Dragon Boat - Questions & Answers

1. Do I need to be in good shape to paddle?
2. What kinds of people paddle dragon boat?
3. What about my age?
4. What equipment do I need?
5. Can I try paddling before committing to a team?

1. Do I need to be in good shape to paddle?
   It definitely helps if you're in good shape when you first learn to paddle, however, paddling is a great way to get in shape and not just with your arms. Dragon boat paddling requires your whole body so it's a great way to start to get fit. And once you get started, you'll be more motivated to use your off-water time to get paddle-fit.
2. What kinds of people paddle dragon boat?
   All kinds of people dragon boat. There are women's only teams as well as mixed teams with both men and women. There are teams comprised of different people: survivors of breast cancer; people with visual impairments; people that have received organ transplants; seniors teams with paddlers in their 70s, and 80s…and of course, highly fit, highly competitive teams that train and race to win all over the world. We encourage anyone with an interest to come out and give it a try.
3. What about my age?
   The good news about dragon boating is that age doesn't matter. Paddlers as young as 11 and as good as 75 have paddled dragon boat. You're only as young as you feel so don't let age be your excuse. Of course, you should be relatively healthy.
4. What equipment do I need?
   All you need to bring is yourself and clothing for the weather and water. It is a water sport! DCCKC provides paddles, PFDs (life jackets) and the boat. When the time comes to purchase your own gear, we can help with that too.
5. Can I try paddling before committing to a team?
   Yes, DCCKC will be running introductory sessions and Learn-to-Paddle programs in early spring and summer 2008. Check the website for dates and start times.