Practice Info

Meet at the dragon boat compound at 45 7th Avenue (beside Pioneer Park, near the Thompson River).

Tuesday and Thursday at 5:15 p.m.

Saturday starting at 8:00 a.m. 

There are no Saturday practices on long weekends or when the team is away at a festival.  

Practices normally consist of a short dryland warm up, a brief talk by the coach, moving and launching the boats, and then approximately 60-75 minutes on the water.  As the season progresses, Saturday practices might be up to 90 minutes on the water.

KIDS uses TeamSnap to schedule practices and festivals and notify our members about changes or cancellations.  After we receive your completed membership form, waiver, medical form and annual fees, you will be added to the roster and will receive an email from TeamSnap to join our club.  You can access TeamSnap from their website and/or download the app to your mobile device.

At least 24 hours in advance, set your availability (Going or Tentative or No) for an event in the schedule.  Two days before events that you are Going to, TeamSnap will send you an email reminder.  If you signed up for a practice but are unable to attend and it is less than 24 hours before the practice, contact the coach for that day.  This information will be in the reminder email that was sent to you.

Our club has PFDs (personal floatation devices), dragon boat paddles, and seat pads available for your use (included in your membership fees).  Often those who fall in love with the sport buy their own, however it isn’t a requirement. 

Early in the season it can be a bit chilly, and we walk in the water to get into the dragon boat, so footwear that can get wet is best, like water shoes, or neoprene boots. Long pants and layers on the top are a good idea, keeping in mind that your PFD helps keep you warm too.

 As the season gets warmer, shorts and T-shirts are best. Clothing made from quick-dry fabric works well.  Wearing items made from cotton (like denim) is not recommended.

 Also bring a water bottle (filled), hat, sunglasses, and extra clothing to change into after practice if you get wet.  You may choose to use gloves for paddling. 

Show up at the dragon boat compound a few minutes early to park and have a quick visit. If it’s sunny say, “We are so lucky.” If it’s raining say, “It’s a water sport.”

Practices at the beginning of the season are a bit shorter and easier, reacquainting or introducing our bodies to the magic of dragon boat paddling.

There is a short on-land warm-up, suitable for the ageing athlete, focusing on muscles required for paddling.

Then the coach will talk about the focus for today’s practice, such as technique, strength, festival readiness.

 Check your assigned boat and seat, grab your water bottle, paddle, and PFD, and take the boats down to the river. Once we’re all seated, off we go!

 We have a short warm-up on the water then the real fun begins.

At the beginning of the season, drills focus is on technique, timing, and safety on the water. As the season progresses, strength, endurance and racing will be more of a focus. Correct paddling technique is always emphasized as we want everyone to stay injury- free and make the boat go faster!

 We have a cool down as we paddle back to shore, then put the boats away, and do a bit of stretching.

At home have a hot shower, a good night’s sleep, and then come to the next practice with the desire to do it again!

These may be a scavenger hunt, watermelon on the beach, breakfast buffet after Saturday morning practice, water fight on a hot July evening, food truck and social after practice … bring your ideas.