Never Going Down by Leslie Tse

What a year it has been!

Like others, we were hit by the relentless rain, frustrating COVID disruption and a million competing priorities all at once. The year has been a battle, that's for sure. We experienced the great KFC famine and a tsunami of Chinese food; to the shock and comedy of many. But rapid change and surprise is just the theme of life at the moment isn't it? The only thing we know to do is to paddle through it together and so we did, and we're better for it.

We have had heartfelt departures and hopeful arrivals. It is such a beautiful thing that people come together in this sport and that we get the opportunity to walk the same path as those so different to ourselves. I don't know where they came from, but I do know that our lives have intersected here at DSA. These individuals contribute what they can, leaving their various traces, prints and scars on us, shaping us, for the better and forever. Their legacy is what makes us who we are. This is what makes us DSA.

We have amongst us, lights shining so bright - you cannot miss it. They carry with them so much promise, energy and excitement. These individuals push with such an inspiring intensity, it only feels right to jump in beside them and put in what you can. Their actions inspire us to be better; for each other and for ourselves. On and off the water.

It's been quite the experience being a part of the build. It's not always pretty and hardly ever easy, but every winning team had to start somewhere. Besides, the toughest journeys make the most interesting stories. All that matters is that we try.

What more will we achieve with everyone pushing in the same direction and intent?

I guess we'll find out!

Happy holidays everybody and hopefully you have enjoyed your rest! Thank you all for the great company this year.

2023 is going to be absolute fire.