Nanaimo - Deas Divas

The following is an excerpt from Captain Sandy Lowe to the Abreast - Deas Divas. It pretty much sums up our weekend in Nanaimo, a regatta that can certainly be categorized as one of the best. The organization and support for breast cancer is truly amazing. The venue is wonderful and the paddling and camaraderie is lots of fun. It was great to share the weekend with Abreast with FORT-itude and the other AIAB paddlers who were on other teams for the regatta, especially the novices.

Photo showing Sandy receiving our medals.

Well, we did it!!!! We won a silver in the A final of the breast cancer race and made the Diamond A final.

Even though we came in last in Diamond A (the second highest category in the women’s division) we were in the race and looking good. We paddled our hearts out all weekend. We looked great on the video that Glen took of the breast cancer race and the final race on Sunday. Not only were we strong in the boat and used good technique but we were mentally ready. That is a combination for success. I felt by last weekend we were a TEAM. We were not just 22 (or 24 ) paddlers doing their own thing. We were focussed in the boat, we followed the drummer and steer at least 95% of the time, we were together, we dug deep in the water, we were trying not only for ourselves but for each other. We truly paddled as one!

What I was most impressed with is that we managed to keep a positive attitude even when some of us needed to paddle with other teams or were loaned out to another team for more than one race. That is very difficult to do. So kudos go to all those that did this voluntarily or not!!! You demonstrated the true spirit of this organization. Sitting out paddlers is a very difficult decision to make for the coaches but we were fortunate that we could not only paddle as a full team, but help other less fortunate breast cancer teams out and all of us were able to participate in this very popular festival. There were a lot of spares on the list and all got to go. We also could not have done it without 2 terrific coaches, Jo and Margaret and manager Sheila. You guys are awesome. You are very inclusive, encouraging and flexible. You both incorporate the philosophy of the organization in your leadership.