Positions on the boat
Sonya, Sweep
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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 3 sweeps - Sonya, Carolyn and Brenda. 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, Sweep
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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 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 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 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 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 two paddlers in the front seats who set the pace for the team."
The strokes need to be very fit, and have a great sense of timing and feel for the boat as we move it through the water.
The strokes need to be very fit, and have a great sense of timing and feel for the boat as we move it through the water.
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!
