Row, row, row your boat

I haven’t had the chance to shoot in a long long while. Chanced at an opportunity to go for a dragonboat race, and decided to take Dad’s camera out for a spin.

Conditions weren’t exceptional. Heavy clouds loomed over the skies, and there seemed to be some kind of a haze that was plaguing the afternoon, but thankfully the vibrant colours at the race made up for it.

I don’t know why, I’ve always liked to take pictures during dragonboat races. Maybe I take heart in youngsters like us being so passionate about such a traditional activity; although, dragonboating seems to be celebrated more as a sport than a tradition. Maybe, also, because I find dragonboaters especially spirited during the competitions. It’s their chance to shine as a team after months and months of hard work.

White, black, red, and yellow

SMU dragon boat

At the Marina Barage. 
Absolutely beautiful place, especially the green field overlooking Singapore’s city skyline.

See what I mean about being spirited?
Wilson here cheers as the girls’ team fights to get to the finish line

Old birds / supporters

Pep talk

Visualisation

 
Apparently, they have to go through a “visualisation” run before the race, so they will know how it’s like during the actual thing. I wish I could capture the heaves and grunts that they were making, it’s like they’re actually rowing and they’re using alot of effort. May seem ridiculous, but you can see it in their faces – they really want to own it.
See what I mean, again, about being spirited?

Green green grass of home

Congrats after the race

Boys’ team

 
Warm up strettcchhh

Warm up run

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Girls’ team getting ready to move off

  Guys’ team locked and loaded

 
All in a day’s work