About

PARKES DRAGON BOAT CLUB invites YOU to come and join us on the lovely Lake Endeavour on Sunday mornings. 9:30 for 10:00 am on the water (8.30 for 9.00am on the water daylight saving time) for an hour of paddling.

THE SPORT: Dragon Boating is a fabulous sport because it caters for all ages (from 11) and all levels of fitness and ability. It is great for singles or for couples. It generates fun and friendship. It is flexible in commitment level, as members can paddle once in a while just for fun, or they can commit to any level from local regional regattas to international championships.

COME-AND-TRY: Newcomers are always welcome to come and have a go. You will be required to sign a waiver form and pay a $5 fee. After 5 come-and-tries you will be asked to join as a member and pay membership to continue paddling.

WHAT TO WEAR: Sports clothes for easy movement; a cap; closed-in shoes are a must - old joggers or water shoes (just in case your feet get wet); sunscreen; a life jacket (your own or one of ours). And bring a water bottle.

SAFETY IN THE BOAT: Always listen to the sweep (the steers-person at the back of the boat) who is in charge of the boat. The coach or the drummer may give instructions, but the sweep’s commands overrule all else. The person beside you in the boat is your buddy. Always watch out for the safety and well-being of your buddy. If you are new to paddling you are encouraged to stop and rest whenever you would like to (but remember to pull your paddle in and keep your elbow inside the boat so the paddler behind doesn’t whack you with their paddle).

SWEEP’S COMMANDS: Some common commands you will hear - ‘Paddles Up’ means paddles in position ready to paddle. ‘Paddles Flat’ is to hold the paddle outwards with blade on the water. ‘Stop the Boat’ is holding paddles fully in the water close to the side of the boat. ‘Paddles Back’ means paddles behind you, ready to paddle in reverse. ‘Let it Run’ is to stop paddling and let the paddles rest on the gunwale. The last being a very welcome and awaited command at the end of a strenuous session.

PADDLING SESSION TIMES: Winter times for June & July: Sunday 9:30 am for 10:00 on the water. One hour paddling followed by a Lakeside cuppa.

HOW TO GET THERE: Lake Endeavour turn-off is 28km from Parkes on Henry Parkes Way (Orange Rd). Turn left into Lake Endeavour Road, onto 6km of good dirt road. There’s a left turn when you’re almost there. Then you’ll see a blue P for parking. Just follow the signs

HOW TO JOIN:  Contact PDBC Coach Beth Thomas 0418253045 billnbeth@bigpond.com or Registrar, Louise Moore louisemoore58@hotmail.com

WANT TO KNOW MORE: Message us on Facebook for more infomation or email our Secretary or Registrar.