Join our 
Forming a team can be easy, all you need is a few core people with a desire to have fun and get out on the water, of course some organizational skills help.
This person typically starts the team and brings together the people to make the team viable. A group can work together to find 20+ people that want to paddle, a coach, and a steersperson. The manager organizes the team funds to pay for the boat rental, the coach, and race entry fees. Managers are not supposed to paddle in regattas, however, most teams aren't fortunate enough to have a manager that isn't also interested in paddling.
There are a number of ways to find a coach to help train a team. For more information on finding a coach, please contact the DCCKC Dragon Boat Coordinator or (DB West, Waters Edge, etc.) The coach's personality and coaching style should match the goals of the team. If you want to be highly competitive you'll need a different coach from a recreational team.
The only criterion for being a paddler is a desire to paddle and a commitment. Age, athletic ability, and previous paddling experience are not issues. Discuss at the outset, the goals of the team and the expectations for paddlers (i.e., team fees, attending practices, regattas to participate in, etc.) Ideally, you'll want to start with a roster of at least 22 paddlers.
The steersperson is key to the success of the team. This person may want to paddle and steer but you need one person committed to acquiring the skills to manage the boat in a race and during practice when conditions are more challenging. A background in boating is an asset but not a necessity. The steersperson is an important position that requires special training. It's suggested that teams train two steerspeople.
The drummer is an important leader who is not afraid to yell at their teammates. This person should have a solid knowledge of the team's race plan, paddling technique and should attend all practices. Contact Water's Edge Sport Performance for information on steering and drumming clinics.
This is the team leader who sets a good example both on and off the water. They are either elected or appointed, this person should have the support of the team members and will act as a liaison between the paddlers, the coach and manager. Negotiation and diplomacy skills are an asset.
Teams can practice 1, 2 or 3 days per week. Many teams also incorporate off-season and dryland training into their practice schedules. On-water practices are for 1.5 hours and can begin in March until the end of September.
Dragon boats are rented from the Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Centre in Deep Cove, North Vancouver.
The average annual team costs are approximately $5,000.00. This includes boat rental (for a full season), coaching fees and entry fees for some regattas. Depending on the number of regattas your team enters the costs will vary. Team shirts, jackets, hats, etc., which are nice but not mandatory, are extras. If the team is self-funded, fundraising activities can help offset costs. Better yet, your team could find a sponsor.
There are numerous one day races and weekend regattas throughout the Lower Mainland and the province to compete in from early April until mid September.
Teams that train in Deep Cove do not have a club affiliation, however, they have all of the benefits of a club system without some of the challenges. Volunteer activities are limited as Deep Canoe & Kayak Centre provides exceptional service to the dragon boat teams in the community.
