Dragon Boat West

http://nanaimodragonboat.com/paddlers/registered-teams/ (http://nanaimodragonboat.com/paddlers/registered-teams/)

Thoughts? Predictions?

1. Paddle Slots
2. Navy
3. Blu By U

Illuminate,

I would consider adding Goblin Empire, as they seemed to have good results earlier this season. As for Paddle Slots, really? They are a throw together team of dragon boaters, outrigger canoeists and kayakers. You think they have a shot at first place this year?

"Team Cream" is a local dragon boat team that's similar to that (mostly outrigger and surf ski people) and they tend to do more then quite well at the festivals. They are not doing Nanaimo but will be there for Victoria festival.

1.Navy
2.VYPC
3.Goblin

Agreed,  I heard paddleslots are puppylove's leftover and they picked up some first year paddlers to fill the boat.

So what's the point of talking about Team Cream in the Nanaimo predictions thread?

I believe DesertPike's observation was that you can't rule out a throw-together team of paddlers from various disciplines.

Team Cream was likely brought up as they won Victoria last year by 6 seconds over the 2nd place crew.

Whether that will be the case with Paddle Slots in this particular festival, who knows.  I just wait until race day to see what happens.

Another example from last year was Dragon Hearts Unicorn who raced in similar boats at Harrison. A throw-together team that won by 6 seconds as well.

It really depends on who is on these throw together boats tbh, they're the ultimate wild card.

Paddles of fury will be in the mix I believe.
Navy, Paddle slots, Extreme, Blue by u, Save on, Goblins, possibly Mentor
In no particular order. Of course this from an Island paddler who knows little about the mainland teams.

I predict I will be at the Paddlers' Party. Having said that, I am not sure if I will be in top condition to race Sunday.  I also predict a good number of us will be in the same condition.

Here are my other predictions.

In the women's category, I am expecting Dragon Ladies, Saggin Dragons, FLCC and either Nusa'Lon Dragons or chawanda in the finals.

In junior mixed category, I am expecting VYPC 1 to sweep.

In the senior mixed category, I am expecting FLCC.

In the most earnest team, I am expecting Goblin Empire to raise the roof on this weekend.

Katy is right on about the intent of my comment. Thanks for clearing it up.

I have learned to never count out Xtreme Reach. Also Slayers and Mentor tend to do quite well especially on their home turf.

Which ever team that has the 5-7 One West Paddler is going to win.  Mark my word.

For any of those teams that are within 3-5 seconds of each other it usually comes down to which has the better lane in the challenging water :)That's the good and bad of Nanaimo racing . Great venue overall !

and I will see YOU at the paddlers party - go DL & go SD & go STD ;)

I believe Team Cream almost broke the record in Victoria.

Good luck to all the teams this weekend!

Platinum A

1) VYPC1
2) Paddle Slots
3) Navy
4) Paddles of Fury

Platinum B
1) Goblin Empire
2) Dragon Slayers
3) Xtreme Reach
4) Twisted Hips

Other Awards
Dance Competition: Xtreme Reach (Would love to see video)
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10455225_10153021965931165_1458121390214460407_n.jpg)

Tent Decoration: Goblin Empire (care bears theme)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/p526x296/10487273_809010159111479_8580037273765184091_n.jpg)

Teams to watch out for:

Hornets, STRONG team despite only have 10 practices. Were placed in grids against the top 2 teams in their seeding rounds but still more then kept up. Surely by Victoria will be a force to contend with. May have made Platinum if against different teams.

FGPC Dragon Flyers, improving more and more each year. Keep an eye open for these guys, despite being in lower divisions they will soon rule them.