We are headed down to the Sunshine State for just that.... sunshine. Well - okay, we'll get in some training as well, but with the temperatures as cold as it has been up here in the Great White North, the thing I am looking forward to the most, is some good ol' fashioned warm weather. We have a two week camp planned and we're definitely hoping that Florida will live up to it's nickname. 

Luckily, we have a couple of training partners from Canada who are willing to come down with us for some outdoor training. Adrian Weglo and Mark Gatto, who are training for some international tournaments this summer and have been taking part in quite a few of our practices lately, will meet us down there. Which is a good thing, because it will make training much easier with four players rather than just two. It is still possible to run a decent practice with two, but it can get a tad monotonous. In addition, we will try to hook up with some of the better local players, just to get a little variety. Ahren used to live in Florida, so he will put in a few calls and hopefully we can get some extra bodies out at some of the practices. At least that is the plan.

Another bonus is that my father will come down and help out with practices, which helps lighten the disappointment that our coach, John May, is unable to join us. My dad, who is well-versed in coaching canoeing (in particular Dragon Boat), will surely have some interesting suggestions and observations. At the very least, he will make sure that we are working hard and staying focussed. With his keen interest in fitness, I have a feeling we will be putting in some extra time with our sand training! I won't be complaining though - anything will be better than shoveling snow from my driveway twice a day!