by 
Despite the local torrential rain, dreaded potholes and river crossings, Team Mako was determined to make their way to Canberra in search of fairer weather, a good wholesome day and a few races for the new sweepies Sal and Ryan.
Just in Mako style, Mako managed to pull together 22 of the raggiest taggiest paddlers who would compete as one crew over two categories. All. Damn. Day. This meant minuscule reserved paddlers and one drummer. But what the heck, these rag tags were here for fun, right?
It’s just back to back 2k racing….
The day started with two lazy 2km races in a row. Mako started first off the blocks in both races, meaning they would have to fend off the other hungry clubs coming for them from behind. The first 2k race saw them hold off all other clubs until the final turn. Not bad for some rag tags. The second 2k race saw Mako hold off ALL eight other boats in the race, finishing with clean water ahead of us. This race was described by Bear as ‘very ballsy’, Elisabeth commented that ‘Gosh, that felt good’, but the loudest cheer came from the super coach Chicki ‘NONE SHALL PASS’. Sums it up pretty well. Mako finished third place in both 2k races. Pretty good for some rag tags.
90% Off…Double the Fun!
Onto the 200m races. These races saw the brightly coloured sweeps Super Sally and Radical Ryan show off their flawless sweeping skills. They successfully navigated the crew through the murky waters of Lake Burley Griffin and even through a major final or two (foreshadowing!).
In the heats of the 200m races, Mako was finding their feet, bringing in some strong drive and giving the strokes Ryan and Shane plenty to work with. As the races continued, Mako built on their efforts from the morning, remembered their training (what?) and began to wonder if their arses were ever going to get handed to them. Each of the heats saw Mako improve on their time and finish towards the top of some tight races. Awesome stuff for some rag tags.
This is where things got wierd!
The last races for the day were the 200m finals. Mako celebrated early learning that they had made the Major final for both the Opens and Mixed categories. This was especially exciting because the Opens crew consisted of only 18 paddlers, 8 men and 10 women, all of which had already put down two 2km races and four 200m races. Far out, go you rag tags.
With big hearts, sore bodies, and laser beam focus, Mako managed to pull off a solid race to find themselves in second place of the major final for the opens 200m category. A butt-splitting 0.04 seconds behind the winner. Excellent work rag tags!! That’s not all though, because it’s not over until the lactic vom sings. In the 200m mixed major final Mako brought it. What is ‘it’ you ask? ‘It’ was a fiery strong start, ‘it’ was a long, deep transition (I’d be scared if I was a bucket of ice-cream today IYKYK), ‘it’ was a big 10 finish, and ‘IT’ was a first-place finish in a major final! Bloody brilliant work rag tags. Absolute history.
Mako couldn’t ask for more in a race day. Thanks to the super coach and the dedicated and hardworking paddlers, Mako went where no Mako had been before.
Thank You
Thank you to Canberra and DBACT for having us, providing us with some much needed vitamin D, perfect conditions and a race day that ran on time (I know!).
A massive congratulations to Sal and Ryan on their spectacular sweeping today. Absolute legends.
A huge ‘bloody good job’ to Annie for her non-stop drumming on the day. Annie didn’t leave that drum seat all race day and did it flawlessly. Go you.
What’s Next?
Mako has committed to head to our first AUSDBF Nationals in Adelaide on 9-10 April. This is an incredible new chapter for Mako as we head to our first Nationals. A huge thank you to our generous sponsor, Club Jervis Bay who have enabled us to take our next competitive step. We will do Jervis Bay proud.
