We’re back! Today is Pickering Day 2. There was a Day 1 but yours truly didn’t go as Sharon only went to support the other Tribal team, Aloha. Today however, Maui was up and everyone showed up. It was a lovely day (unlike last week or even Pickering 2025 edition), and we found a new, closer parking spot so the schoolbusride was not a thing. For us, anyway.
On the program were 200m, 500m and 2K races, though it was quite obvious Maui would not be taking part in the 2K. The competition was…fierce. As in there was a Youth Mixed Teams, Mixed Sport Recreation and Open Boat races. Maui is in the Sport Recreation league and trying to win from the Open Boat teams (Open meaning no restrictions in composition of the boats, thus most will be super fit, super eager male university students and the likes) is a whole different kettle of fish.
That notwithstanding, they paddled their hearts out and managed to win Division C for Mixed Sport but, cheapskates Alkame are, they decided to award every league winner with metal, except for C Division. Personally I find this inappropriate and a big booboo by the organizers. Do better, Alkame!
The lake was a little windy at times. Fish tried to overtake the boats (as many landed inside while paddling), a paddle was lost mid-race but miraculously scooped back up again – missing only 2 or 3 beats, there was (just like yesterday) proper drone footage being streamed live to YouTube, including professional commentary (more on that later). All in all, a good day! Toronto Islands, here we come!
New parking spot located 
Only 10 minutes walking from the venue 
Landed! It’s a nice small venue today, I heard yesterday was a LOT busier 
Stretch time 
Or run time, if you prefer that 
When the weather cooperates, this is quite a nice location 
The drone operator Dragon Boat MVP 
Yup! See you! V! 
And off they go 
Dragon boats are wider than you’d think! 
The Official’s setup. Below the drone guy, above the time people. 
Yours truly had a nice spot today 
With freshly made (this morning!) soup 
Race video review with Coach 
I think Eric is having second thoughts about this whole group picture thing 
Plenty merchants around on these small grounds 
Race 2! 
It’s almost like stepping into an Asian home, you leave your shoes at the door. Or, in this case, your Crocks 
And that’s a wrap!
The YouTube Livestream is quite cool and this year will be broadcast from:
- Pickering Dragon Boat Festival (we were there, duh)
- Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, June 29-21
- Can-American Club Crew Championships, July 17-20 (we will be there in Montreal!)
- Alkame Club Cup, August 16
Follow Dragon Boat MVP on YouTube and tune in when the races start to see the clubs live in action! Start this clip at 13:45 to see Tribal in lane 2 on the first race of the day! The start was a bit chaotic as the wind blew their boat into the other lane, and the start wasn’t halted. This wasn’t a good result for them, but the other 2 were much better, hence they won Division C (and were robbed of their medal). Boo!