Its been a while since we updated our blog, but we are paddling regularly throughout the year (more info here if you would like to join us). This weekend we were very pleased to welcome visitors from Against Breast Cancer, a charity based in Abingdon who fund research into secondary breast cancer (you can read about their experience of dragonboating with us on the ABC blog).

The weather was kind to us, hot but slightly overcast which was a relief. Our coach put us through some exercises including evolution (building up the paddle stroke one step at a time), and blind paddling (paddling with eyes closed so that you can feel the movement of the boat and try to keep in time). The latter is definitely a bit tricky, but can be very restful (our helm keeps their eyes open to keep us from getting too far off course!).

People standing on the shore recieving a safety briefing about paddling. The lake and boat are to the left of the image.
Safety briefing before getting into the boat
Photo taken looking towards the bow of the boat. People are sitting in the boat with trees and the lake in the background.
Waiting for instructions from our coach

As ever there was plenty of wildlife on the lake. We spotted a heron, oyster catchers, egyptian geese, cormorants, and some cute fluffy baby ducks. The dragonflies were also out in large numbers, it was lovely to watch them zipping across the water.

Taking a mintute to enjoy the view and watch the dragonflies.

After putting our boat away we all went back to the club house for tea and cake, and to sit outside and enjoy a nice chat.