There are 21 entries in the FAQ.
Pages: 1
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| Where are practice sessions held? |
 | We train on Blackwattle Bay, Glebe. Entrance to the training venue is: 1 Bank Street, Pyrmont (click here for a map).
Click Here, for more information.
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| How can I join? |
| So, I see you're interested in joining us for a paddle. Great! We don't ask much, just a lot of positive attitude and a drive to achieve team results!
Click Here, for more information. |
Are there any real bathrooms at the training site? |
| Sorry folks, you will need to experience the great outdoors and use the port-a-loo that is located on site. |
| Are there changing facilities on-site? |
| Sadly there isn't. So, unless you're an exhibitionist, you're best off changing before you come down to the training site or change in the privacy of your car. |
| Is it safe? |
| Like other 'extreme' sports, dragonboat is not immune to accidents, though they rarely occur. Accidents often happen when someone fails to follow the safety guidelines.
It is in everyone's best interest to comply with any safety instructions given. Each Team member must take responsibility for not only his or her own safety but also the safety of the other team members and all parties involved. |
| Are there any prerequisites? |
| You must be over 18. You should know how to swim 50m. You should be in reasonably good health to paddle, meaning no life threathening illness that could surface while training. |
| Do I need to be an experienced paddler? |
| No, you do not need to be an experienced "paddler" to participate. In fact, most of our participants had never picked up a paddle before their first team practice. Due to the size and design, dragon boats are very stable, making them highly suitable for beginners.
The important thing to have is a competitive spirit and the ability to work together as a team. Synchronicity is more important than strength. |
| How long is the racing distance? |
| Races range from 250 to 1,000 metres. 500 metres being a standard distance in many international festival races |
| What are some of the terms and commands used by coaches and what do they mean? |
| Please refer to our glossary section, Click Here. |
| How are crews usually set-up in the dragon boats? |
| The crew is usually set up by the coach and is usually as follows: the most experienced dragon boaters in the front to lead the less experienced dragon boaters who are placed in the back.
In a crew that is equal in ability, however, lighter / smaller paddlers are put in the front and back of the boat with the heavier / bigger paddlers being placed in the middle. |
| What safety precautions are in place? |
| Whether you are a recreational paddler or a seasoned competitor, safety issues must be recognized. As with all boating and water activities, have respect for the water.
For more information, Click here. |
| What do we do once we have arrived? |
| You should gather as a team, warm-up, and begin to perform stretching exercises while you await the arrival of your coach. It is suggested that one person lead the stretching exercises while the others follow his / her lead. |
| What should I wear and bring? |
| You should wear clothing that does not constrict your movement. Sweat pants, sweat shirts, t-shirts, and shorts are examples of suitable clothing. Bear in mind that practices take place in the evenings. If it is cool or windy, a nylon wind breaker (top and bottoms) would be useful. You are likely to get a bit wet, so a towel and change of clothes are a good addition to your kit bag. |
| What time do I need to arrive for my practice session? |
| You should arrive at least 20-30 minutes prior to your team's scheduled practice time. This will give you sufficient time to park, stretch, warm-up, etc. |
| Why practice? |
| Team practices are designed for all participants to become familiar with some of the skills involved with dragon boat racing and make your team's experience more enjoyable. |
| How long is each practice session? |
| Each practice session is approx. 60 minutes long. |
| Will attendance be taken? |
| Yes, attendance will be taken. If you are sick, going to be on vacation, stuck at work, whatever the issue is; we ask that you do us the courtesy of informing us by phone / email / or here.
Not yet implemented but there may in future be a monetary penalty for missing practices. Regardless of the reason, $2 will be due to the team party fund. |
| Who makes the decisions on who makes the team? |
| Our coach will make the final decisions on who makes the team. The decisions will be based on the coach's assessment of individual technique, and fitness. The committee will provide the coach with input as to attendance, and fitness scores as needed. |
| What do you eat before a workout? |
| Preparation for practice actually begins the night before with the intake of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and minerals (in the form of hard vegetables like carrots and broccoli). That meal is the meal that will you through the next day. In the morning of the practice day, you should take in complex carbohydrates and proteins to supplement the meal from the night before. During the day, you should focus on eating light while maintaining blood sugar level. During the day try to maintain a high level of hydration and urination. Forty-five minutes to one hour before practice, eat an orange or grapefruit, so that by practice, the sugars are entering my system as glucose. |
| What is the IDBF 202a paddle specification and why is it so important? |
| The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the governing body for the sport of dragon boat racing. They have created certain standards that ensure races and equipment are on a level playing field. This way you can be assured you can use your paddle at all IDBF sanctioned events. |
| How do I determine the correct paddle length? |
| The correct paddle length depends on a lot of factors. The type of boats you are in, paddling style, where you sit in the boat, type of crew, and your body type. As a general rule:
- In a fully loaded boat in your correct sitting position, let go of your top hand and extend your outside arm forward so it is parallel to the water/boat.
- Now flip the paddle so that the T-handle is pointing down (you may want to adjust your outside hand).
- Now the top of the T-handle should be near or almost touching the water...that will be the length.
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FAQs 
