Started paddling outrigger in NYC (Ke Aloha) in 2018 because the summers were hot and reminded me of my childhood in Australia. I have since moved to SF (SFOCC) and started dragonboat (DW) as well. I mostly paddle in Lake Merced, around the Marina in SF, or down in Foster City. I love spending time in the sun and with/in water and getting a tan, so why on Earth am I in SF... I paddle because it's a good way to meet new people and make friends in a new city. I joined Skool to engage with more paddlers and to contribute to the paddling community locally and globally. And Tek is just an above average kinda guy. I like paddling because it does not matter what your social-economic background is, what your ethnicity/nationality is, what size you are, as long as you can keep time you can be part of a team.

What's your most preferred OC1 and why? If it's not on the list, please feel free to write it in the comments.

Hello, my name is David. I am from NYC, I started paddling in 2023 recreationally hoping to burn a few calories after covid and I felt in love with the sport. My coaches and teammates are supportive and motivating, and that kept me showing up. Excited to learn from you all!

We all start somewhere. How did you find the sport of paddling and which year did you find it?

I went out early to fit the WOW into my schedule and I'm glad I did; the wind got stronger after my 10min WU. That shows in my metrics.