by 
This tale is an uncomplicated tale. A simple story of a crew of 20 intrepid Mako who travelled to Canberra and got noticed. While Mako sharks have a heart around 6g, this particular species of Mako displayed heart much MUCH bigger.
Here’s the rap from Roving Reporter Jack ‘The Spewer” Stratton.
“Some say November 11 is the day of the shark and I think they are right, with temperatures reaching a whopping 36 degrees it was ought to be a tough day but in true Mako spirit our amazing new paddlers pushed through and showed true grit the whole day.
The 2km were up first with our opens crew of 18 (8 men and some feisty chicks) tearing up the course reeling in a couple boats and taking a podium finish of 3rd place. And we say ‘Opens Crew’ loosely, as it was the exact same crew who would then race mixed. What a race that was; a tremendous performance with Angie sweeping up an absolute storm, and while the timers forgot to press the button, confirmation from Chief Official was that Mako pulled a silver in the Mixed. Hats off Mako.
The day grew hotter and the shoulders grew redder . A short break allowed us to rest, rehydrate and refuel before the splash and dash began, the infamous 200m races. The heats all blurred into one as the heat started to do its thing on my brain but when I heard Mako being called over the loud speaker for the Opens final there was an uproar coming from the Mako tent, we couldn’t believe it.
This was it, body and minds extremely fatigued, this where we all had to dig deep and empty that tank in the name of #makomojo. We lined up in marshalling arm in arm not willing to let a single teammate down, there was something in the air that afternoon, could have been the chronic BO, who knows.
With an absolute blistering start and a textbook transition, we were neck and neck with some of the strongest crews in the state, and with one massive push home we crossed the line with lactic vomit frothing from our mouths, but most importantly, hearts full of pride knowing we had given it our all. I still cannot fathom taking 2nd place in a Major Final, but we did it. And it will be always imprinted on my memory”
Aquatic Bananas
There were hushed whispers of a human-sized yellow banana seen stalking the hallowed grounds of Grevilia Park. This Aquatic piece of fluorescent fruit was none other than our own Annie, resplendent in bright yellow and ready to sweep up a storm in her first Level 2 races. And storm she did. Nailing her positioning in 50km side winds, this inspiring lady knocked out five 200m races on her ear (literally) with the pièce de résistance and last race of the day being an Opens Silver in the 200m. Well played Annie. Well played indeed.
Ron Learns How to Wink
Ron had a cracker of a day, being introduced to the concept of NapiSan by his teammates, racing up a storm, and finally learning to wink. Nice one Ron. I know that’s been bugging you for years.
Clare Joins the Swingers
Our rookie Clare happily threw the keys in the bowl this regatta and joined the Mako Swingers Club. Jumping from pacers to sprinters, room to reserve, she was finally spotted beaming from a drum seat and nailing every seat and every job she was given. Thanks for the loan Jake, you can have her back now (until next time).
What Does my Vomit Mean?
Different coloured vomit can mean many things, as it is a symptom that accompanies various conditions spanning infection, chronic illness, and even #makomojo. Just ask Jack. In one of the most inspirational displays of heart ever seen on a racecourse, the same 18 paddlers that had been smashing themselves all day pulled off the biggest upset in history in the Opens Final. And Jack’s vomit at the end of the race was exactly the right colour – SILVER baby.
What a brilliant run, 49 seconds with 8 men and 10 women who had been racing all day. Say no more, I’ll leave it there.
Paul and Jess Don’t Stop Smiling
Hats off to rookies Paul and Jess for their first regatta with Mako. They are booked in with the local osteopath from some jaw fascia release from smiling constantly for 12 hours. You guys kicked a&(*&(s big time. We salute you.
The Thanks. No Really.
I think all Mako owe Angie a massive thank you for her amazing efforts running the regatta in Chicki’s absence.
Not only did she have to put down her dinner and beer and go home to reconfig the entire day, she was met with more surprises in the form of ….well, poo (gastro to be exact) which meant not only did she have to re-config the event in the morning making Chicki proud (Mr Squiggle Lives) but also has solid skills configging on the fly (literally on the way out to the start line) She configged, wrangled, swept, paddled, Coached and Captained. We love you Angie Bangie Mangie WaWangie FaFangie.
To Jake the Peg (oh sorry, I mean Jano) and EverReadyBunny James, we can only thank you (and Ice Dragons) for your assistance, and bow down in amazement at your skills paddling, especially with one foot Jano. You guys rock! We hope you had fun
So as the sun sets on the remains of the bile gently lapping the shores of the lake, and the weary paddlers Napisan their shirts (except Ron), Mako slumber gently in their beds knowing they gave it their all, and that #makomojo grows.
