We had a good turnout this weekend. That allowed us to take out our two ‘O1’ boats (outrigger boats for one person) as well as our 20-person dragonboat (Kintsugi).

Two paddlers each in an O1 outrigger boat, in silhouette. The sky is dramatically cloudy, there is a small sailboat in the distance close to the tree line on the edge of the lake.
Paddlers in ‘O1’ outrigger boats
Female paddler in 'O1' outrigger boat, smiling at the camera. Paddle is in the water to the left, the outrigger float is to the right. Willow trees line the lake in the background.
Man paddling in 'O1' outrigger boat. Paddle is in the water to the left, the outrigger float is to the right. The background is the lake with two geese in the distance.

With multiple boats on the water we were able to have a couple of friendly ‘races’. We always enjoy practicing our racing starts, but its a lot more fun when you have someone to race against. Typically, the O1s get a good initial start and then the bigger (but slower to get moving) boat catches up. It definitely gave us all a good workout!

We still had time to enjoy the local wildlife and were treated to a great crested grebe chick learning how to dive, and a white egret flying overhead.

We were lucky with the weather and by the time we came off the water there was barely a breath of wind (not such good news for the sail boats!).

The dragonboat is empty sitting in the water after everyone has gotten out. The lake water is still and looks like glass. There are trees around the lake endge in the background.
A moment of stillness on the lake after finishing our paddle

After putting away our boats and kit, we took advantage of the warm weather and sat outside to have a chat, and enjoy some delicious home-made cakes and a cup of tea.

The OPfL team are sitting on picnic benches under a large parasol enjoying tea and home-made cake. The lake is on the right-hand side, the water is very still and there are trees along the lake short in the distance.
Well earned treats after our paddle