1) What happens if I have never paddled before?

No problem! Our team of experts will be there to teach you proper paddling technique, such as body positioning and the dragon boat paddling stroke. You’ll even learn all the steps of a complete race.

2) I am worried that I don’t have enough power in my arms. What if I am not strong enough to keep up?

If you begin to feel tired and can no longer keep up, you simply discontinue paddling and resume when or if you feel ready. We’ll teach you techniques about how to manage any fatigue such as maintaining form and movement while relaxing during a stroke. Don’t worry, this will prevent your paddle from interrupting a teammate’s stroke or hitting their paddle.

3) How likely is it that I may fall out of the boat?

It is highly unlikely to fall out of the dragon boat.
The boats are fairly wide and somewhat flat-bottomed, unlike a canoe, and thus are more stable. They are also quite heavy (500 lbs or more) making them difficult to tip.

4) Will we be given a crash course on ‘how to’?

Our team is with you throughout your outing. Prior to getting in the boat, you will have a water safety debrief from the lifeguard, followed by a ‘how-to’ dragon boat debrief or ‘dry-land’ simulation on shore, with your dragon boat coach.

5) Is dragonboating safe?

Yes! Everyone is required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or ‘lifejacket’ that matches your weight and size. Corporate Dragon takes its water safety seriously and this means that your events are staffed with National Certified Lifeguards and equipped with Industry Canada licenced 2-way radios and systematic emergency procedure.

6) How many people are in the boat at once?

There are a maximum of 22 people, made up from 20 paddlers, 1 drummer at the front and 1 steerperson/coach at the rear.

7) Who is in the boat with us?

A maximum of 20 paddlers sit in 10 pairs with the drummer at the head of the boat and a steerperson at the rear. The drummer helps set the rythmic pace of the boat using the drum and the coach/steerperson steers the boat and coaches you in the right direction. At the rear is a Corporate Dragon coach/steerperson that is well experienced in dragon boating and steering boats.

8) What happens if we can’t move the boat in the right direction?

It is highly unlikely to steer in the wrong direction as one of our trained coaches will be your steersperson steering you along the course. When you first get in the boat, you will learn key dragon boat commands that will keep you safe – such as how to start, turn and stop. You’ll even learn this in exclusive dragon boat language.

9) Is it possible that we get stuck in the middle of the water?

No. You will have experienced coaches and/or steerspersons guiding your way. With your 20 paddles and your new skill, together, you will paddle your boat forward and move safely to the shoreline. There are also motorized safety ‘zodiac’ boats ready for any emergency.

10) What happens if I lose a paddle in the water?

If you are racing, keep proper form and movement by simply gently rocking your body in motion with your crew so as not to disrupt the motion. When the race is over, either your coach will paddle your crew to recoup your paddle or another one will be brought to you.

11) What is the top speed reached by a dragon boat?

A typical well trained crew can go as fast as 3 to 4 meters per second.

12) What’s the best time to eat before and after a race?

Before: It is best to have a very light snack one to two hours prior to boating. Corporate Dragon will provide you with suggestions before your event. After: Fill up!

13) What are the racing distances?

Dragon boat sport racing distances are either 100 metres, 250 metres and 500 metres. Some regatta competitions now have 1000 metres or even 20 kilometres.