Welcome to Dragon Boating at VCKC!
The sport of dragonboat racing has its origins in China over 1000 years ago. Over the past 20 years, it has become one of the world's most colourful and fastest growing team sports. Dragonboating is a fun, social and competitive team sport that involves a 48 foot, 300Kg boat, 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a stern racing at 250, 500 and sometimes 2000 metre courses. Dragon Boating(video)
The goal of VCKC teams is to compete in nearby dragonboat festivals, including the Gorge Super Sprints(May), Portland Rose Festival (June), Vancouver Rio Tinto Alcan (June), Nanaimo (July), Vancouver Island Championships (August) and Victoria (August), and Portland (September). There are many more opportunities to compete in the Pacific Northwest, including the B.C. Seniors Games and fun festivals such as VCKC's Guts and Glory event (July), and the Navy's Chicken Run. see Events Calendar.
Teams start their practices in early March and finish the season either after the Victoria or Portland festivals. Depending on demand, the dragonboat program offers several different teams with different goals and commitment levels: Competitive, Recreational, Womens, Novice, and 50+. In 2011, VCKC had 6 teams in action. VCKC teams are open to any member of the Club. Competitive teams require strong commitment and previous paddling experience, with high fitness levels.
Teams are trained by volunteer coaching staff, and generally practice twice a week in the evenings. see Practice Schedule
Paddlers wishing to be placed on a team undergo a selection process to match their season's goals with a team of similarly minded paddlers. "Open" practices at 10 am are held on Saturday Mornings, starting in early April. This is the best place to start as a new member or new paddler.
New paddlers can initially use equipment from the clubhouse, but after two try-outs must join VCKC to continue and contribute to the club following club & program policies.
Contact team recruitment for further info.
VCKC’s dragon boat program emphasizes sportsmanship, safety, good fellowship, protection of the environment, and community service. In keeping with VCKC principles, costs are low but members of the program should take part in community events such as the Gorge Canada Day Picnic, and volunteer for annual Clubhouse and Gorge cleanups and the Guts 'n Glory race day.
Wendy Clapp's Pictures:
VCKC Guts 'n Glory Festival: Ken McVay's Flickr (2011), Sqidoo lens(2011), 2010 event & 2010 Flickr
Instructional Resources
Related videos: Dragon Boating, Dragonboat Technique & Victoria's Races
Useful links: Dragon Boat West | Gorge Rowing | Dragon Boat Canada | IDBF Calendar & Documents |
