Dragon Boat Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dragon Boating?
A dragon boat is a long and narrow canoe that seats 20 paddlers in 10 rows, with a drummer at the front, and a steersperson that navigates the boat at the rear. It is also decorated with a dragon head at the front and a dragon tail at the back of the boat. In a competition, dragon boaters typically paddle in sync along a 250m or 500m race course toward the finish line. Modern forms of dragon boat racing originated from Hong Kong in 1976, but its historical roots can be traced back to over 2000 years ago in China.
What does NCAWPA mean?
NCAWPA stands for National Capital Area Women's Paddling Association. It is the 501(c)(3), member supported umbrella organization that houses three dragon boat teams — DC Dragons, GoPink!DC, and Capital City Dragons — and one of the few outrigger canoe teams along the East Coast — NCA Outrigger. DC Dragons is the adult dragon boat team in NCAWPA. GoPink!DC consists of paddlers who are survivors of breast cancer and their supporters. Capital City Dragons is our new youth team for paddlers age 12 to 18.
What is the difference between dragon boating and rowing?
Even though both are water sports, they come from different traditional backgrounds. Rowing has its history in the West, while Dragon boating is based on traditions from East. Rowers sit in single file in boats referred to as 'shells' with their backs to the direction of travel and row with oars. Dragon boaters sit in two rows of 10 and face forward using paddles to propel forward.
How can I find out more about dragon boating and/or signup for a practice?
The best way to find out more is to come to a practice and see what it's all about first-hand! Send an email to dbcoach@ncawpa.org to let us know ahead of time that it'll be your first practice with us. You can also visit our website at www.ncawpa.org for more information, or for questions about the sport, the club, and membership, send an email to dbmembership@ncawpa.org or check out one of our videos on YouTube.
What can I expect in a practice?
Our on-water practices last from 1 to 1 1/2 hours and include technique drills and race pieces while incorporating elements of interval, endurance, and power training. This is all done in a dragon boat. During the winter months we participate in practices on land using paddling machines (ergometers) that follow the same principles as applied when we practice on the water.
Is experience needed?
The great thing about dragon boating is that anyone (literally!) can join. We welcome everyone (ages 12 and up) with a curiosity and interest in learning more about dragon boating, at all fitness levels and background.
What do I need to bring to my first practice?
Bring a water bottle and sunglasses or a cap with a brim or visor if it's sunny. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting a bit wet. The best materials are quick drying synthetics.
When are the practices, do I need to attend all of them?
During the summer, we conduct on-water practices in a dragon boat. Our practices are usually Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 to 9:30am. During the winter, we practice indoors on paddling machines (ergometers) on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:00pm and during the weekends on Saturdays from 8:00 to 9:00am or 9:00 to 10:00am and on Sundays at 9:30 to 10:30am. However, we encourage you to check our website at www.ncawpa.org or our Practice Signup Sheet to get updates on possible changes in practice times and days. You can come to as many practices as you want. Obviously, the more you practice, the better you become!
What other forms of training do you do besides paddling?
We believe that in order to better your performance as a paddler, we need to build our cardio, strength, and endurance in addition to practices on the boat. That is why we also encourage members to engage in cross-training (running, swimming, biking, etc.) while off the boat. The team also conducts circuit training sessions after our Saturday morning practices and hold yoga sessions once every two weeks. Please check our Practice Signup Sheet to find out more about our schedule.
Are there any costs associated with joining the club?
Anyone interested in paddling can show up to our practices to try out dragon boating. Once you feel comfortable being committed to becoming a member of NCAWPA, there is an annual membership fee of $225, which affords you a host of benefits, including all-year use of boathouse dragon boat equipment, rowing and paddling machines, and participation in dragon boat competitions nationally and internationally. As an exception, youth paddlers (ages 12-18) can become members of the Capital City Dragons for an annual membership fee of $50.
Why do I have to pay to become a member of NCAWPA?
NCAWPA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies solely on volunteers and members to run its operations. Membership fees, which comes up to less than $20 per month allow us to maintain the boathouse, our equipment, and related costs. However, we never turn anyone away because of inability to afford our membership fees. We pride ourselves in being able to accommodate youth members and members with unique financial circumstances to assist with the cost. If you have any concerns regarding NCAWPA membership, please send an email to our Membership Coordinator at dbmembership@ncawpa.org. GoPink!DC also offers special consideration for new paddlers. Please visit their webpage at www.gopinkdc.com for more information.
By joining NCAWPA, you are not only becoming involved in the fastest growing watersport in the world, you also develop lasting relationships with a diverse group of individuals who are looking for a fun, competitive, and challenging sport!
How often do you race, and where?
We race about once per month, starting in May at the DC Festival and ending in October at the Philadelphia Festival. For more details, please check out our race schedule. Most of our races are on the east coast within driving distance. Once a year we will travel farther for a special race; for example, in 2010 we are going to US Nationals in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In previous years we have raced in Taiwan; Canada (Montreal & Toronto); Miami, FL; and Long Beach, CA.
What does your team do when they are not training and racing?
Believe it or not, we're actually friends outside of training too! We engage in a variety of social activities, doing typical things you'd do with any of your group of friends such as watching movies together, hanging out at barbecues, celebrating team member birthdays, and much more. We also participate in a variety of community outreach events as active citizens of the community and to promote the sport of paddling.