Canoe and Dragon Boat Team
Arizona Blaze Canoe Club
The Arizona Blaze Canoe Club is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and everyone—neurodivergent and neurotypical alike—can thrive through the joys of canoe and dragon boat paddling. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where individuals can build confidence, develop life skills, and experience the holistic benefits of sports. Through our customized programs and specialized coaching, we aim to break down barriers and promote a culture of acceptance by embracing and celebrating our differences, Blaze transforms recreational activities into meaningful opportunities for personal growth and community connection.
Join us in making paddling an inclusive and empowering experience for all!
Calendar
Meet our founders
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Coach
Coach Steve is a seasoned athlete and mentor with a diverse background in sports. From excelling in high school football and baseball to achieving a Top 25 ranking in competitive cycling, he brings a wealth of experience to the field. With 14 years of coaching club baseball under his belt, Coach Steve's passion for athletics knows no bounds. In 2021, he discovered a new love for dragon boat paddling, swiftly transitioning into a respected coach by 2023. His leadership has led his team to Division 1 heats in multiple dragon boat festivals, showcasing his ability to inspire and elevate performance in every endeavor.
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Coach
Coach Ed is a stalwart of athleticism and leadership, spanning a diverse spectrum of sports and achievements. From his roots in high school and college track, volleyball, and triathlon to his roles as a weight trainer and volleyball instructor at NYU, his passion for sports knows no bounds. Since 1992, his journey in paddling has been illustrious, from coaching Dragon Boat teams in NYC to founding the NYC International Dragon Boat Race Festival in 2002. Representing Team USA Premier Open and Open Mixed from 2001 to 2013, Coach Ed's accolades include clinching victory in the OC1 Havasu Heat race in April 2023 and holding the fastest Team USA OC1 time trial from 2001 to 2005. His enduring legacy as a formidable athlete and influential figure in the paddling world remains unparalleled.
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Team Manager
Dorra has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills through her lifelong commitment to sports and community involvement. She began her journey as an unbeaten swimmer who won the state championship in high school. Later on, she became the ASU swim captain, where she set several records. Her impact on the swimming universe is significant. Dorra later applied her organizational abilities to dragon boat competitions, where she coordinated countless trips and is now serving as the Arizona Dragon Boat Association's Vice President. She remains an inspiration both on and off the water.
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Team Manager
Mindy exemplifies exceptional listening, leadership, and management skills in her professional endeavors and paddling experience. In her business profile, Mindy showcases her aptitude for research and her dedication to learning and contributing to medical advancements. With a diverse background in clinical research across various phases and indications, she demonstrates her ability to adapt and excel in different roles, ranging from in-house CRA to site manager. Her three-year involvement in paddle sports further highlights her leadership qualities as she organizes team trips for competitions, showing trust in her ability as a lead stroke on the Dragonboat. Consistently medaling in Division B and demonstrating resilience when placed in Division A heats underscores her ability to navigate challenges effectively in the professional and recreational spheres. Mindy's blend of expertise, adaptability, and leadership makes her a valuable asset in any endeavor.
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Business Development
Logan is a dynamic individual with experience as a sports team founder, non-profit consultant, healthcare statistician, and competitive paddler. He possesses strong leadership and organizational skills, strategic thinking, analytical mindset, dedication, teamwork, and resilience. Logan's diverse skill set and passion for excellence make him an invaluable asset in any endeavor he undertakes.