When moving to Hong Kong people usually do have an activity To Do list, based on what's recommended by the Hong Kong Tourism Board: See the Giant Buddha, visit Ocean Park or hike the Dragon's Back.
Speaking of Dragons: How about joining a dragon boat team? Scribbling that on your list? You are lucky mate for a new team is in the making.
Dragon boating is a popular sport in Hong Kong and each year more and more people want to join teams to be part of the action.
For people new to Hong Kong and/ or new to the sport there are several ways to join teams. Many of those teams are already established with most members being seasoned paddlers. Usually a boat consists of 20 people, nine pairs of paddlers, 1 steerer and 1 drummer. A strong team has the power, the technique and a unified rhythm. For someone who only got his foot in the water, it can be intimidating trying to integrate oneself in an already well-oiled synchronised machinery.
Enter Mingi Pither. Mingi was born and bred in Hong Kong and she started dragon boating in 1997. She fell in love with the sport and it has become a passion ever since. During that time she has been paddling for local and corporate teams alike, took steering and coaching license courses and has become an all-rounder in the boat.
Through dragon boating she found another love when she was introduced to her Kiwi team mate Phil Pither, who was to become her husband of now 10 years. No wonder she wants to pay it forward: "I want to introduce this sport to many more who want to learn about dragon boating, have little experience or never done it before, interested to work together to build up a new team etc. I want to meet with people who are also enthusiastic about dragon boating so that we can work together to promote this sport and this group. "
Speaking of Dragons: How about joining a dragon boat team? Scribbling that on your list? You are lucky mate for a new team is in the making.
Dragon boating is a popular sport in Hong Kong and each year more and more people want to join teams to be part of the action.
For people new to Hong Kong and/ or new to the sport there are several ways to join teams. Many of those teams are already established with most members being seasoned paddlers. Usually a boat consists of 20 people, nine pairs of paddlers, 1 steerer and 1 drummer. A strong team has the power, the technique and a unified rhythm. For someone who only got his foot in the water, it can be intimidating trying to integrate oneself in an already well-oiled synchronised machinery.
Enter Mingi Pither. Mingi was born and bred in Hong Kong and she started dragon boating in 1997. She fell in love with the sport and it has become a passion ever since. During that time she has been paddling for local and corporate teams alike, took steering and coaching license courses and has become an all-rounder in the boat.
Through dragon boating she found another love when she was introduced to her Kiwi team mate Phil Pither, who was to become her husband of now 10 years. No wonder she wants to pay it forward: "I want to introduce this sport to many more who want to learn about dragon boating, have little experience or never done it before, interested to work together to build up a new team etc. I want to meet with people who are also enthusiastic about dragon boating so that we can work together to promote this sport and this group. "
First dragon boat meet up group gathering: A team in the making
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Group
Her Hong Kong Dragon Boat Group on meetup.com is quickly gaining more followers.
They come from different walks of life. Some have paddled for years, some have almost no experience and some even admit being bad swimmers. But all of them start at the same level at having to mature to a unified team.
During the first team meeting Mingi quotes the 3E's she wants for a team: Enthusiasm, Encouragement for oneself and others and Enjoyment. "And a trophy!" one enthusiast throws in and the room bursts out into laughter. All 3E's covered there.
Although not out for a trophy yet the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Group have already scheduled their first water training session on August 5 and have set their eyes on the upcoming Sea School Fundraiser Race in Stanley on September 16.
If you are already keen to commit to the race and train for it, sign up for the event on the group's site before 2.Aug. A membership fee of HKD 750/ person will allow the team to finance the boat rental for all 6 training sessions, team uniforms, race registration and a team tent on race day. You will also be given preference for a spot in the boat during water training.
Or you can start out slowly an just join the team on their first training session on August 5 for HKD 100 (payment on the beach) and see if the sport and the team is for you.
For more info contact Mingi on www.meetup.com/The-Hong-Kong-Dragonboating-Group/
Paddles up! Go!
Her Hong Kong Dragon Boat Group on meetup.com is quickly gaining more followers.
They come from different walks of life. Some have paddled for years, some have almost no experience and some even admit being bad swimmers. But all of them start at the same level at having to mature to a unified team.
During the first team meeting Mingi quotes the 3E's she wants for a team: Enthusiasm, Encouragement for oneself and others and Enjoyment. "And a trophy!" one enthusiast throws in and the room bursts out into laughter. All 3E's covered there.
Although not out for a trophy yet the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Group have already scheduled their first water training session on August 5 and have set their eyes on the upcoming Sea School Fundraiser Race in Stanley on September 16.
If you are already keen to commit to the race and train for it, sign up for the event on the group's site before 2.Aug. A membership fee of HKD 750/ person will allow the team to finance the boat rental for all 6 training sessions, team uniforms, race registration and a team tent on race day. You will also be given preference for a spot in the boat during water training.
Or you can start out slowly an just join the team on their first training session on August 5 for HKD 100 (payment on the beach) and see if the sport and the team is for you.
For more info contact Mingi on www.meetup.com/The-Hong-Kong-Dragonboating-Group/
Paddles up! Go!
