Wahine's Take Back Their Title!!

I followed the Folly Beach Wahine Dragonboat Team for the 2010 Dragonboat Festival. It was such an amazing experience to be surrounded by such an amazing team of people all focused on a common goal. To take back their winning title.

This was their third year paddling in the race. After not secruing victory last year due to a change in regulations, they were in top form, ready to regain what had been taken from them.

It is incredible to me how many people it takes to comprise a Dragonboat team. Twenty members on the water; drummer, steersman, paddlers, with alternates and support back on land. This is no quaint intimate gathering. It is an all out mob of people!

This particular mob of surfers and beach lovers was racing for a member of their group, Vicky Horres. Known around Folly Beach and to each other as Ya-Ya (Greek for grandmother). In years past they raced because she had beaten the cancer that tried to take her down. After getting to know her, I'd say she didn't just beat it but kicked it's a** from here to Tuscan. But this year was different. The cancer that she sent packing twenty five years ago didn't stay in Tuscan. This year they raced for her fight, her passion, for her life.

Their competition was no match for the inspiration that was back on the shores of the Ashley River... and, I suspect, the fire of seeing victory slip through their fingers last year. This year was different. They fought for life...

... and they won.