On Sunday (the day of my heat), I went down to the course, did my pre-race jog, stretched, etc. Ready to go, pick up my boat, my Dad has the oars, get about three feet from the officials. Then, I realize that we never got around to tying down my heels. I yell to my Dad, and flip the boat down to waist level so that he can tie them down. My Dad approaches then finally realizes why I stopped and flipped the boat down. He attempts to get hold of the laces, but dexterity is not his strength. He's fumbling around when the official approaches. The official (fortunately!) is a Brit in a good mood. After realizing what we're doing, he doesn't criticize us for waiting til the last minute or for our lack of safety concern. Instead, he offers to help hold the boat or to help with the laces. The area in my hull around the heels is a little small for the heels, so we politely decline his offer. He continues to stand by for support. My Dad is still struggling, and I'm getting frustrated with the fact that he's taking so long and I'm going to be on the water later than I ideally wanted. I nip at my Dad, and right after, the official asks "Did I hear you call him Dad?" I confirm, and he gets a big kick out of the whole situation. Even makes a joke about staying out of it now that he knows it's a family argument :) Anyway, we finally get the laces tied, and the official cheerfully looks on at my Dad's successful handiwork.
The great service at the docks doesn't end there. When launching, a little boy grabbed my crocs as soon as I slipped them off to get into the boat. I was slightly concerned because my Dad usually places them on the landing dock where I can get them after practicing/racing, but not too worried as I figured they were probably going into a big pile and my blue crocs are easy shoes to spot. Well, I had other things to worry about...the race! And forgot about my shoes until landing. Right upon coming alongside the landing dock after my race, another little boy appeared and placed my shoes right beside me before I had the chance to step out of the boat. I felt very pampered!
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