A message from Coach Aaron Hom

Smell that? You smell that? Lake Merced, son. Nothing in the world smells like that. I love the smell of Lake Merced in the morning. Well not really, but I can't wait to get back on the lake, train hard, meet new friends, paddle with old ones, and maybe, just maybe smell victory. From what I saw of Fast and Furious in TI, I believe that this season will be one of Ripples most competitive yet. The coaches and I will try our best to prepare you for races, but only if you give us the opportunity. So, come out and practice, or I'll send Brendan, shirtless and shorts rolled up, after you.

Prepare yourselves, because this season you can look forward to more late night weekday practices and optional, although highly recommended, land training twice a week. There's also meeting new people, traveling, and of course eating, so I hope you all cleared your calendars for the next seven months, because the coaches and officers are bursting with ideas.

Our first event is a season opener for family and friends to come out and meet the people that you can stand to hang out with twice a week and keep coming back for more! Date will be the last week of February, so start recruiting now.

We'll hit the water on Saturday, March 7 as our season opener. Remember, we'll ease everyone into paddling again, but if you want to start preparing yourself, get a jumpstart on your cardio! Don't know how? That's what the coaches are for, ask any of us.

Speaking of important dates, the race calendar is included below and don't forget to RSVP for Vancouver! Right now, with only 12 confirmed "Yes" we don't have enough people to go (in case you forgot we need 22 people to fill a boat) so if you're thinking of going, please sign up or else we'll have to research another away race or stick to only local races this year, which I know you don't want to do!

And, if you're on the fence and not sure if it's worth the money…just remember where these came from last year:

Bill Pullman

Sexy Sexy Sexy

Brian dancing to "American Boy"

Vancougar

Paddles up!

Aaron