger Woods supporting, playoff-watching) Calgary Flames. Let’s go Hank! F Ovie! Vancouver Canucks FTW!

So are you going to the concert at the Commodore in Vancouver this coming Monday?