The Season We Want and Fear is Upon Us
The season we fear and the season we await is upon us. The Southern California Outrigger Racing Association (SCORA) season is just around the corner and I must admit, I am not ready for it. A fresh new season brings in new novices, new paddling techniques, new canoes and new stories. On the other hand, what is not new, is the back-pain you get after the first practice. I am positive that I eventually encounter the pain. I am ready for it because, I know how it feel and how to overcome it. However, not sure if the new novices will. I’ll just to wait till the next practice if they show up.
The first day of practice can be cruel. If you attend, don’t come in a wetsuit, you will definitely be given a silly nickname. Do not come wearing a bright green or yellow shirt; again, you will be given a silly nickname. If you do anything wrong after being given the rules, trust in me, you will be given a silly nickname. On the other hand, I served my time, I’ve been given multiple nicknames both good and miserable and now, I have power to assign nicknames. The one advice I give to you, DO NOT DROP YOUR PADDLE AT ANY COST, I personality will pass on the nickname of “Butterfingers”.
Do not let me scare you away, nicknames are not the only cruel things you will experience in the sport of outrigger canoeing. Be ready to put out your heart throughout intense practices. Get ready to paddle 12 miles into the ocean not knowing if a shark might be underneath you. Get ready to learn how big waves work. Get ready to learn if strong winds are your enemy or your friend. Outrigger Canoeing can be brutal and it is, but Outrigger Canoeing was the greatest investment I took.
Novices, I recommend you to be ready to experience the greatest moments of your life. I recommend you to look up toward the end of a practice and, look at the sky and witness such as beautiful sunset. Be ready to meet so many wonderful people. Hey, you might get lucky and met your future husband/wife. Trust me, it has happened. Get ready to share some beers, share some stories and most importantly share your friendship.
The sport is growing and now is the perfect time to join it. Visit the SCORA page for clubs to join and more important information.
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| (Photo/Cody Silvester) |
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