Netta Radice | Tampa, FL | December 2012

Five Questions asks Tampa paddler, Netta Radice (pronouced Ra-Diss):
How were you introduced to the sport of dragon boating?
A friend asked me to volunteer for the day at the Tampa Dragon Boat Races in 2010. "Sure," I said, "but I'd rather try paddling instead!" She introduced me to the Moffitt Cancer Center team coach, and I hopped on a team. I loved it! A few months later I attended an all-day paddling camp. In spite of the fact that I was dehydrated, exhausted, and sore...I was hooked.
Why did you stay for more than one session/practice?
I've always been involved in team sports, and I liked the challenge of this new workout. But I was most intrigued by the idea that it is the quintessential team sport. If you try to stand out in a dragon boat, you'll screw things up for everyone else. There is definitely no "i" in dragon boat paddling. That was a new concept for this former ice hockey player.
What has the sport brought to your life?
Through paddling, I have met amazing people, made dear friends, travelled, and fundraised for breast cancer. I learned how the paddling community pulls together during triumph and tragedy. I also gained a new love for the city of Tampa - paddling on the river during sunrise and sunset is remarkably beautiful. At night, the city and the river shimmer from light shows on the bridges and museums, and the University of Tampa's silver minarets.
Can you describe one of your most memorable dragon boat experiences?
I remember the first time I felt "paddling euphoria" - Racing in Atlanta toward the sunset in our final 2000 meter race of the day. We passed the other boats in our heat and crossed the finish line screaming at the top of our lungs while paddling with every ounce of power we had. We were flying. After crossing the finish line we just kept paddling! We literally rode off into the sunset on the lake.
What is your goal by continuing in the sport?
I want to earn the right to compete at the highest level. I also hope to continue helping my club, and the sport, grow. As a graphic designer, I've worked with several terrific dragon boat organizations. I aim to use my skills to help put dragon boating in a bigger spotlight on the world stage by continuing to design logos, websites, and print work to promote the sport.
Netta Radice is owner of Netta Radice Design in Tampa, Florida and is a member of the Tampa Bay Paddling Club.
How were you introduced to the sport of dragon boating?
A friend asked me to volunteer for the day at the Tampa Dragon Boat Races in 2010. "Sure," I said, "but I'd rather try paddling instead!" She introduced me to the Moffitt Cancer Center team coach, and I hopped on a team. I loved it! A few months later I attended an all-day paddling camp. In spite of the fact that I was dehydrated, exhausted, and sore...I was hooked.
Why did you stay for more than one session/practice?
I've always been involved in team sports, and I liked the challenge of this new workout. But I was most intrigued by the idea that it is the quintessential team sport. If you try to stand out in a dragon boat, you'll screw things up for everyone else. There is definitely no "i" in dragon boat paddling. That was a new concept for this former ice hockey player.
What has the sport brought to your life?
Through paddling, I have met amazing people, made dear friends, travelled, and fundraised for breast cancer. I learned how the paddling community pulls together during triumph and tragedy. I also gained a new love for the city of Tampa - paddling on the river during sunrise and sunset is remarkably beautiful. At night, the city and the river shimmer from light shows on the bridges and museums, and the University of Tampa's silver minarets.
Can you describe one of your most memorable dragon boat experiences?
I remember the first time I felt "paddling euphoria" - Racing in Atlanta toward the sunset in our final 2000 meter race of the day. We passed the other boats in our heat and crossed the finish line screaming at the top of our lungs while paddling with every ounce of power we had. We were flying. After crossing the finish line we just kept paddling! We literally rode off into the sunset on the lake.
What is your goal by continuing in the sport?
I want to earn the right to compete at the highest level. I also hope to continue helping my club, and the sport, grow. As a graphic designer, I've worked with several terrific dragon boat organizations. I aim to use my skills to help put dragon boating in a bigger spotlight on the world stage by continuing to design logos, websites, and print work to promote the sport.
Netta Radice is owner of Netta Radice Design in Tampa, Florida and is a member of the Tampa Bay Paddling Club.