Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
WHAT IS DRAGON BOATING?
Dragon boat racing started in China some 2,000 years ago and is now enjoying widespread popularity throughout the world. Teams are comprised of men and women of different ages, body sizes and races. Winning teams reach the finish line first by synchronizing their strokes, making timing and teamwork as important as strength and endurance.
The boats are 45-50 feet long from head to tail and powered by 20 paddlers working in unison with a drummer who conveys the race pace and motivates the crew. A steersperson stands at the back, controlling the direction of the boat and providing commands to the crew to race in the safest, most efficient manner.
Races are 500 meters (regattas) or 250 meters (sprints) with the occasional 1000 meter race. A 500 meter race is typically completed in an adrenaline charged two and a half minutes.
Dragon boat racing is a popular recreational sport in North America, particularly along the coasts of Canada and the USA. It’s an affordable way to achieve fitness, cultivate friendships and have fun.
The boats are 45-50 feet long from head to tail and powered by 20 paddlers working in unison with a drummer who conveys the race pace and motivates the crew. A steersperson stands at the back, controlling the direction of the boat and providing commands to the crew to race in the safest, most efficient manner.
Races are 500 meters (regattas) or 250 meters (sprints) with the occasional 1000 meter race. A 500 meter race is typically completed in an adrenaline charged two and a half minutes.
Dragon boat racing is a popular recreational sport in North America, particularly along the coasts of Canada and the USA. It’s an affordable way to achieve fitness, cultivate friendships and have fun.
HOW MUCH PADDLING EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
None! Many of our team members had little or no boating or racing experience before they joined the team. The basic paddling stroke (and its variations) is easy to learn, and challenging to master. Our coaching staff is there to help!
How do I sign up for My First Practice?
Fill out our membership interest form here www.alamedadragonflyers.com/index.html#form and we will get back to you with details on how to attend your first free practice.
What do I need to Bring to My First Practice
Wear quick-dry clothing (no jeans, sweatshirts or sweatpants). There is occasional splashing in all water sports! Wear shoes that can get wet – sneakers or sandals are okay. Use sunscreen, and bring a filled water bottle. You’ll be out on the water for about an hour and it’s a pretty good workout. You will get thirsty. We’ll provide you with a wood practice paddle and a team life vest (Personal Flotation Device, or PFD).
Can I bring a Friend?
If you’re trying us out via Meetup for one of your three free visits, use the “plus 1” feature when signing up. Once you’ve joined the team, we encourage you to bring your friends. Let the coaching staff know by adding a notation in the “edit” feature on the TeamSnap RSVP page for a specific practice.
How Much will Being an Alameda DragonFlyer Cost Me?
Your first three practices with us are free, while you decide if dragon boat racing is the sport for you, AND if Alameda DragonFlyers is your team. Afterward, you’ll pay a $150 annual dues fee. This fee covers boat maintenance, dock fees, insurance and other standard team costs.
What about a Paddle and Life Vest?
ADF will provide you with a team Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and wood paddle for each practice. Eventually, most teammates choose to buy their own gear. Coaching staff can help in selecting the right size paddle. Paddles come in wood, carbon fiber and hybrid models. Occasionally the team makes group purchases of paddles or PFDs. ADF prefers the mango or goldenrod colored PFD for safety.
What if It Rains on Practice Day?
We paddle in light rain, but not heavy wind or stormy conditions. Once you’re a member of the Team, you’ll have access to TeamSnap, our web based tool for all team communication. If a practice has to be cancelled for any reason, the coaching or safety and steering staff will send a message.
Do the Dragon Flyers Participate in Races?
Yes we do! The racing season runs from March to November, and ADF participates in all Bay Area regatta (500 meters) and Sprint (250 meter) races. Our season culminates with the California Dragon Boat Association (CDBA) Northern California Dragon Boat Festival each September at Lake Merritt, in Oakland, California.
Dragon boat races are exhilarating to watch — and even more exciting when you join in the competition! That’s why we encourage all teammates to sign up to race as soon as they can.
Additionally, Alameda DragonFlyers travel to one or two races outside of the Bay Area per year. Our “away” races have included trips to Long Beach, San Diego and Portland; Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo in British Columbia and even off the continent to Venice, Italy and Dublin, Ireland.
Dragon boat races are exhilarating to watch — and even more exciting when you join in the competition! That’s why we encourage all teammates to sign up to race as soon as they can.
Additionally, Alameda DragonFlyers travel to one or two races outside of the Bay Area per year. Our “away” races have included trips to Long Beach, San Diego and Portland; Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo in British Columbia and even off the continent to Venice, Italy and Dublin, Ireland.