Club Training / Paddling Days
TRAINING DAYS
June to September
Monday & Thursday we meet at the Club House at 5.30pm and on the water 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Saturday mornings we meet at the Club House at 8.30am and on the water 9.00am to 10.00am.
October through to May
Monday & Thursday meet at the Club House at 5.30pm and on the water 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Saturday mornings meet at the Club House at 8:00am and on the water 8.30am to 9.30am.
Note: A call for interested paddlers is made, with notification given if paddle is on or off, weather & numbers permitting. Training takes place in the Wallaroo Marina and on calm days we sometimes train in the bay on the open water.
COME AND TRY (DRAGON PASS)
If you want to give Dragon Boating a try, we have 'come and try' sessions (Dragon Pass), which allow you to paddle with any SA dragon boat club for one month before deciding if dragon boating is for you. Just call Judy Haydon on 0428 271 856 and have a chat. It’s simple! We have the paddles and the safety vests., just wear light clothing & suitable footwear, bring water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sunny attitude :-)
UNIFORMS
The Copper Coast Battle Dragons Dragon Boat Club wears the Club Rashie shirt for Race Meetings. This is worn with black pants/shorts. Non-slip water suitable shoes (surf shoes or similar) are required.
All members are responsible for helping to put the boat on the trailer and washing down the boat and paddles following training.
WATER SAFETY
Dragon boating is a water sport and as such carries an inherent risk. Crew members should be able to swim 50 meters in full uniform. Wallaroo Marina requires all crew members to wear buoyancy vests. The club has a number of buoyancy vests for members to use.
THE BUDDY SYSTEM
Before paddling, the crew will number off from the front of the boat, starting with the Drummer, then the front left-hand paddler (the Stroke) then number down the boat. Paddlers need to remember who their buddy is and in the event of a capsize, their firs responsibility is to ensure their buddy is accounted for and safe. The first two paddlers (the strokes) are responsible for the drummer and the rear paddlers are responsible for the sweep.
While on the water the Sweep is in control of the Dragon Boat and has responsibility for the safety of the crew.
GETTING INTO THE DRAGON BOAT
Know the seating position before getting into the boat. Do not start loading into the boat until told to do so by the sweep. At Wallaroo the Dragon Boat is loaded from the Boat ramp pontoon, starting with the two strokes. Be alert and ready to help others. When getting into the boat try to stay near the middle of the boat, until your buddy is ready to get in, this will keep the boat balanced.
GETTING OUT OF THE DRAGON BOAT
Stay seated until told to unload. Unload as directed by the sweep. Help your buddy unload and then help the other paddlers as required. During busy summer seasons paddlers are asked not to stand around on the pontoons once unloaded. 3-4 paddlers are needed to put the boat onto the trailer, others can be getting the hose etc organised for the washing of the boat.
CALLS ON THE BOAT
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Are You Ready |
The first call from the starter on race days. Drummer holds up both arms if crew not ready. |
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Attention |
Move paddles to the start position for a race. Whole of paddle in the water, ready to make first pull. |
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Dig It In |
Stop the boat by holding the paddle with the whole blade vertical in the water perpendicular to the boat. |
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Count Off |
Before leaving the pontoon or bank and on return to ensure all crew present. |
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Draw Left or Right |
Is used to pull the boat to the start position. |
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Go |
Start paddling. In a race the starter usually fires a gun or blows a horn or uses a megaphone siren. |
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Hold the Drift |
Keep the boat stationary by placing the paddle blade in the water parallel with the boat. |
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Let it Run |
Paddles come out of the water and let the Dragon Boat glide. |
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Paddles Set Back |
Paddles are placed in a backward position ready to paddle backwards. |
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Paddles Flat / Easy Oar |
Paddlers place blade of paddle blade flat on water to stabilize the boat. |
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Paddles Up |
Paddles are placed inside boat in a vertical position with blades facing sideways. |
REGATTAS
In Australia, races are generally conducted over a distance of either 200 metres, or 500 metres with 1000 & 2000 metre races available at some Regattas. The Dragon Boat SA Season runs from October to April, being divided into a number of events (usually about 11) culminating in a State Titles Regatta over two days.
All racing comes under the rules set by IDBF, AusDBF and Dragon Boating SA. All Dragon Boats must have drummers for race days.
SWEEP ACCREDITATION
The Sweep is in charge/captain of the boat at all times, whether training, racing or in emergency situations. Steering a Dragon Boat is not easy, especially during a race. Sweeps must demonstrate certain skills and these skills are tested through the Sweep Accreditation process.
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