Blue Lagoon Canoe Polo Challenge 2007 
Blue Lagoon Canoe Polo Challenge 2007
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We arrived at the White Albatross resort just before 10pm and were quickly installed in our cabins ready for sleep. I awoke early in the morning and crept out of the cabin for a walk and to catch the sunrise in this beautiful part of Australia. The lagoon where the games were to take place is fronted by many of the comfortable cabins and villas along the northeast side and the breakwater at the river mouth to the southwest. The stunning rock formation at the end of the breakwater formed a beautiful silhouette with the sunrise behind.
After rousing the troops and eating a hearty breakfast we unloaded our boats and headed out for a paddle in the sea to catch a few waves. Doing this was fun but we lost focus on surfing for some time, awestruck by a pod of about 20 dolphins that joined us just outside the breaking waves. We paddled slowly amongst them for quite a while - an almost surreal experience. After about 2 hours of playing in the surf we headed back to prepare for the competition, our main reason for making the trip northward.
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| On Saturday we played as our own team against 5 others from Sydney, Armidale and Brisbane, coming second place in all games in spite of Michael's magnificent goalkeeping and Chris' goal shooting (3 in one game!). We fought valiantly to the end and showed the true Dapto High courage and determination throughout. Even after a tough day, most of the boys joined me again for some late afternoon surf paddling. The pizzas were a welcome meal and an opportunity to socialise with the other competitors and forge new friendships. | |
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Michael... goalie extraordinaire |
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Patrick being 'taken out' |
Chris creeping up alongside |
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Get em Joel |
| Sunday morning early we were where??? Not this time; I had to go back in the surf without the boys, but was joined by two other paddlers and a couple surfing. This time we saw just a single dolphin in the distance. Day two was a different format in that all players were put into mixed teams, putting experienced with inexperienced to make evenly skilled teams. We learned a lot from the coaching of those with more experience and have come away with stronger motivation to keep improving our skills. | |
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The trip home was enjoyable and quicker than the trip up which allowed us to spend a little time exploring Bulahdelah where this big carved Bass is found. The boys and I are keen to compete again in May next year. In the mean time we will continue to train hard and look out for other competitions to enter. THE BATS TEAM
P.S. Special thanks to Mrs. Meredith for the financial assistance provided from the Travel Fund |
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