Well, we didn't win the women's small boat division 250 meter sprints, but combined with a mixed crew called Skittles with paddlers from all over (Long Beach, Montana, and Victoria) we brought home the fist place trophy (and gold medals to boot) in the Guts and Glory race at the end of the day for the in the mixed large boat division. Guts and Glory, you ask? 2000 meters total on a 250 meter race course. 7 turns. Props to Nancy our tiller for that one!

We had four new paddlers paddling in their very first race that weekend, our race times and confidence improved throughout the day, and spectators said our timing was right on.

The Paddle for Life Festival focused on fun and charity. The event is put on by a 501(c)(3) that is currently raising money for the disabled veterans water sports program at Vancouver Lake, a venue that boasts a fabulous crew facilty and a growing dragon boat program.

Your OWLS Dragonflies are racing at the Paddle for Life Festival at Vancouver Lake (that's Vancouver, WA, not BC) this weekend. 250 sprints, 10 and 20-man boats, lots of Portland teams. We won gold last year at its inaugural event. Hoping for a repeat performance.

Paddle for Life is a non-profit organization that helps raise money and awareness for community causes through the fast growing sport of dragon boating.