Yellow Dog Brewing Thanked for Years of Sponsorship

November 22, 2023 Robbin Whachell

Brian Kenny, past president of Nothin’ Dragon and chairman of the Inlet Spring Regatta presents a plaque to tasting room manager, Jackie Blower on Nov. 20.

Yellow Dog Brewing has supported our team Nothin’ Dragon since 2014, as well as our event, the Inlet Spring Regatta since 2019, and we were long overdue on a formal thank you.

On November 20, teammates donned our race jerseys or Inlet Spring Regatta wear and enjoyed a cold one in the Yellow Dog tasting room.

As a token of appreciation, a plaque was presented featuring our last group photo and an Inlet Spring Regatta woodal.

Our team will also support a dragon boat experience for the staff of Yellow Dog in the new year when the weather warms up.

“Yellow Dog has been there for us shortly have they started their business,” said Brian Kenny, It’s wonderful and we’re lucky to have an establishment like this, that supports our sport and community efforts. Thank you Yellow Dog!”

New President for Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society

November 15, 2023 Robbin Whachell

Robbin Whachell, former team captain, and prior to that, assistant captain, is now the Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society president.

In 2023, Nothin’ Dragon turned 25 years as a team, and since 1998, there have been only two presidents. The initial leader was actually Ann Hensel who was labeled team coordinator until Ron McPherson took on the role of president and he held the position until Brian Kenny took over in Nov. 2011.

Brian announced his resignation at the team’s general meeting in Spring of 2023, and since that time, team chatter was abuzz with everyone trying to figure out who should be their next president. A survey was also put out by the executive to canvas the team about who they felt would be best to lead.

THANK YOU outgoing president, Brian Kenny! Brian holds up a painting gifted by teammates.

While most expected the vice president, Brent Murphy to take the role, he announced he was unable to. At the annual general meeting in October 2023, Robbin Whachell (team captain) accepted the nomination for president being the only person whose name was brought forward.

Brian was thanked for his years of service to the team with accolades and gifts and will remain past president on the executive for the next year, guiding Robbin in her new role.

“When I put my resignation on the floor it was an emotional time for me,” Brian said. “I was going to leave sooner but COVID hit and I felt I could still offer support to keep the team alive and functioning. We survived and that was my signal to step down. An organization always needs new input from the top and Robbin's name came to the top of my list. Knowing that Brent would not accept the role, I approached Robbin who was reticent to take it on given her time to numerous organizations. But it is that fact that made her the obvious candidate because she is energetic, forward-thinking, and a people person. She is a trailblazer and will take us as a team to new heights. We are in good hands.”

Both have worked closely over the years, first when they helped organize the Coquitlam Crunch Challenge from 2016 to 2019 and most recently the team-driven event, the Inlet Spring Regatta (2018 to present), which is held each April at Rocky Point Park.

Robbin and Brian during the Coquitlam Crunch Challenge in 2019

The Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society was formed in 2022, and Robbin is no stranger to non-profit Societies as she served two terms as president of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society in Coquitlam. She also sits on other society boards related to sports or community service.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with our executive to find ways to enhance or improve the Society’s operations and see how we can grow as a club,” she said.

Two days after the AGM, Brian and Robbin share a toast at the team’s Oktoberfest fundraiser.

The 2023/24 executive is comprised of the following:

President, Robbin Whachell
Past President, Brian Kenny
Vice President, Brent Murphy
Treasurer, Wilhemina Savage
Secretary, Linda Corcoran
Race Registrar, Denise Nelson
Captain, Sandra Foubert
Asst. Captain, Bob Walton.

Nothin’ Dragon is an energetic group of men and women who strive to achieve excellence in physical fitness by participating in recreational and competitive dragon boating. We are a motivated group, enjoying an active lifestyle in a friendly, supportive team setting, and contributing to the community by sponsoring, encouraging, and mentoring youth programs. This group is a force that sees potential in every stroke of the paddle.

Dragon Boat Experience Offered to Talitha Koum Society

June 30, 2023 Robbin Whachell

A dragon boat voyage!

Nothin' Dragon was pleased to take out clients of the Talitha Koum Society on June 29. The Talitha Koum Society is a non-profit that assists women in healing from past trauma and overcoming addictions at two housing locations in Coquitlam.

Brian ran the commentary while the ladies paddled. Thanks to Steve for driving our safety boat!

It was perfect weather for the dragon boat experience off Rocky Point Park. Thanks to Brian Kenny who explained how to paddle and reviewed the calls and actions used on the boat. Brian also offered a running commentary from the safety boat while the group of women were out on the water, providing information on the local habitat and area history.

Our team captain, Robbin Whachell coordinated the outing. A big thanks to the teammates of Nothin’ Dragon who helped prepare for the excursion and those that helped mentor our guests.

“Our team was very impressed on how well the women did in the boat for their first time dragon boating!” said Robbin.

Nothin’ Dragon is committed to helping the community. We offer corporate paddles, which are great for team building. If interested, please email us for details at nothindragonmasters@gmail.com.

Nothin' Dragon Masters Unveil 2020 Team Photo

November 2, 2020 Robbin Whachell

Thanks to the photographic wizardry of Joep Olthuis of Shutter Up & Shoot, we’re proud to unveil our 2020 team photo.

While it appears we are standing together for this group shot, each person was photographed individually, and Joep pieced us all together, even providing the stunning backdrop of the inlet and mountains surrounding Rocky Point Park.

2020 has been a tough year for the team, as dragon boating is still docked as a sport. The team has found other ways to keep in shape and stay in touch, with kayaking, online yoga with Dorota and dryland strength training with Coach Kris over Zoom.

Once a week some of the team meet for distanced coffee chats outside and Thursdays are still legion nights in small distanced groups.

“It was a labour of love for Joep who manipulated us into a cohesive group,” said team president, Brian Kenny. “Besides team members receiving the picture, copies have been given to the mayors of Port Moody and Coquitlam with an enclosed letter focused on our team’s ability to stay together. As seniors, we need support from those in power to consider our demographic when making changes. Also, copies of the picture have been mailed to all of our sponsors who have given us financial support. Their continued support is critical for us to keep functioning as a team.”

Until we can be back on the water, we remain together in spirit!

Nothin' Dragon Masters Move to Virtual Training

April 15, 2020 Robbin Whachell

“Dorota’s classes keep our muscles supple and strong!”

The Nothin’ Dragon Masters may be off the water, but we are finding ways to keep our bodies ready for the dragon boat season should it return late summer.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, in March 2020, Dragon Boat Canada recommended all dragon boat training stop, and so we canceled our practices until further notice.

“It was sad news all round that we had to stop training as well as cancel our own dragon boat event, the Inlet Spring Regatta,” said team president, Brian Kenny, “but we are happy to find ways to keep the team connected as well as our fitness in check.”

The team regularly trains in yoga during the offseason with Dorota Budziszewska at Dogwood Pavilion in Coquitlam. Dorota was up for the challenge to get us together virtually, so classes restarted in April via Zoom conferencing.

One team member Ric set a 30-day push-up challenge. Go at your own pace but do it for 30 days. “After being inspired by our friend George I started the challenge a few weeks ago, and am now doing at least 100 push-ups a day, so I'm challenging the rest of the team.” If you feel up for the challenge here’s our calendar you can print to record your progress.

With the dragon boat season looking bleak for a return date, it’s very important for the team to keep in form for general health and easier transition back to the water once the COVID-19 restrictions loosen.

Coach Kris Lepianka leads dryland training on Mondays with isometrics and weights.

The team is also started virtual dryland training on April 27 with Coach Kris Lepianka, which takes place twice a week. His first session of the week focusses on isometrics and strength training, and the second session focuses on paddle technique and endurance.

Kris during paddle technique class on Thursdays.

We can’t wait to get back on the water, but until then our team will stay connected and active, at least three-times a week virtually!

Stay safe everyone!

Nothin' Dragon Masters address Port Moody Council

July 22, 2019 Robbin Whachell

On July 16, 2019 Brian Kenny, president of the Nothin’ Dragon Masters and chairman of the Inlet Spring Regatt spoke to Port Moody City Council requesting a three-year extension for our annual dragon boat event.

He was supported by members of the team.

A brief overview on the success of the first two years of the event was given, as well as airing the drone video footage of our 2019 event shot by Jon Ross Films.

The request was later granted, and the Inlet Spring Regatta has been approved for 2020, 2021, and 2022