The excitement of a new season of racing!

MWPC 2009/10 Winter Recap

Mighty Women Paddling Club continued paddling throughout the winter once a week, with the exception of the December holidays when we were consuming mass amounts of holiday cookies and nog. We were able to dodge most of the winter raindrops, because we paddle soooo fast. (Just kidding.)

Our winter paddling wear certainly didn’t win any fashion awards, either. It was a mismatched combo of early Goodwill rainpants, bottom-of-the-closet jackets, hats and gloves, dog-chewed watershoes (and in some cases, sandals with wool ski socks – we won’t mention any names). We could barely recognize our teammates because of all the crazy, colorful layers!

But hardly anyone noticed our fashion faux pas because winter paddling is so darn awesome! Down on the Willamette River at night, the city lights sparkle like glimmering jewels. At times the water was almost magical…and so smooth…a joy to paddle in. We paddled alot on the east side of the river, slipping silently in the dark, still waters under the bridges, past the submarine, OMSI, rescue jet skis and Eastbank Promenade.. Under the willow tree, and often by glorious moonlight. Wouldn’t have missed it for the world!

And now Spring Dragonboating is upon us. We are beginning to recognize our fellow teammates as there are fewer layers to hide under. And when the temperatures have approached the high 60s, a few brave souls are decked out in tanktops, shorts and sandals (without the wool ski socks).

MWPC still paddles during spring showers, but because everyone is so focused on their own stroke, we hardly notice. The days are getting longer, so we paddle less in the dark. That has it’s downside, as Coach Jeannie can see which of us are slacking off, stylewise. The upside is seeing more herons, and viewing billowy clouds tinged with orange from a beautiful sunset.

If you’re viewing our website for the first time, please join us on the water. Your first time is free, and you don’t need to have your own paddle or lifevest. Not in perfect shape? Many of us had been loitering around donut shops when we first started paddling, and it had been years since we’d seen the inside of a gym. But we can assure you, you’ll get in shape, make wonderful friends, and have the experiences of a lifetime!

Paddles up!

For more information, email:
mwpaddling@yahoo.com