Paddlers
Ready - By Jane Mellor
Power on … three … two … one …
This mantra, echoing across False Creek is one way
of marking the onset of spring in this fair city. Headlights bobbing in the
inlet dusk as early as February, cruising alongside water taxis, is another.
It is not the call of the wild, although at times
it feels that way. This folks, is the call of the Dragon Boats, a tradition
practiced in
I was always in awe of these long, graceful boats
and finally took the opportunity to try paddling for a season two years ago.
After hearing that The Dragon Ladies all women’s competitive team was looking
for women to raise a paddle, I opted to try the sport again this year. I had
missed it, even if it did take up a lot of my springtime leisure hours, and I
found I was anxious to hit the water once again. Besides, how many Canadian
cities have the temperate climate to allow outdoor water activity in January or
February, and I’m not talking about hockey on frozen
The Dragon Ladies, as it turns out, have a
reputation for being a team of strong women with good coaching. Their
reputation serves them well although much of this year’s team as it turns out,
is comprised of new members like myself.
Two 1 ½ hour practices a week began in the dark on
February 12th, and have increased to three per week as we continue
to build our strength and endurance. Practices consist of warm up and technique
work before finding ourselves ensconced in pause drills (stroke technique),
seat pulls (two paddling at a time) and power pieces (speaks for itself). Our
coach and helmsman are knowledgeable enough about paddling to teach us
considerable skills, challenging us to compete at a healthy level, while
garnishing enough wit and humour to keep us from mutiny. So far we have
responded well.
The best thing about training is getting out on the
water, rain or shine, taking in the city lights, surrounding mountains and calm
inlet currents. No matter how tired I might be from a day’s work, or how
miserable
If you haven’t been to the Alcan International
Dragon Boat Festival, it is a great day or weekend out with family and friends.
Aside from racing events, the festival, which takes place at the
On the big day, competitors gather on the shores of
the
Approximately 170 teams are competing this year.
Teams usually race 3 to 6 times during the course of the weekend, with the race
taking approximately 3 grueling minutes of concentrated grunting, sweating and,
let’s not forget, paddling. When each team has completed their round of racing
for the day, you darn well better be hearty enough to take in a pint or two and
join in on the evening’s celebrations. After months of training and two days of
racing one would be hard pressed to refuse.
As for me, I routinely peel off my wet clothes
following this evenings practice, and climb into a steaming tub with a glass of
water and glass of wine, for good measure. It was another good practice
tonight. My body doesn’t ache like it did back in February as I shut my eyes,
still hearing the rhythm of paddles on water. As night fades into darkness,
somewhere between my pillow and sleep, I can still hear the distant echo of the
paddlers refrain, "Ready and, reach…"
I know I’m hooked.
Jane
Mellor is a freelance writer who lives and paddles in