By Kristin O. Pitoniak
Many of us can understand all the benefits of paddling with our home teams. Our teammates know us, paddle with us, and support us. Some of us share a cancer experience, but all of us share the love of paddling and the tremendous camaraderie that this team environment creates. We have opportunities to teach and to inspire as we welcome new team members each season. Each person offers something valuable that the team needs to survive.
Some of us have found an additional team in Bay State Connection Dragons. This team gives us an opportunity to expand our friendship circle, to work with new coaches, and to paddle with new people. We always have room to grow. Sometimes that can happen just by seeing how someone else attacks the same sport.
When you immerse yourself in dragon boating, you allow yourself to be challenged physically and mentally. Accept new information, modify your goals, and embrace the fluidity of paddling. Your home team knows who you are. The new team needs to get to know you. When you meet new people and learn new skills, remember to take something you’ve learned back to your home team.
As a member of two teams, it is crucial to take constructive criticism. If we have insight and can acknowledge our weaknesses, then we can enlist the assistance of our team members to support us while we discover our many strengths.
There are so many advantages of paddling on a home team. There are great opportunities when you join a new team. Why not paddle on both and hone your skills and give yourself as many opportunities as possible. You may sit in a different boat seat on each team. You may be used in a different capacity. Be willing to challenge what you thought you could do and look toward what you are willing to do. This is what makes any team successful.
A true Dragon Boat Champion is someone who shows up on any team, gives 100% effort, and truly values the strength it takes physically, emotionally, and mentality to cross the finish line.
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