Dragon Boat Racing

What is it?
Dragon Boat Racing is a very colourful and exciting team sport. A crew is composed of up to 20 paddlers, a drummer and a helm. The sport is actually about 2000 years old, originating from China. It has become increasingly popular in Great Britain over the last decade and is an ideal sport for groups of young people.

Safety Message
Instructors and Club Helms should be qualified through the British Dragon Boat Racing Association (BDA) to ensure that they are fully conversant with the established safety requirements. Participants should be able to swim at least 50 metres in light clothing.

Ideas/Aims
• Become aware of the BDA Safety rules before paddling a dragon boat.
• Become aware of the importance of warming up before paddling.
• Become familiar with the commands used by the helm and respond quickly to them.
• Understand that a basic dragon boat stroke is divided into three parts - the plant, the pull and the recovery.
• Try to be adaptable in approach to training and racing, as there is more experience to be gained by paddling indifferent places in the boat.
• Aim to develop a good team spirit.
• Learn to follow or to set the stroke rate with precision.
• Know about the origins of the sport.
• Attend sessions on a regular basis.
• Have a basic understanding of the BDA Coaching Scheme.
• Wear appropriate kit, taking into account changeable British weather conditions.
• Know how to prepare fully for a race date - kit, food, fluids, sun cream and plasters.
• Have a basic understanding of how BDA competitions are structured.
• Compete in races, especially as part of a Junior Crew (under 18), club, inter-club, county, regional or national level.

Review/Assessment
The assessor should see the participant's Dragon Boat, and should discuss any competitions which the group have entered. They should discuss any safety requirements for the sport.

Governing Body/Organisation
British Dragon Boat Racing Association, 13, The Prebend, North End, Leamington Spa, Southam, Warwickshire, CV47 2TR
Tel: 01295 770734
web site: www.dragonboat.com