Master paddlers win big at Nationals

In the wee, small hours -- when most of the town is still covered in sleep -- a quiet ripple forms on the surface of Lake Pisiquid as a small group of paddlers make their way across the placid waters. For the Pisiquid Canoe Club Masters Team, it’s just another early morning practice leading to a big win at the Nationals.

The nine-member team had been paddling on the lake night and day at least five times a week since May in preparation for the Sept. 7 Kayaking Nationals at Lake Banook in Dartmouth, which pitted them against 22 clubs from across the county -- some of which included former Olympians. The teamed emerged from the competition with some pretty serious hardware having received six medals in six events, including a gold.

For most on the team, it was their second or third shot at the nationals and this recent success has made all those hours on the water worthwhile.

Five years ago, when the team first formed, most of them would not have imagined they'd make it this far. In fact, just getting into the tippy racing boat presented a challenge.

Swam more than paddled

“When we first stared we couldn't even stay in the boat,” said Joanne MacGillivary. “We swam more then we paddled.”

This eventually weeded out the recreational paddlers, she said. “We've seen a lot of people come and go.”

And now, those members who stuck it out are reaping the rewards. “Being able to establish goals and then reach them is so rewarding,” said Eleanor Beaton. “At the beginning of the season we knew what we wanted to achieve we did it. But you have to make it a priority.”

“It takes a certain personality that’s going to stick with it and not give up,” coach Anne Dodge said. “That’s the true character of a champion.” She knows all about what it takes to be a champion, having competed in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal as the first Canadian women's contingent for the sport.

Now the Acadia professor volunteers her time to coach. Dodge admits to being a tough taskmaster, but says that this team is up for it.

“They know they need to commit a lot of time and dedication,” she said. “The easiest thing to do it quit but that hasn’t happened with this group.”

Began together

“All of us like to be competitive and that’s why we work so well together as a team.” Beaton said. “It turned out well because we were all ranked beginners together. If we were to join the team now we’d be miles behind everyone else and that can be discouraging.”

Dodge said they would love to welcome more members, but acknowledged that’s a challenge right now. “It’s very difficult for me as a coach to be out on the water helping one team train and be on the dock teaching someone new at the same time.”

She hopes to find another coach willing to help bring in new recruits. “There is room for the program to grow and find those interested in beginning as novices like this team did five years ago.”

“It’s really awesome exercise,” said Shelly MacDougall. “This group is so much fun. It’s just great to be able to spend the summer out on the water.”

It's socially rewarding, as well, MacGillivary noted. “That the nice thing, finding other people who enjoy paddling and pushing their limits.”

In the meantime, the team prepares to wind down for the season knowing how much they will miss those early morning, early evening paddles. “The lake is so beautiful in the morning when the mist is rising off the water, it's so peaceful,” MacGillivary said. “That’s my quiet time.”