It's dragon boat time again. Cherry blossoms are blooming and dragon boat teams are paddling on the waters of False Creek. The Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team practices on Sunday afternoons at 1pm, and Tuesdays at 6pm. We practice from Dragon Zone, run by the Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, located just south of Science World.
The team has been developing nicely over the past few years. Our core paddlers have been with the team for three years. We like to say we have a foodie team that likes to paddle. The team enjoys a nice emphasis on multiculturalism, social events, food events - balancing this with the fun, fitness and friendship of dragon boat paddling and races. Last night a group of 15 paddlers and ex-paddlers went to see the play Banana Boys at the Firehall Theatre.
Jonas and Joe lead the back half of the boat from the mid-stroke position. Behind Jonas (left) on the right side of the boat is Barb, Gerard and Dan. Behind Joe (right) on the left side of the boat Stephen gives rabbit ears to Joe, Tzhe sits behind, then Stuart. Daniel steers the boat, he brings lots of dragon boat experience to the team, having paddled with many teams since 1986 - the first year dragon boat racing happened in Vancouver.
Also paddling on Sunday, but not in the picture were Steven W., Deb, Georgia, Keng, with Ernest and Wendy sharing lead stroke positions. I coach the team and paddle. It was Stuart's first time on a dragon boat and he loved it!
After a long week of rain, the clouds lightened up and the rain stopped for the 4th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Vancouver. The weather warmed up and we shedded our rain gear and fleece jackets, as it quickly became too warm for paddling. We paddled up to David Lam Park, then came back to the East Bay and practiced starts. Today's practice focussed on improving paddling techniques. We worked on rotation, body position, paddle position, with light intensity and an emphasis on improving cardio. It was a good practice.
Next practice is Tuesday 6pm.
