Powerblades Dragon Boat Club

This section is designed to help prepare new paddlers or potential paddlers who have never taken part in Dragon Boat racing.

New Club members are not left to fend for themselves but every effort is made to make you feel welcome and to assist you to be included in the Club as a valued member. We understand that it can be difficult for new people to adapt to a new environment so have in place processes to support new members:

a package of information is provided including information about paddling strokes and boat safety, exercise, stretching and nutrition and fluid replacement (produced by Sports Medicine Australia) and clothing. Great information is also available at www.smartplay.com.au and http://www.ultimatecoupons.com/sports-safety.html
club guidelines
experienced Club member to act as a contact point for advice, assistance and support to address any concerns you may have.

PADDLING – SOME TIPS

Bring yourself and your sense of humour to training at the designated time for your crew.
The venue for training is Aquatic Reserve, Bower Road at West Lakes (the corner of Old Port Road).
Clothing to keep you warm/or protect you from the sun. In summer shorts and Club training singlet. In winter or at other cooler times neoprene surf shorts and rash tops are good for keeping out the cold winds. Many find that lightweight waterproof wind-breakers are great during the cooler months. You can buy cheap boat shoes (or 'aqua socks') in Target, BigW, etc. for less than $10 if you like and surf shops have a wide range of good shoes for $40-$50. Look around at what others wear and find comfortable. Some paddlers wear gloves for grip and to protect their hands.
Just remember that you WILL GET WET and that it is sea water, not fresh water. Be prepared that this clothing will get wet during training, so bring a towel and change of clothes.
Toilet, shower, change facilities are all available at the training facility. You can safely leave bags, etc in the locked shed whilst training.
Bring a water container for fluids during training. Many find that a bottle that can attach to a belt is preferable. Again, see what others are using.
Concentrate first on getting the skill of paddling right. The coach or Sweep may place you near the rear of the boat so that you can see what the other members are doing. It’s a good spot for beginners because you will be able to adjust to the boat.
On race days you will need to bring a chair, appropriate clothing, food and fluid. Toilets are always available but food is often not. Club provides tented shade.
Read up on information about good food habits before training (to give you the energy you need) and after training to assist recovery. “Fuel Up” information which is put together by Sports Medicine Aust (and available through National Pharmacies outlets) is very good.
Stretching the muscle groups used is also important to prepare yourself for sport generally and dragonboating. “Warm Up” information which is put together by Sports Medicine Aust (and available through National Pharmacies outlets) is very good.
The whole process of adjusting to a new sport and environment can be daunting so the Club will assist this process through a designated Member Support person who can assist with questions or concerns.
The Club leaders – coaches/committee- undertake to provide regular communication on Club directions and expectations and provide feedback on a paddlers progress. If you are unclear please ask or discuss with them.

Safety Information

Realistically appraise your swimming and fitness. Can you swim 50 metres when you’re out of breath? If not sure, wear one of our flotation vests while on the water.

When in the boat on the water, crews must obey the commands of the sweep – they can see and hear what is happening. There are procedures for balancing the boat, stopping in an emergency and what to do in the event of the boat tipping over. They are all easy to understand and will be explained as part of your training.

Proper warming up and stretching is important as with any activity. Fluid replacement is also important, especially if it is hot. In the warmer months protective clothing, sunscreen and hats are a good idea.

The structured Club training program is designed to enable Club members to develop the strength and fitness base to gain maximum enjoyment from the sport. Over the course of the season (from August to April/May) training for the sports team averages about 3 times per week on Monday and Wednesday at 6.15pm; Saturday at 8am at Bower Road end of West Lakes. However over winter we are training on Saturday mornings at 8am to induct potential new members.We also undertake gym sessions on Monday nights after training at EFM West Lakes.

The South Australian season races runs from November to April and are mainly on Sundays. 9-10 race days are usually held. There are 10 Clubs who regularly compete in season sports or social racing. There are also around 30 social/corporate and schools teams that participate as part of the Adelaide City Council International Dragon Boat Festival in February, the Port Pub Challenge and the SA Dragon Boat Festival.

National titles are held every year with States taking turns to host them. The 2008 National Championships will be held in Perth.

The Club committee keeps members informed of what is going on via club guidelines and season race schedule, a monthly club newsletter and email updates of relevant information and a social events calendar. DBSA also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter – ‘The Dragons Breath’ - and all members are able to access a copy via the DBSA website or in hardcopy form.