Team Canada


Dubai, a personal experience STORY BY: LAURA MASON


Dubai is over the top.


To give you an idea: the tallest building in the world is right next to the biggest mall in the world, which has an ice rink and an aquarium in it. You know, because, why not?


I played on the Canadian women’s team. There’s something extremely satisfying about playing with the people you normally play against. I pity anyone who tries to stop Gen Laroche’s initiating cut, or Val Dion from releasing a pinpoint stunner (as hammers fondly go by).


#stunner


Players began arriving a few days before the tournament. We needed a chance to adjust to the 12-hour time difference, as well as sneak in some scrimmages and sight seeing. During our scrimmage, we saw teams from India, Great Britain, and Germany. Everyone was out there finding their legs, and getting a feel for the sand. My stomach twisted up in nervous excitement; this tournament was quickly becoming a reality.


We played an average of two games per day. I was thankful for this, because playing two games on beach is like playing four games on grass. It requires more effort, and simultaneously, more finesse. Our speed and athleticism were an advantage to us, but we struggled to break away from traditional grass cutting techniques. The key is to keep your opponents one step behind by staying in motion and moving the disc quickly.


#wcbu2015


After our games each day, we were TIRED. And at risk of falling prey to jetlag, we escaped the noisy city for a desert adventure.


30 Ultimate Canada Magazine - www.canadianultimate.com Team Canada Beach - WC


We jetted across the sand in SUVs, holding on tight as we flew up and over dunes. Dinner was held that evening at a camp made up of a few small huts. We went sand boarding, played with camels, got henna tattoos and enjoyed some belly dancing!


#hummus


I loved seeing the UAE this way. The beauty of the desert speaks for itself. Though, I was half expecting to come across a 5-star oasis hotel with a hard rock café inside. You never know.


Following pool play, we fell to the US in the semi- finals, and faced GB for the bronze medal. Mother nature realized that Ultimate becomes hilarious in wind, and she unleashed a dust storm on us. Great Britain made some athletic grabs and won bronze in a universe point finish.


#tcbeach15


We took this as a sign that it was time to party! We enjoyed a few local beverages while watching and cheering on our Canadian friends in their semi-finals and final games. Over the next few days, we parted ways. Some headed home, and others off to more adventures.


This tournament was a blast. It was well run, the weather was awesome and the competition impressive. It was an honour to play with and against so many great women. Ultimate takes me all over the world, and that is one of the reasons I love this sport, and will not stop playing any time soon!


#sandeverywhere


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41