Chinese New Year Corporate Races, 2006.
Caltex dragon boat crew!

1. Thurs, 6 Dec 2007. 17:00-18:30
2. Thurs, 13 Dec 2007. 17:00-18:30
3. TBA (sessions continue to Chinese New Year)
   

1. TBA

1. TBA

Preparing for Water Training!

Here are some useful tips to get you prepared:

Arrive 30 minutes before training commences.

15 minute - Team Stretch
Prior to entering the boat, the team stretches together. Performing dragon boat specific stretches helps to prepare your body for the exercise, and helps to prevent injury.

45 min-to-1 hour – Water Practice
The team(s) need to be out of the water by 7pm – don’t be late. The coaches will have set the line up, and let everyone know where to sit on the boat. On the water, the coaches will conduct drills to improve our technique and practice key elements of the race.

15 minute – Team Stretch and Announcements
Your body will appreciate the post-workout stretch – especially the day after. We also use this time to provide any team updates or make any announcements.

Clothing
Wearing the right clothing is important for an enjoyable dragon boat experience. In the cooler months, waterproof outer layers and warm inner layers are essential. In summer, dry fit tops will keep you cool and dry. Make no mistake – you will get wet during practice!

Here are some recommended items to wear:

• Sandals, thongs or shoes that you don't mind getting wet
• Shorts or pants that you don't mind getting wet
• Dry fit tops (in warmer months)
• Waterproof windbreaker (when it's cool and windy)
• Hat

Other items to bring

• Towel (to dry off afterwards)
• Change of clothing
• Sunscreen
• Bottle of water

Miscellaneous Information!

1. A team is comprised of the team manager, a drummer, 20 paddlers, and 3 spares. Each team must include a minimum of eight women per race. A team may provide a "trained steersperson" or one will be provided for the team. Note: Any team that allows a person not listed on the team roster to race in the dragon boats may be disqualified. Persons under 16 years old must have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian to participate.
2. It will take about 1-2 minutes to complete the course.
3. Plan for your weight distribution in the boat.
4. The lead paddlers are the main focal point of the boat; everyone paddles off their lead. The drummer drums off their lead and that is where you get your major timing and speed. The drummer gets the cadence off the lead paddlers. The noise gets the team motivated and the audience excited about the race.
5. If the team spirit is high and your synchronization is like a well-oiled machine with everyone in sync, you will be a winner.
6. The start of the race can make or break the race. The idea is to have 5 big starting strokes to get your boat up on plane and after 20 accelerating strokes, you should have the speed to sit back into a cruising mode to pull you through the middle of the race until the end. You should have enough energy to do a short sprint to the finish line.
7. You will want to practice your "power counts" together. This is where you get your technique and timing down. It's done by keeping in sync with the lead paddlers and counting with them, 1 to 10 all in a strong cadence. You keep counting 1 through 10 faster and faster until you get to a speed that you want to carry though the centre of the course leaving some energy for your final sprint. The drummer takes the cadence off the lead paddlers to maintain a smooth stroke in the middle part of the race.
8. Some teams come up with a "team chant" in order to build team spirit.
9. Some teams use a catchy name for their team name.
10. Remember the real goal is having fun through paddling together.

Teams A.C.C.A. dbRacing have helped to coach!