Positions on the boat
Jacob, our coach
The coach: "Gets the team competition-ready, pushing them to get the best out of themselves, building endurance and improving techniques."
Jacob de Feijter was appointed coach at the start of the 2013/14 season. We're his first BC team, but he has coached many other teams over the last 25 years ranging from junior to corporate and 'senior' (50+).
The coach is essential for getting the team to work on the two most important factors in dragon boating: timing and technique. He is the person who pulls everyone into line and gets them to work as a team - no easy feat when there are 20 paddlers in the boat. A coach really is a good teacher - it is important that this person knows how to impart knowledge in many different ways so they can connect with all the different members of the team.
Assistant coach: "Supports the coach and is responsible for specific areas of fitness."
Our assistant coach is Carolyn Stephens (Carolyn is also a qualified Sweep).
Jacob de Feijter was appointed coach at the start of the 2013/14 season. We're his first BC team, but he has coached many other teams over the last 25 years ranging from junior to corporate and 'senior' (50+).
The coach is essential for getting the team to work on the two most important factors in dragon boating: timing and technique. He is the person who pulls everyone into line and gets them to work as a team - no easy feat when there are 20 paddlers in the boat. A coach really is a good teacher - it is important that this person knows how to impart knowledge in many different ways so they can connect with all the different members of the team.
Assistant coach: "Supports the coach and is responsible for specific areas of fitness."
Our assistant coach is Carolyn Stephens (Carolyn is also a qualified Sweep).
The manager
Paula Tesoriero, gold medal winning NZ Paralympic cyclist, is our team manager and mentor. Read more about Paula and her new role with our team: Paralympian on Board - Stuff.co.nz
Paula Tesoriero, gold medal winning NZ Paralympic cyclist, is our team manager and mentor. Read more about Paula and her new role with our team: Paralympian on Board - Stuff.co.nz
Sonya
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The sweep: "Stands at the stern (back of the boat) and steers it. The sweep is also responsible for safety on the boat and giving the crew commands."
We're really fortunate to have 2 sweeps - Sonya and Carolyn. The Sweep stands on the back of the boat steering the team to victory. The Sweep has a massive responsibility, not only does she have to keep a rampaging wooden boat full of paddlers going straight down the course, but she is also the 'safety' person on the boat. The sweep is one of the most important parts of the team. |
Carolyn
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The drummer: "Sits in the bow (front of the boat) and is usually lightweight, loud and energetic, and sets the crew's timing. At Nationals, the drummer beats a drum."
Our drummer and has to keep the team paddling in time together. It's an important role in a dragon boat team, as timing and technique are the key to a fast boat.
In New Zealand we don't actually have drums other than at Nationals, so we rely on other methods, such as visual aids, vocal talent or other props to help them keep those paddles going in and out of the water like a steam train.
Our drummer and has to keep the team paddling in time together. It's an important role in a dragon boat team, as timing and technique are the key to a fast boat.
In New Zealand we don't actually have drums other than at Nationals, so we rely on other methods, such as visual aids, vocal talent or other props to help them keep those paddles going in and out of the water like a steam train.
The strokes: "The first 2 paddlers in the front seats who set the pace for the team."
The stokes need to be very fit, have a great sense of timing and feel for the boat as we move it through the water.
The stokes need to be very fit, have a great sense of timing and feel for the boat as we move it through the water.
The captain: "Organises the team to be where they need to be. Responsible for warming up, lining up and keeping the team focused."
Our captain is Sonya Young (Sonya is also a qualified sweep). Another of her jobs is to collect any trophies we win!
Our captain is Sonya Young (Sonya is also a qualified sweep). Another of her jobs is to collect any trophies we win!
The team
The crew: "A maxiumum of 20 paddlers seated with a sweep and a drummer."
The bones of the team are made up of the 20 paddlers in the boat and the few reserves on land cheering them on. To be a paddler you just need to be keen and like having fun - how easy is that!
The bones of the team are made up of the 20 paddlers in the boat and the few reserves on land cheering them on. To be a paddler you just need to be keen and like having fun - how easy is that!
