The Power Of One

Our sport is based on teamwork. No one can do it alone. And that is why I’m asking for your help. If you’ve ever read one of my posts and enjoyed what you read, or even shared it with your team, please consider showing your appreciation by donating $1 to my Make A Champ campaign. Your support and teamwork can help me get to Hungary to compete at the Club Crew World Championships. Honestly, no donation is too small. I realize that the idea of donating one single dollar can seem strange, but it all adds up. As Ryunosuke Satoro said, “Individually we are one drop. Together we are an ocean.” The power of your single dollar is more than you can imagine.

Take a look at the video and read my bio below. If you are inspired to donate, please follow the link to my Make A Champ page. There are only 8 more days left for me to meet my goal!

I am currently living in Canada under an athlete’s visa, but as an American I am unable to work here, so writing the paddlechica blog has been my main source of income. Any additional help in funding my journey to Hungary is greatly appreciated and every bit helps.

I’ve been a water-lover my whole life.

I grew up in San Diego, California where I spent as much time as possible in the ocean: swimming, bodyboarding or surfing. After moving to Miami, Florida I found my love of paddling.

My passion for paddling and dragon boating grew stronger every year. Although I had always been athletic, I felt like I had finally found the perfect sport for me and I wanted to continue training and improving. I sought out as much training as possible, attending paddling camps and clinics as often as I could.

In 2011 I attained my first major goal of becoming a member of the US National team and competed with the team in 2011, 2013 and 2015. I earned a gold medal in 2013 with the mixed crew in the 1000m race. I have also competed at Club Crew World Championships in 2012 and 2014.

In 2015 I started the blog paddlechica.com for dragon boat paddlers and teams. I love writing about paddling and sharing my passion for the sport with fellow paddlers. When I find myself pondering a particular aspect of dragon boating or laying awake at night thinking about something I learned at practice that day, I love to write about it in my blog. I also enjoy researching topics within the sport to share with my readers. As a paddler, I am constantly analyzing every aspect of the sport, including team dynamics. As a blog writer, I try to transfer the learning to my readers that takes place throughout my dragon boat journey.

In the fall of 2016 I began training with the Outer Harbour women’s team in Toronto with Chris Edwards, one of the Canadian National Team coaches. Paddling on this team has taken my training up to a new level and I love all of the hard work. Coach Chris has taught me so much about my strengths and weaknesses, mental toughness, and how much I can push myself both physically and mentally.

At Nationals in Welland, Ontario in August of 2017, our team qualified to compete at Club Crew World Championships in Szeged, Hungary in July 2018. We are currently training hard, working towards our goal of being on the podium in Hungary.

While the training is difficult and physically demanding, the hardest part for me is earning the finances needed to compete in Hungary. All of this training comes at a cost; travel, accommodations, food, team fees, gym fees, physical therapy, gear, uniforms and other expenses related to training and competing in a foreign country add up. It is a struggle to keep up financially. I am currently living in Canada under an athlete’s visa, but as an American I am unable to work here, so writing the paddlechica blog has been my main source of income. Any additional help in funding my journey to Hungary is greatly appreciated and every bit helps.

I love dragon boating. It is my passion and it has been one of the most important things in my life for quite some time now. I am giving everything I have to achieve the goals my team has set, but I can’t do it on my own. Please consider helping me out. No donation is too small. Thank you for your generosity!

What some kind donors have said:

“Thank you for your passion for our sport and for treating everyone you meet with dignity and respect. Best of luck in Hungary!”

“Best of Luck in Hungary, Paddlechica! from Survivors In Sync, Sarasota”

“I was new to dragon boating 4 years ago and your blog has helped me better understand the sport to become a stronger paddler, team member and captain. Thank you for your insight! Best of luck in Hungary!”

“Let’s get you started! WAM WANTS you there!”

“Godspeed Stix! Do us proud, from both sides of the border!”

“We are happy to support. Good luck and safe travels!”

Click here to go to my Make A Champ page. Thank you so much!