Sections of a Dragonboat

Posted December 24, 2008 * Comments(1)

Timing Box
This is the first 3 rows, which includes your lead stroker. They all should be locked in to a desired pace and set the overall pace of the boat.

Engine Room
This is the middle of the boat. The paddlers here must have the determination and endurance to continue to apply the pressure up front.

Terminators
These are the last 3 rows of the DB, these rows must have strong front end grips to keep the pressure on the fast water passing by. (Water towards the back of the boat is very fast from all of the paddlers in front of you. It is very easy to paddle back here so it is very important that you push yourself to apply the pressure at all times.

Front end grip
This is when you’re over the head hand pushes forward. This applies pressure to the water against the paddle.

4-keys to your stroke

    1. The Catch: When your paddle enters the water. (exhale breathing begins)
    2. Compression: when your legs, abs, back pull you in a sitting up position
    causing the paddle to be pulled toward your hip. (exhale finishes)
    3. Exit: This is when you exit the paddle out of the water. (inhale begins)
    4. Recovery: When you turn the waist bringing your paddle forward to begina new stroke finishing with the catch of new water. (exhale ends)
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Dragonboat Stroke Synchronization

Posted December 11, 2008 * Comments(0)

dragonboat_synch
The biggest challenge of dragon boat racing is managing synchrony. To do that, teams that spend more time practicing on water tend to have an advantage.

Some teams that emphasize stroke rate might put their strongest members in the front to set the stroke rate for the team. Others that emphasize the mechanical science of propulsion put their strongest members in the back to deal with water resistance. There are also those who theorize on the centre of gravity of the boat and the best lineup to lower the centre of gravity. Whatever the lineup, there is a rationale for it. Yet, basic execution, including flawless strokes and synchrony, is the most important part of competitive dragon boating.

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