If you love water and working hard as part of a team, dragon boating is for you! Dragon boating has traditional Chinese roots that date back over 2,000 years. It emphasizes the teamwork of up to 20 paddlers sitting in pairs, paddling with precise syncronization and rhythm. It has become the fastest-growing water sport in the world. If you've been looking for an accessible, inclusive sport that provides a full-body workout, builds strength, endurance and camaraderie - this is it! In festivals, dragon boats compete with each other on the water in a variety of different course lengths, such as 200, 250, 500, 1000 and even 2000 metres. A typical 500-metre race is the most exciting two-and-a-half minutes you can have in a boat!
No, not at all - it is for all ages and genders. Though we are primarily a club of women at present, we would love to recruit more men, as paddlers or steerspeople! Dragon boat festivals typically include races for mixed teams, women’s teams, and at some events, men’s teams. It’s a good sport for couples who are looking for something they can join together!
Absolutely, safety is our top priority. We take every measure to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone on the water. Our sessions are led by coaches and steers who are always aware of water conditions and boat traffic and make decisions accordingly. Your safety is their first concern!
Prior to departure the steersperson will inspect the boat ensuring it is in a safe condition, that at least two bailers are onboard and the safety kit is in place. Then a head count will be taken and relayed to all on the boat. Paddlers will familiarize themselves with the person on the bench next to them as they will be ‘safety buddies’ in the event of capsizing. We have a safety protocol and process that is communicated to all participants at each session before leaving the dock.
Life jackets are a mandatory requirement and they must be worn properly by all participants throughout each session.
Please let the coach or steer know if you have any concerns or are a non-swimmer.
Yes! We would love to have new members join our dragon boat family. You can come try it out and then decide if it is for you. See the Membership section for our Drop-in dates and process. Or if you prefer not to paddle - we would love to train you to become a steersperson! This is one of the most important roles in dragon boating - without our steersperson, we don't leave the dock!
We have two practices per week, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Arrive by 6:45 am to allow time to gear-up and do an on-land warm-up. We then load the boat and are on the water from 7:00 am to 8:00 am. We meet at our dragon boat shed, which is located on the channel at Main Street Landing Park, at the foot of Main Street in Sicamous. Our boat is moored at the District of Sicamous Public Wharf. Parking is available aloongside the park (access via Young Cres), Main Street or Riverside Avenue.
Mara and Shuswap Lakes are extremely popular lakes, especially in the heat of summer! This means we share them with a lot of water enthusiasts and boaters. We choose to paddle early in the cooler mornings when the lake is most calm and least travelled - it really is a magical time to experience these waters.
All you need to give dragon boating a try is a paddle and life jacket, and we supply both! Eventually you may prefer to purchase your own particular gear. Some paddlers find it more comfortable to use a seating pad (we do have limited number of these available to borrow as well).
You will get wet (it is a water sport after all!) so we recommend wearing dri-fit clothing, a hat, and appropriate footwear (light soled shoes, sandals, or water shoes). Sunscreen and sunglasses are always a good idea! Some members prefer to wear gloves which can help with paddle grip - this is a personal preference. Feel free to ask for recommendations!
Whether you're a swimmer or not, you’re welcome to join us! You'll be equipped with a properly fitting life jacket (PFD) to wear at all times while on the dock and out on the boat. We review safety protocols often during the paddling season and ask anyone who is a non-swimmer to self-identify to the coach or steersperson. If you have any specific questions or concerns related to safety, please connect with the coaches, steersperson or any EVDBS Board member.
Dragon boats very rarely capsize and so far, we have never experienced that! But it's always best to be prepared for the worst, it could happen. Our paddlers, coaches and steerspeople are aware of what to do to avoid a capsize, and what to do if such an incident should occur. Part of training involves reviewing protocols for such events and minimizing any dangers.
If you are curious, there are a few videos on this website (you can find them under the Watch & Learn tab) that show dragon boat capsize drills from other clubs. We are considering incorporating a capsize drill like this into our annual Safety Review, along with a "man overboard" rescue. If you have any specific questions or concerns related to safety, please connect with the coaches, steersperson or any EVDBS Board member.
You absolutely do not need to be in peak physical condition to begin paddling with us. We have members across many age groups, with all body types and fitness levels. We do ask that you have no medical restrictions that would prevent you from participating. You must also review and sign the waiver and provide an emergency contact. Our coaches encourage every paddler to paddle to your own abilities.
We alternate sides during practices so you will train both sides and stay balanced. Everyone has a natural side that feels more comfortable, but its good to be bit ambidextrous when it comes to dragon boating! During races, it's ideal to be seated on your strongest side. This is a whole-body workout and it’s important to use your larger muscle groups like your legs and back. Paddling is great for strengthening them as well as your core/arms and glutes. You'll get a great cardio workout as well!
An important part of any sport or activity is to warm up properly and stretch after. A group warm-up takes place at the dock before loading the boat. We encourage everyone to arrive in time to participate in this.
To minimize injury, we recommend that strength, flexibility and cardiovascular training be a regular part of your life away from the dock. Participants are responsible for discussing any concerns they may have with their physician prior to participation, and alerting the coach if they have or incur any injury.