I started paddling back in 2008 in San Francisco, and paddled for almost 10 years! This was a great way to meet people and have made lifelong friends from all over. After a 3 year hiatus, I joined DCDBC based out of the DC Wharf. I love to travel, whether with the team or on my own. In my free time, I can be found at the gym or in the kitchen baking.
Jen joined DCDBC in 2016, loving the opportunity to be out on the water in her hometown. She has come to love both the sport and the inclusive nature of this team. When not paddling, she is exploring Mars or Titan as a NASA planetary scientist, and chasing her (very fast) preschool aged daughter.
Holli started paddling in 2018 and hasn't looked back since! DCDBC was her first dragon boat club and her "gateway" to all things paddling. Holli has had the honor of competing at the regional, national, and international level. She lives in NoVa with her husband and her rescued pitbull, and has two grown daughters that she is very proud of. When not paddling she enjoys reading, knitting, traveling, and building Lego.
I have had the great fortune of experiencing great races, social events and learning a new therapeutic sport. I understand my wonderful experience is the result of the wonderful men and women who stepped up and volunteered their time and energy for the team to run as well-oiled machine.
Sydney joined DCDBC in 2024 and has loved every minute on the team! In the summer you can usually find her at the Wharf paddling or convincing everyone to grab a beer after practice; but if not, she's either walking the Mount Vernon trail with an iced coffee in hand, hiking in Montana, or with her dog, Gus - anything but sitting still!
I’ve been paddling with DCDBC for about 12 years and can confidently say my forearms no longer hurt paddling from dock to start line like when I first started. I’ve competed and earned more medals than when I was a teenager (I didn’t have any when I was a teenager!)
The Grumpy Member of the Team
The Stats
* Age: 46 (physically), 15 (mentally).
* Vocation: Former IT Auditor. I spent years finding everyone else’s mistakes; now I just judge your stroke rate.
* Experience: 20+ years of stabbing the water with a stick.
My Method
I operate on a binary system—there is no middle ground, no "coasting," and certainly no "light paddle." I have exactly two speeds:
* Maximal Effort: Veins popping, water churning, blood oxygen levels approaching blackout territory.
* Comatose: If I am not currently trying to win a plastic medal, I am asleep
The Motivation
I live for physical challenges, sports of all flavors, and the sweet, sweet burn of lactic acid. However, the real reason I’m here is my magnificent wife. She is the force of nature that dictates my hobbies. She makes me do Dragonboat, and since I value my life, I paddle like I’m running from an Ozempic shot.
Why You Want Me on Your Boat
I’m a seasoned curmudgeon with the aerobic capacity of a teenager and the cynical wit of a man who has seen too many spreadsheets. I’ll provide the power and the trash talk you didn't know you needed.