Toba Road to the Worlds

Re: Back from Poland

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:18:00 +0000

October 9, 2008

Everybody is now back in Canada.

We have had a great adventure, and have performed with great honor.

Team Canada Dragon Boat has completed their tour to Poznan Poland.

Paddling at the amazing World class Malta regatta Course, the Canadian contingent was a force to be reckoned with at this prestige event in downtown Poznan.

The Senior Mixed Team (Open) competed with excellent results. Their times over 1000, 500 and 200 meters were enough to capture 5th place overall, and earn Canada a spot in the 2009 World Games in Taiwan.

The Masters Mixed Team (over 40) was able to claim 3 bronze medals in the 1000, 500, and 200 meter events. These medals were a highlight of the tour, but the amazing effort of all of the paddlers is to be comended.

The race schedule was extremely arduous for the Canadian team.

Competing in all 8 categories (including the 2000m pursuit), many of our group were forced to paddle in races that were scheduled only minutes apart. This causes a great deal of fatigue. The times showed that the Canadian team was in excellent condition for these races.

Just 24 hours after many had arrived from Canada, the team was in the 1000m heats. As in all the disciplines, the Masters team would race and then the Senior team some 20 minutes later. In every heat in every discipline, the team improved on previous results.

We were well organized, and had the best presentation at this event. We showed great sportsmanship, with our on water behaviour. Obviously we had the most popular gear at the event, many paddlers being offered trades for other team's gear after the event on Sunday.

There were many highlights of the event. Watching Richard, Marilyn and Dominique march the Canadian Flag into the Ceremonies on Friday afternoon. Enjoying the great opening ceremonies, with the choir and dancing, and the fire breathing Dragon!

The next highlight was right after, as Team Canada claimed it's first Bronze medal!

RE: Road to Poznan Paved with Bronze! Bronze! Bronze! and Best Times!

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:30:00 +0000

Team Canada Dragon Boat achieves more than was expected, and brings home 3 Bronze medals.

With 35 Paddlers participating in the recently completed International Canoe Federation's World Championship Dragon Boat Competition, the collective Team contribution in 8 classes was spectacular and successful.

Competing against some of the World's best flat water paddlers, Team Canada achieved Bronze medals in the 200, 500 and 1000 meter races. The Bronze wins were in the Masters (over 40) Mixed Category.

The Senior (open) class team also performed beyond expectations, as many of the participants also compete in the Masters classes, and had to go from heat to heat in different classes with little recovery time.

Friday, was the 1000 meter race. We only arrived on Thursday, and were just dealing with the jet-lag catch-up. Performance got better and better during the day, with the paddlers overcoming any jitters, and giving their best efforts.

One thing was clear, we were not only the best dressed team in the Competition, we were also giving the former Olympians in the competition a real run for the medals, and caused them to work as hard as possible to get in front of our cohesive team.

Saturday was the 500 m race, and while our goal was to break the 2:00 barrier, we were able to get a Manitoban best time of 50.099 in the Senior class.

We also competed in the 200m and the 2000m pursuit. While the Malta Regatta Course was a little choppy on this day, the team performed over expectation, and was able to get fantastic results.

Canada was truly well represented. As the team headed off in different directions, they all have amazing memories and medals to prove their participation in a World event.

The Senior team has now officially qualified Canada for the World Games in Taiwan in 2009!

Photos and reports to follow...

So proud of these great athletes, their dedication and efforts were inspiring.

Keith S. James
Manager, Team Canada Dragon Boat 2008, ICF Championships, Poznan, Poland.

2008 Road To Poznan Booklet now on web!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:32:00 +0000

For everyone that have seen the fantastic job that Ivan and Oksana has done in creating our booklet, I have posted it up on the web site.

http://tobadragonboat.googlepages.com/2008roadtopoznanflyer

Thanks to all sponsors!!!

Press Conference Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:19:00 +0000

Pictures from the September 18, 2008 press conference at the Forks.

And our pre/post workout of loading/unloading a boat off the trailer.

Thanks Jo-Ann

World Dragonboat Championships Web Page

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:07:00 +0000

Hi all,

A few people have requested for how to follow our progress in Poznan, Poland next weekend. The organizers for the event have an updated webpage that will also contain results that all of our friends, family and fans can get a look at.

Go to: http://www.dragonboat2008.com

Re: 9 days away

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:12:00 +0000

In just 9 days we take off for Poland.

We are in the final preparation stages for the big trip to the World Championships.

On tap for this week....

Practice on Wednesday night - the remaining items for our Uniform will be ready. Also we should have the racing gear ready for everyone. This will complete the job of making everyone spiffy. If the rest of the gear is as fantastic as the hats, t-shirts, tech shirts and hoodies, then we will certainly be noticed when mixing with the rest of the Countries competing in Poznan.

Thursday morning, we have the Photo Session at the Forks, with a send off at the docks. Slated for 11:00am.

Also practice on Thursday night

After practice on Thursday night, we have been invited to Boogies Bar for a send off by the Dragon Boat community. Thanks to Derek at Boogies Bar at Redwood and Main.

Friday night there are some from the team that will head off to the Brandon Dragon Boat Festival, organized by the Manitoba Paddling Association. This little event has been growing, and there are now 25 teams competing. Saturday there is racing all day in Brandon.

Sunday there is Practice at 7pm....following practice we will have a team meeting.

One more practice on Monday, September 22, and then the practicing is done, we are now competing against the Rest of the World. We will put our best foot forward, and we will endure and conquer.

For those that like pin trading, Linda Kauk gave out a great mix of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada pins, and I was able to get different Manitoba pins for everybody, so the pin traders in Poland will have a full range of Manitoba pins by the time we leave. Thanks Linda!

Jennifer T introduced herself to the drummers seat tonight, and I am sure she wishes that the seat had a cushion. It is an awkward spot...makes her job of getting the team faster to the finish a little easier, she REALLY wants them to hurry to the dock!

The weather in Poznan just now is cool, and we can expect a cool racing condition, our Winnipeg paddlers should be used to the conditions, having paddled in late April and early May, when the ice was just lifting from the Red River.

Keith

Recent developments for Team Canada DB 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Manager, Team Canada DB 2008. Keith James) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:35:00 +0000

Recent developments for Team Canada DB 2008...

Team Canada Dragon Boat 2008 is very close to departure for Poznan, Poland and the ICF World Championships on September 26-28, 2008.

Recently, the majority of the team, acting as 'River City Dragons' handily won the Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival Premier Championship for the 3rd year in a row. This was a good tune up for all of the team members, as almost everyone was involved with a team during the weekend.

Now we focus on the major task ahead.

Last Sunday, Team Canada was filmed by CKY-TV, the CTV affiliate in Winnipeg, and we were named Sports Stars of the Week; a well deserved honor for this hard working and dedicated athletes. You can view the spot on the CKY website.

Our uniforms will be ready in the next few days, and we will be wearing our new gear when we have our Press Conference and Send off at the Forks in Winnipeg, on Thursday, September 18th.

Only 14 days until departure.

CKY Sports Stars of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:45:00 +0000

If you go to http://watch.ctv.ca/news/clip91103#clip91103, the segment that was filmed is up on the page.

The direct link is listed below:

http://esi.ctv.ca/datafeed/urlgen2.aspx?vid=91103

Sean

Team Canada Golf Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:58:00 +0000

On Saturday and Sunday, August 16th and August 17th, Team Canada Dragon Boat held their fundraising Golf Tournament at the Lorette Golf Club in Lorette Manitoba.

We had great weather for the event, although the many volunteer (paddlers) may have been a bit warm.

Upon arrival, golfers received their cart and a great round of golf at the challenging Lorette Course which was in great condition.

When getting to the 150 yard par 3, #7, reach the green (in one shot) and get a card allowing you to cut the deck (in the Pro Shop). Cut the Ace of Spades, and you will be in the running for a $ 1,500.00 cash prize.

Upon finishing the 9 hole course, there was a challenging putt on the practice green. 3 chances for $5.00.
Many tried and at the end of Sunday, 21 was the winning score.

My favourite part of the event, (other than raising money for these hard working athletes) was the great brunch that was put on by the Lorette Clubhouse. Choice of steak and eggs, or waffles or eggs Benedict, also there was lots of good coffee and orange juice, fruit and cheese. Was going to play another 9 holes, but was too full on brunch, so spent more on the putting green, and left satisfied and pleased with the morning and the contribution to the team. My guests Garvin Budhoo and his son Ryan also had a great time, and we were pleased to have found this little golf course just outside of Winnipeg.

The Ace was cut! In fact the Ace was cut 3 times! The lucky winners each won $500.00.

The Team was able to raise over $ 1,500.00 to add to their fundraising total to help the team on their way to Poznan, Poland.

There was a bonus....I won the one of the silent auction prizes! Very pleased with the hand made (Thanks Linda Kauk's Mom) afgan throw and a couple of fancy MTS Allstream coffee mugs.

Team Toba @ National Championships in Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:13:00 +0000

Here are a few pictures of the team in Toronto for Nationals in July.

Pictures from first practice

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:36:00 +0000

Hey everyone,

These are the conditions that we paddle in. These were taken April 12 and 14th and shows that there was still ice flows on the river.

Thanks to Jo-Ann for providing the pictures.

Golf Fundraiser Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:34:00 +0000

Pictures from the golf fundraiser weekend, August 16 and 17, 2008.

Thanks to everyone who supported the team.

Pictures of Team Toba

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:36:00 +0000

From the Bud, Spud and Steak on August 15, 2008.

Bud, Spud and Steak

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:58:00 +0000

On Friday, August 15, 2008, Team Canada Dragons held a Bud, Spud and Steak Event at the Canad Inns Windsor Park.

The Event was a great success, socially and financially!

With the huge amount of practicing that the team does week in and week out, it was a great opportunity for the team to get together without the focus of practice and just hang out...

There was a great effort put forth by Fred and Suzanne Berard and Lydia Harris to get this event organized and solicit the many silent auction prizes that raised funds for their trip to Poland in support of Team Canada.

Team Canada received the benefit from all the tickets sold to the event, to defray costs for the athletes.

Over $1,500.00 was received from the event for the Team Canada Bank Account!

Thank-you to all the supporters of the Team.

Keith S. James
Manager
Team Canada Dragon Boat 2008

Lance Article

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:22:00 +0000

Dragon boat racers take on international competition

Members of the Toba Dragon Boat provincial team perfect their paddling stroke in preparation for Dragon Boat World Championships in Poznan, Poland from Sept. 26-28.

By Matthew Powers

Aug. 21, 2008

If anyone is under the impression that dragon boat racing is just a corporate, team-building activity, they haven't met the Toba Dragon Boat provincial team.
This group of ultra-competitive paddlers pushes it to the limit every time it takes to the water — and its hard work has been rewarded with a spot in the Dragon Boat World Championships, to be held Sept. 26 to 28 in Poznan, Poland.
"This is the International Canoe Federation championships and Canada is only sending one team. We were the fastest of any of the teams that applied," team member Gord Ramsey said.
The Toba team qualified after posting a time of 2:01 in the 500-metre event at the 2007 Kelowna International Dragon Boat Festival.
Ramsey, a Crescentwood resident, says the group of 35 members has been training up to eight times a week at the Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Centre on Churchill Drive in Fort Rouge leading up to the competition.
"This is serious stuff. At a level like this it is much more about the sport than it is (a) festival," Ramsey said.
Most of the team members have been involved in the sport for nearly a decade. However, the team has only been serious about competing internationally the last few years and is trying to be realistic about its expectations.
"Realistically, we are fairly new club so just getting there is an accomplishment, but winning would be fantastic," Ramsey said.
"Our honest expectation is to do the best we can. We think our chances are good in the two-kilometre race."
The team will also compete in the 200-metre, 500-metre and 1,000-metre events, which will allow for all 35 members to take part in at least one event.
A dragon boat crew generally consists of 20 paddlers, a steersman and a drummer for each race. Working in such a large group is one of the aspects Ramsey says he enjoys most about the sport.
"It is very motivating when you are out there with a large group and everyone is working hard and pushing one another. There is that real team aspect," he said.
While camaraderie is one of the draws of the sport, another is the workout rowers get while they are on the water.
A typical practice will consist of at least 10 one-kilometre loops of the Red River, usually with a bucket dragging behind the boat to create more resistance for the paddlers.
Coach Keith James says he is impressed with the level of commitment and work ethic he has seen from his team, especially given the fact these are mostly people working full-time jobs and have family commitments on top of that.
"The most important thing is that these are just everyday people who are willing to come out here and work their butts off," James said.

5 more weeks to go...or about 2,067 km left to Poland

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:12:00 +0000

So we are closing in on the last month before the Worlds in Poland. To date, the team has paddled about 5,000km together.

Things are shaping up with uniforms on the way, everyone has air line tickets booked etc. Now all we need to do is focus focus focus. Focus on our training. Focus on what we can each do as an individual to make the TEAM better. Focus on being Team Canada and doing OUR races.

Coincidentally, the distance from the MPA to the Novatel Hotel on the shore of Lake Malta in Poznan is 7,067km.

Team Canada Status August 6

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:39:00 +0000

As of today, there are only a couple of people who have not finalized their travel arrangements to Poland.

We are a tidy group of 43.

As you can imagine, you are saying, how did we become 43?

Well, lets just say we have support!

Monday Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Today we had a 12Km practice up the Red River from the Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Centre on Churchill Drive, all the way around the bends until we saw the Ravenscourt School. 2 dragon boats were on the water.

The techniques practiced today included endurance, stamina, acceleration and working on the all important synchronizing of the paddlers.

Keeping the quality of the power of the stroke is the test when working on this kind of training....when the paddlers get tired, it is easier to just let the paddle flow, instead of giving each stroke it's due and pulling as much as possible through the water. It is fitness level that will dictate the length of time that you are able to keep the boat moving well when doing these drills for an extended time.

Only 6 weeks to Poznan, Poland....the urgency is building. Everyone is striving to be their best. Pushing each other to achieve a fitness level and quality stroke that will make the difference when at the World Championships!

Keith S. James

Manager

Technical Coach

Team Canada Dragon Boat, Canada's entry into the ICF World Championships of Dragon Boat 2008

First Week

noreply@blogger.com (Manager, Team Canada DB 2008. Keith James) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:10:00 +0000

Here we go Team Canada Dragon Boat!

Canada's entry into the 2008 International Canoe Federations' World Championship of Dragon Boating held at the Malta Course.

The Malta Racing Course is one of the finest in the World, and hosts numerous World class events every year because of it's magnificent setting and the World class facility.

Entering the first week of August, it is the beginning of the the last phase of training.

First Post

noreply@blogger.com (Sean Ostermann) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:50:00 +0000

Welcome all to the very first post of the Toba Road to the Worlds Blog. The intention of this blog is to provide updates on the Toba dragonboat team as they train, race, groan, moan and paddle their way to Poznan, Poland for the World Championship Dragonboat Race in September 2008.

Dates to remember:

August 15 - Bud, Spud and Steak night. A get together of team members and their friends.
August 16,17 - Golf fundraiser at the Lorette Golf Course. For tickets, please contact someone on the team.
September 18 - Press event at the forks

Stay tuned for more.....

Sean