Boomers hit Strand beach
Sunshine therapy for players
A SEVEN-DAY break in the sunshine has been just what the doctor ordered for the Melbourne Boomers in the middle of an intense WNBL season.
But there is no expectation the side will be taking it easy as the players aim to tick off a long bucket list of North Queensland adventures.
Development duo Penina Davidson and Rachel Brewster got an early head start on their teammates yesterday with a stand-up paddle board session at The Strand and an electric scooter tour of the city’s vibrant graffiti art trail.
Davidson took in a bit more of Townsville than expected when she ended up in the drink after a paddle board yoga mishap.
“I got a great taste of (the water).
“It was great actually, it was really nice and warm,” she said.
“I am really excited, it is my first time I personally get to have a look at Queensland. It is a great opportunity for the team to see what Townsville is all about.
“I am from New Zealand and I had no idea that this was as tropical as it is. I have not been to a place like this before. At first I wasn’t (coping with the heat), I copped a few heat rashes. But now I am used to it and I might get a bit too used to it, actually. It is going to be way too cold (to go home).”
Brewster, who had no dramas in her first floating yoga session, said the time away from the court would give the players a chance to reflect on the hectic start to the WNBL hub season.
“We are doing the most we can with our time to get out and see what is here. We have a couple of girls who have been up in Townsville before so they know the good spots. When we get a couple of days off we are going to head over to Maggie (Island), that will be really good. I am really excited about that,” she said.
“(It is about) making sure that we are finding time for ourselves as well and getting some alone time because we don’t have a lot of it while we are up here.
“I try to meditate and do yoga and stuff just to have a bit of that away time.
“A lot of the girls like to get out and go for walks and listen to podcasts, some of the girls are trying to study as well.
“I have really enjoyed (Townsville). I have never been up to far north Queensland before, I have loved it.
“The humidity doesn’t do well for my hair, but other than that I am really enjoying the warm weather and the people are really chill. It is a good vibe.”