And not an OC ama either haha. Earlier today several of us got together to chat about a wide swath of issues - stepping out of a team role into a coaching one; how to get steering practice; where to coach from (front, back, or off the boat); how to correct paddler technique; different approaches to paddling challenges, and so much more. Thanks so much @Claudia Perge @Annie Winkler @Lesley Blyth and @Sandra Stein for the fun hour!

Look at that lucky date with three 7s! Our team in Akron, Ohio has been putting on a festival for many years! The venue is at a state park in the beautiful Portage Lakes. In 10 years of paddling and attending festivals, I may be partial in saying that we have one of the best venues around! The full course is viewable from our sandy beach. There’s also a ton of shade under the stately oak trees! We have an athletes’ village as well as vendors and massage tables. The state park recently built a beautiful visitors center with bathroom facilities. This year we had 12 BCS teams in addition to club teams, corporate teams, and community teams. Plus we are a short drive to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland. There are so many incredible things to see and do in the area. Rent a pontoon boat and explore the lakes -14 total with 8 lakes and reservoirs connected together. From restaurants to fishing and swimming, Portage Lakes has it all (we don’t have alligators, sharks, or snakes in our waters!!)! Come for the festival and stay for a mini vacation. Akron and Cleveland are jam packed with great adventures! Who is putting this festival on their team’s calendar for next summer? We would love to host you!!

What exercise do you do during your off-season?

Days and times are one thing, but topics are another! Here are some of the ideas floated so far. • Developing a job description for coaches, drummers, and steers • The steer as coach — how to build competence and confidence • Creating practice plans and drills • Race strategy and prep • What does it take to be a kickass drummer? What would you add? Drop it below!