In the Boat
The Crew
A full crew consists of 20 paddlers, 1 sweep and 1 drummer.
The Sweep
The sweep stands at the back of the boat. The sweep is responsible for the safety of the boat from the time of loading the boat until unloading. Everyone on board must listen to the sweep and respond immediately to any instructions given. At all times, the commands of the sweep override anything the coach may have instructed. Anyone can learn to sweep – all you need is good balance and a bit of confidence. There is a procedure for becoming an accredited sweep with DBNSW. If you are interested please ask one of the sweeps.
The Drummer
The drummer sits at the front of the boat and beats in time with the strokes (the paddlers in the first seat). They are generally small and light weight. Anyone can be a drummer.
The Paddlers
Every single person in a dragon boat crew is important.
Seat 1 Strokes: Smallish, fit, hold a rate, set right rate, good technique, cool headed. generally sets the rate (lead stroke) the other follows.
Seat 2-3 Also referred to as strokes and are similar to seat 1, medium/large, good technique, fit & strong. They work with seat 1 and help control the pace.
Seat 4-7 The engine room. Larger, powerful paddlers (seat 7 good paddlers).
Seat 8-9 They paddle in more disturbed and not as clean or hard water as at the front of the boat, therefore require a fast stroke and a precise and fast entry into the water. Require more concentration to paddle well and they have to go deeper, longer, harder into the water.
Seat 10 Small paddlers & similar to seat 8-9.
The Coach
The coach/coaches plan the session and season training programme.
Anyone can become a coach – all you need is a willingness to learn and enthusiasm for teaching others. There is a procedure for becoming an accredited dragon boat coach with DBNSW. If you are interested ask the coach.
A full crew consists of 20 paddlers, 1 sweep and 1 drummer.
The Sweep
The sweep stands at the back of the boat. The sweep is responsible for the safety of the boat from the time of loading the boat until unloading. Everyone on board must listen to the sweep and respond immediately to any instructions given. At all times, the commands of the sweep override anything the coach may have instructed. Anyone can learn to sweep – all you need is good balance and a bit of confidence. There is a procedure for becoming an accredited sweep with DBNSW. If you are interested please ask one of the sweeps.
The Drummer
The drummer sits at the front of the boat and beats in time with the strokes (the paddlers in the first seat). They are generally small and light weight. Anyone can be a drummer.
The Paddlers
Every single person in a dragon boat crew is important.
Seat 1 Strokes: Smallish, fit, hold a rate, set right rate, good technique, cool headed. generally sets the rate (lead stroke) the other follows.
Seat 2-3 Also referred to as strokes and are similar to seat 1, medium/large, good technique, fit & strong. They work with seat 1 and help control the pace.
Seat 4-7 The engine room. Larger, powerful paddlers (seat 7 good paddlers).
Seat 8-9 They paddle in more disturbed and not as clean or hard water as at the front of the boat, therefore require a fast stroke and a precise and fast entry into the water. Require more concentration to paddle well and they have to go deeper, longer, harder into the water.
Seat 10 Small paddlers & similar to seat 8-9.
The Coach
The coach/coaches plan the session and season training programme.
Anyone can become a coach – all you need is a willingness to learn and enthusiasm for teaching others. There is a procedure for becoming an accredited dragon boat coach with DBNSW. If you are interested ask the coach.
