Member Reflections: Arizona Paddling Camp

Divas at Arizona paddling camp

by Jennifer Dieter

After one full season of paddling under my belt, I was terrified of going to paddling camp. Am I ready? Will my Diva housemates “get me?” Will it be worth the financial investment?

The answer to all these questions is a resounding, “YES!”   

I participated in the Right Angle Performance Camp in Tempe, Arizona in March 2024. The camp is led by Kamini Jain who has an incredible list of athletic accolades and is also a breast cancer survivor. We participated in twice daily practices coached by Kamini and her team, a video review, and the two-day Arizona Dragon Boat Festival, which included over 30 community, corporate, college, and breast cancer teams. The camp was open to all paddlers, which includes men and women who are not breast cancer survivors.

I looked at camp as an investment in me. During my final paddle of the 2023 season, I knew winter was going to feel extra long this year. Paddling camp allowed me to get on the water a couple months early, focus on technique, and experience different coaching styles. Camp was rigorous but also offered space to get to know the other six Divas who traveled to Arizona with me, which included a lot of laughter. We also had time to explore Arizona and used our talents and skills to care for one another during our 8 days together. While staying with other Divas is not a requirement for camp, it made the trip more affordable with the added benefits of time to process what you're learning, car pooling, and shared meals. As the youngest one in our pod, it was inspiring to be among women who are 20-30 years older than me and know that it's never too late to learn and grow.

Paddling camp was healing in so many ways. When I put my paddle into the water on the first day of camp, I realized how far I had come since I started paddling in May 2023. And when I finished my fourth 500m race on Saturday, I felt the pride and confidence that comes with choosing to do something hard. Getting to take home some more hardware from our third place finish in the breast cancer division felt like dessert after a very satisfying meal. 

Cancer sucks but having opportunities like this does not. Being able to push myself physically and mentally by participating in a sport I love is a constant reminder that I am not just surviving, I am living. 

If you want to have a mini camp experience of your own, the Dragon Divas will be providing a two-day clinic in June 2024 for all members.