SRW: This Year's Last Hurrah

Last Sunday Team Kraken was at the Water Sports Centre bright and early. The weather was good and the crowd was in high spirits. There were people selling paddling paraphernalia and conducting fun activities for the participants. This was Singapore Regatta WaterFest, the last dragon boat race of the year.

Team Kraken, under the guidance of Coach Guan Wee who is back temporarily, competed in two categories: Women and PA GRO Mixed. Our Acting TM, Angella who was also paddled with the ladies, commented that this is the second time Team Kraken sent down a Women's boat after the Century Race in March and - although the team did well on the second heat - the painfully narrow margin that cost us the semi-finals was the reminder that we need to strive even harder.

Weather-wise, in Singapore it has the tendency to be windy and wet in the afternoons lately. And indeed, there was Cat 1 in the afternoon where the Mixed boat was scheduled to race. Hence, there was extra bonding time over henna tattoo and complimentary holographic photos as we waited out the rain. Although because of the lack of time the team only went down once, we put up a good fight.

All in all the race proceeded in an efficient manner and it was a good experience for paddlers old and new. Big thanks to the Punggol Coast CSN, our Exco, Coach GW as well as our TMs past and present for the support and effort throughout the year. Next stop: PaddleFest 2025.

Report card of best timing:

PA GRO Mixed 0.58.660 minute

Women 1.02.415 minute