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Peggy Turpan continues to player her part in dragon boat racing
Courtesy: Lynn Bruggemann

Peggy Turpan continues to player her part in dragon boat racing

WYCKOFF, N.J. – Peggy Turpan decided it was finally time to think about herself, after raising her three sons and caring for her mother.

“As I am approaching my next decade, I decided it was time to say ‘yes’ to new ideas and adventures,” said Peggy. “I am saying yes to everything.”

Little did she know that saying yes would take her off the land and into the water, or more specifically, a dragon boat.

Dragon boat races originated in China and utilize decorative wooden boats. There are 20 paddlers on a team as well as a steerer and a drummer. The steerer controls the dragon boat with a steering oar similar in function to a tiller, which is mounted at the rear of the boat. The drummer sits elevated at the front of the boat and beats a drum to motivate the paddlers and call out the steerer’s commands during a race. 

The human-powered watercraft sport is now gliding across lakes on our shores.

“I learned about dragon boat racing from Jeanne Muller who participates in this sport,” said Peggy. “I am not athletic but she said if I can use a paddle I might enjoy it.”

Courtesy: Lynn Bruggemann

Getting into the water and kayaking lakes in Connecticut and Vermont was something Peggy always enjoyed on family vacations. 

“I like the calm feeling you experience when out on the water,” said Peggy.

In 2019, she joined the Pink Lightning team, which was made up of primarily breast cancer survivors. Today, the team of  40 to 70-year-old women is known as Survivors and Supporters to reflect the diverse team members.

To prepare for this new activity,  Peggy exercised at the Wyckoff Family YMCA until the pandemic lockdown.

“I purchased a rowing machine and kept working on getting my arms stronger,” said Turpan.

In 2021, the team competed in four races including the Cooper River Dragon Boat Festival.

“I was able to compete in the Cooper River Dragon Boat Festival and it was a great experience,” said Peggy. “I love being part of this team.”

The team practices Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings for 90 minutes on Lake Parsippany.

“Our coach has coached international teams and when we practice there is no chit-chatting,” laughs Peggy. “My goal is to compete in races in California, Florida and Spain.”

The empty-nester said her sons Connor, Michael and Liam are encouraging and supportive but also a little “shocked” by their mother’s new activity.

“It isn’t me the mom they knew who raised them but this is who I am now,” said Peggy. “I told them when they come to cheer me at a race it’s their turn to bring the snacks for the team.”

  

 

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