This Saturday, I geared up for my second dragon boat practice. That is right — Round Two. But nothing could quite prepare us for what felt like paddling in a sauna. Singapore’s sun was on full blast, and I believe I sweated more before getting into the boat than during the actual practice. With an all-star lineup: Maya Lightchaser, Melvin Lemon Beery, Dawn Poh, Rick, my Queen Wendy Lim, Wendy Leaw ., Janet Leawt, Tan Whee Boon… and more, I was looking forward to the practice nonetheless.
Coach Bert, our ever-smiley dragon boat captain, told us to hydrate while we waited. He was right — not about the water (well, yes that too), but about how exhausted we would feel at the end of practice, even with limited time in the water. "Short and sweet," they say. I would like to add: "...and sweaty."
My setup was as solid as ever. Dr. Isaac Okumura Tan was right in front of me, making sure my adaptive Velcro strap was secure. I swear, I felt like Iron Man getting prepped for a mission — minus the flying suit. And behind me? My safety blanket, Janet. Just knowing she was there made everything feel less terrifying — like dragon boating with a guardian angel on deck.Â
Coach Bert laid out the plan — we would be paddling in sets: 30, 50, 80… and 100. Sounds manageable, right? Until we finished at 120 strokes. Surprise finale!
Lee, stationed at the tail of the boat, was like a human metronome. “In sync, Terence! Follow the rhythm!” she reminded me — kindly, patiently, and maybe with a slightly worried look as my paddle danced to its own beat.
But honestly? I felt safe. I mean, I still cannot swim. And I still do not really know what I am doing. But when you are surrounded by people who have literally got your back (and your paddle), you learn to trust the boat — and the people in it.
And just when I thought I had escaped unscathed, a series of splashes from the rower in front of me hit me squarely in the face throughout the practice. By the third splash, I was basically marinated in Kallang River essence. I mentioned it to Wendy, and her response?
"Do not forget you have finally received the baptism of the Kallang River water. You have officially belonged to the Alita Initiative tribe."
I guess it is official now — soggy and initiated. Â
Now let us talk about the best part: Coach Bert’s cruise commentary.
I am not kidding — it felt like we were on a guided gondola tour of the Kallang Basin, complete with dad jokes! He pointed out National Day water floats, and a fully dressed dragon boat — which apparently does not mean the boat comes in a dress. (Thanks for clarifying, Bert.)
Then came the trolls. Yes, trolls. According to Bert, they live under the bridge. And just when I started second-guessing reality, he shifted to the haunted lighthouse. But do not worry — he personally investigated and confirmed it is “spirit-free.”
Bert, if you ever get tired of dragon boats, there is a second career waiting for you at the Singapore River Cruise.
The practice ended, and so did the sun’s mercy. But spirits were high — especially mine.
Dinner followed, naturally. We laughed, we ate, we closed the restaurant. And because we were not done talking (or digesting), we migrated to another place for dessert.
Skinny muffin + hot chocolate = happy Terence.
Meanwhile, Ayumi Hamasaki was having her solo concert at the Indoor Stadium nearby. I had to navigate an MRT station filled with her fans — all glitter, glam, and glow sticks — while I clutched my water bottle like a battle trophy.
Moral of the story?
Sweat. Paddle. Laugh. Repeat.
And always follow Coach Bert — he might just lead you to a ghost-free lighthouse and, 120 paddles later, a version of yourself that feels stronger, braver, and a little bit soggier than before.
Until next time,
Captain Cannot-Swim-But-Still-Paddles
#DragonBoatDiaries #PaddleLikeYouMeanIt #StrokeSurvivorStrong #BertTheBoatTourGuide #AlitaInitiative #120PaddlesLater #TeamworkAndTrolls #stroke #strokesurvivor #strokerecovery #StrokeAwareness