Ting Cheng-Haines

Country of birth:
Hong Kong, China

Joined Sea Dragons:
2008 (with maternity leave breaks in between for my 2 kids - Isaac and Summer). Active member for about 5 seasons.

Favourite seat row(s):
3 and 4, and the drummer's seat!

Occupation:
Work in the areas of membership, events and comms at a not for profit association

Favourite foods:
I have many favourite foods - Japanese okonomiyaki, vietnamese lemongrass pork vermicelli salad, chinese steamed fish with ginger and soy, chilli crab...list goes on but my mum's home cooking is by far the best.

How I found out about dragon boat: 
used to volunteer for a Chinese community group that produces chinese tv programs that air on Melbourne's community TV station C31 (digital station is 44). We were looking for subject matter for a documentary and found out about the team through CYSM. I knew about lion dancing and dragon dancing but didn't know there was dragon boat racing in Melbourne. I thought it sounded interesting. Long story short, after filming the team for 3 Summer months, I fell in love with the team's positive and fun team spirit and camaraderie and jumped on board.

Why I love paddling: 
It's a great way for me to release stress and I find the rhythmic paddling and breathing meditative. I also love being on the water and enjoying the harbour/river views, beats any indoor sports stadium.

Memorable paddling moments:
AUSCHAMPS 2011 in Canberra - I was Co-Captain at the time and it was our team's first time competing at the National level. Our Women 10s crew made the semi-final and we were stoked! It is amazing to see how far the team has come since then!

Sports I did before I became a Sea Dragon: 
​Didn't have a sport till I found MY sport - dragon boat racing! Before db, I spent my time doing body balance (yoga/pilates) and body jam (dance aerobics) gym classes.

Favourite quote:
Be kind to each other. Be kind to yourself.

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