Dragon boat festival information updated by Team Manager Mary Visser Kerr
Link to Practices / Summer Training Information
Link to BreastStrokes Paddlers Handbook (May 2024 issue)
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Team Members:
We are using "TeamSnap" application for
managing information and emails about
practices and race events. |
BreastStrokes plans to particpate in these 2025 Dragon Boat Festivals
Anyone who does not have a team uniform and is participating
in a regatta, please wear a red top or t-shirt and black bottoms
Bring to races (good plan for practices, too):
- changes of clothes and undergarments
- something waterproof and warm just in case
- towel
- 2 pairs of shoes (racing footwear gets wet)
- a lawnchair, your PFD and paddle
- sun screen, mosquito repellent, a HAT, and some tylenol or a pain reliever
- money but not your purse to the race site
- Health card and some other critical information in case of emergency
- some snacks to nibble on after a race or for quick energy before
- at least one water (bottle). Usually water is available as you leave the dock after a race.
- Wipes and hand sanitizer
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Commands
Commands must be spoken loudly and clearly in order for the entire boat to hear. The steerperson must have full control of the boat at all times to ensure that commands are being heard. The less talking in the boat by paddlers the better.
The following are the commands a steerperson and team members must know.
- paddles up: Signal for paddlers to assume the paddling position. Paddles should be raised above the water, bodies in position to paddle.
- take it away: Signal to start paddling
- stop the boat: Paddlers thrust the paddle blades deep into the water at their hip. This helps the steerer to keep the boat stopped.
- let it ride: The paddlers stop paddling and rest their paddles on their lap. This is the rest position.
- flare the boat: The paddles are horizontal with flat blades resting on top of the water to stabilize the boat. This is used when the boat may face a wave or boat wake, or if the steerer is trying to get his/her balance.
- one minute to start: The starter will send that race within that minute. It could range from 5 seconds to 60 seconds or more. It is the steerer's responsibility to listen to the starter and bring the boat up to the starting line once the starter has said one minute to start. Remember your paddlers will be excited but it is your responsibility to make sure they are quiet and you can hear the starters commands.
- attention please: This is the steerers cue to tell the paddlers, paddles UP. A good steerperson will have their paddlers ready to go.
- air horn: This is the starting signal for your paddlers to start paddling.
Responsibilities of the Team Manager are as follows:
* Communicating and distributing team information to all 25 team members
* Gathering and submitting all necessary forms and waivers for the team
* Act as the liaison with the race committee (only the team manager is to speak on behalf of the team members)
* Team conduct and safety of all team members
* Representation at the race meetings scheduled prior to event date
BreastStrokes Team summer training sessions
Our boat is now at Puslinch Lake.
Location - just west of burnt-down Old Marina Restaurant
(click on link below to view Google map and select Puslinch address)
McClintock Dr. R.R. #22, Puslinch Lake, Cambridge
Driving south on Hanlon Expressway, Guelph:
Turn right at County Road 34/Wellington Road 34 (signs for Wellington Road 34 W)
Turn left at County Road 32
Turn left at McClintock Dr
Turn right on Elm St., pass the grove of cedar trees and just a little bit further.
Please bring your own seat cushion / anti-slip strip, paddle and life jacket to practices. |
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Team members - We are using "TeamSnap" application for emailing about practices and race events.
Have you signed up yet?
Contact Mary Visser Kerr
PRACTICES - subject to Change
Schedule:
Please arrive by 6:00 pm to allow time for warmup and lineups before loading the boat.
Park your vehicle in the sandy Parking Lot just West of the Old Marina Restaurant and walk to the practice site.
Tuesday and Thursday evenings ~ arrive by 6:00 pm
~ Team members are to indicate their
attendance at practices on TeamSnap ~
Team equipment:
Anyone who has team equipment (life-jackets, PFDs, Paddles) must return it at the end of the paddling season.
We prefer the jackets to be washed before you return them. Please wash them and return them after your last practice.
Practice @ Puslinch Lake is
45 - 60 minutes, upon loading the boat,
depending on conditions and how the team feels.
Practice will be held regardless of how many participants are available.
Practice is rain or shine -- only lightning and thunder will cancel practice.
Team members -- please watch for TeamSnap emails or text messages for a couple hours before practice, regarding cancellation due to weather. |
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