General terms
Paddles |
In a dragon boat we use paddles, we are paddlers, and we paddle (not row).
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Oar |
The sweep uses an oar to steer the boat from the back.
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Row |
The seat in which paddlers are seated numbering from the front to back. Paddlers are usually seated in pairs and paddle on one side of the boat.
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Gunwale (pronounced gunnel) |
This refers to the top edge of the side of the boat.
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Diagonals |
A training practice where right and left paddlers alternate in each row.
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Pyramids |
A training drill where the number of strokes increases in increments to a maximum and then goes back down.
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Small boat race |
A race with ten paddlers in either a small-sized or standard-sized boat.
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Representative team |
A team paddling for a region (e.g. Central Region).
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Starting to paddle
Number off from the front |
Before leaving shore, each crew member calls out their number starting with the drummer (or whoever is on the front of the boat) and proceeding back to the sweep. This is important as we report the number of people on board to the rescue crew so that they know how many will need to be rescued in case of a capsize or swamping.
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Start commands
Preferences can vary between coaches but will generally involve 3 steps...
1. Lock it in / Set it up |
All paddlers get into paddling position, leaning forward with straight arms, paddling arm resting on the gunwale with the paddle parallel over the water, pointing forward at about a 45-degree angle.
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2. Paddles ready |
Paddles are above or in the water ready to take the first stroke. The top hand is lifted so the paddle is now vertical.
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3. Go / Hooter |
Command to begin paddling, dig into water and strong pull.
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Start calls in competition |
These may vary between events but will normally be:
1. We have a line/ Are you ready (paddlers in agreed start position) 2. Attention 3. Go or hooter |
Manoeuvring the boat
The sweep will usually give commands to the whole boat but may sometimes wish to instruct only certain paddlers to perform an action, for instance in the start position. They may instruct the left or right side, back 3 rows, front 3 rows. When the whole crew is required to act the next call will begin “Whole boat”.
These calls can include...
These calls can include...
Draw water |
Draw stroke for either right or left side, used most often by front or back paddlers to line a boat up straight. – Lean out and place paddle perpendicular to the side of the boat and draw towards the boat.
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Back paddle |
The stroke used to bring a boat backward into a race start. Paddlers take the stroke from the paddler in front of them.
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Power |
Power surge usually but not limited to the count of 20 strokes. Power stroke is used to propel the boat forward by everyone using maximum power pulling back hard at the same time.
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Hold water |
Bringing the boat to a full stop with the use of paddles (dig in paddles).
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Let it run |
Paddling stops and boat coasts to a stop on its own.
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Stable |
Resting the paddle shaft on the gunwale and paddle blade flat on the water. To stabilise the boat especially when changing sides.
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As you were |
As you were: Used to cancel a call which was started but not completed. Crew assume their former positions.
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