Essentials of Dragon Boat Paddling

Yes, wearing a Coast Guard-approved PFD is mandatory for all paddlers to ensure safety on the water.

PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices)

No one is permitted on the boat without a PFD. While capsize is highly unlikely, accidents do happen, and one never knows which day is going to be the one. The club maintains a supply of life jackets for use when boarding the boat.  However, members usually purchase their own based on personal preference.

PDFs must be Coast Guard approved.

There is the traditional life jacket, kayakers vest, as well as auto-inflatable vests that fit over the head with a horseshoe shape and lastly waist belts. They can be manually inflatable or auto-inflatable upon submersion.

Always remember to verify that the cartridges are properly installed and activated each time you wear your PFD. It is highly recommended that you purchase an additional CO2 cartridge and bring it with you at race events should your boat capsize, you will have replacement. 

Opt for quick-dry, breathable, and UV-resistant clothing to stay comfortable and protected during paddling.

Apparel and Accessory Tips

For introductory paddles, and for as long as you wish, the club has full life-vests and wood paddles available for your use.  When you choose to join the club and spend time on the water you may consider the following equipment and apparel.  Your teammates are a great source of information and tips for outfitting.

Apparel

Every paddler has their own clothing preferences, body temperature and budget. You’ll find what works for you through trial and error. You don’t have to spend a fortune to outfit yourself for dragon boating,

Dress appropriately for paddling. Remember you will be wearing a personal flotation device [“PFD”]. More on this further on.

There will be some splash. In the summer this may be welcome!

Wear clothing that is quick drying, breathable, and hopefully UV resistant. Cotton or denim is NOT recommended as it holds the water and remains wet and cold longer.

Earlier in the season, during colder weather and until the water warms, neoprene bike shorts or leggings will further protect against a chill. Wool, neoprene or PolarTec insulates and repels water.  Water resistant shell pants or vests may be a good option.

Note: you will not be able to change pants or shirt while on the lake.  It is possible to remove an outer layer of top but the ease of doing so is dependent on the PFD type you’re using. There is no place to store discarded clothing and they will get wet on the bottom of the boat.

While we do not endorse any particular equipment here are some options to consider. A quick search of Amazon for Dragon Boat will yield quit a few equipment options as well as accessories.

Paddles

Dragon boat paddles are uniform in size and shape which is determined by IDBF regulations.

The club has wood paddles available for your use. When you decide to join us, you’ll find that your teammates have chosen to invest in a carbon-fiber paddle. Most paddlers start with a paddle that costs about $200, but some have upgraded after a couple of years.  The most common are Hornet and Z&J. Both may be found on Amazon or at the sellers’ websites. Your teammates and coaches will gladly share their experiences and suggestions! Watch Hornet Watersports for sales!

https://www.hornetwatersports.com

Seat Cushions

	Dragon Boat Seat Cushion, Anti- EVA Fishing Seat Pad for Watersports Rowing
	Hornet Watersports Dragon Boat Seat Pad Neoprene Anti Slip Cushion

Dragon Saddle is another good source seat cushions

A seat pad designed for the dragon boat is suggested for comfort and guarding against slipping on the wood seat. Teammates and coaches will gladly share their experiences and let you try out what they have available.

Gloves

Most folks like to use gloves designed for dragon boat/kayaking/canoeing. The most common used cost about $20 and may also be found on Amazon, Hornet Watersports or other dragon boat accessory suppliers.

Paddling Gloves from Amazon

REI in Knoxville is a source for Paddling Gloves

River Sports Outfitters in Knoxville also carries Paddling Gloves

We recommend water sport shoes or athletic sneakers that can get wet, providing comfort and grip.

Shoes

Shoes that can get wet are recommended.

Shoe selection may depend on time of year and weather.  Many use athletic shoes especially early in the year to keep feet warm and dry.

As the season progresses and you’re learning more about the stroke and your comfort level, you may wish to stick with an athletic shoe, but pull out a lighter weight choice.  Machine washable is a good choice; sweat and lake water make for smelly shoes.

You may choose a water sport shoe.  Sporting goods stores and Amazon have selections.  Some prefer a somewhat sturdy sole that is OK for walking and provides a sturdy platform as your leg drive develops.

The Amazon selection includes inexpensive options.  Outdoor gear stores have choices.

Keens, Merrell’s, and Tevas are great as well as Crosskix. Ladies, if your legs are short and you have trouble reaching the heel press, please consider Tevas or Keens, with a higher heel as compared to sneakers or some water shoes.

 Do not wear flip flops!  Note: many experienced paddlers choose to go barefoot for true connection to the boat.

Yes, sunglasses are recommended to protect your eyes from sun and water splashes. Use straps to secure them.

What is Dragon Boat?

A dragon boat is a canoe-like craft made of wood and fiberglass. A crew of paddlers sitting in rows and paddling in unison moves the boat through the water. The goal is good paddle technique and synchronicity that propels the boat smoothly.

“The paddles enter the water at the same time, the paddles pull back at the same time, and they leave the water at the same time, finally ending in the ‘swing’; paddles are flared out and skim over the water to be positioned for the next stroke. It’s harmonious and a splash of bright colors only to disappear into the water for the next stroke.  When the whole boat “gets it” it’s a beautiful thing.”

Boat size varies, with the 20-person boat being the most prevalent but 10-person boats are gaining popularity in competitions. The 20-person boat is about 40 feet long and the 10-person boat, about 30-feet long.

Paddlers are seated two per row and paddle continuously on the same side for the duration of the race. A steersperson keeps the boat on track and provides commands to manage the boat.

Races are held at various locations in venues suitable for the on-water competition, with teams set up on shore, and areas for spectators and vendors.

Dragon boat racing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It is truly an impressive sight to see a dragon boat surging towards the finish line with 20 paddlers pulling hard with every stroke in perfect unison to the drummer’s beat [drummers are not used for practice sessions] and the calls of the steersperson. Combine the competition and excitement of the races with the fun and atmosphere of the festivities that typically occur at a dragon boat festival, and you have a great event for participants and spectators of all ages.

Boats Used by Tellico Heat

Through 2024, THDBC leased a 20-person boat from Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing.  Dynamic provides dragon boats and related equipment, professional race logistic services, and unique experiences for charities and participants. Highlighting the world’s eighth fastest growing sport and implementing a customer service focus, Dynamic has become a nationally recognized expert in the dragon boat event management market.

Dynamic stores our boats during the off-season and delivers back to us in the spring, at a time determined by club management. The season ends in late October and Dynamic picks up our boats for storage over the winter.

 In the summer of 2024, THDBC purchased a used 20-person boat from Dynamic, the “sister” of the leased boat that we have been using for several years.   A generous donation from Miser Wealth Partners supported the acquisition. The Club was able to make good use of both boats!

In late 2024, an anonymous benefactor donated a used 10-person boat.  This is an amazing gift that provides added practice flexibility and the ability to prepare for 10-person competitions.

The boats are tied up at the Tugaloo docks from where we launch our practice paddles.

Our boats do not have the colorful dragon heads on the bow that you will see at festivals. For festivals boats are provided by the festival event organizer with the colorful heads and drum.  The traditional “dotting” the Dragon’s eye is part of the festival opening ceremony that awakens the dragon and unleashes its fire, giving boats and their crews the strength of the dragon.

The Paddlers

The paddlers sit facing forward and use a specific type of paddle. The leading pair of paddlers, or “strokes” or “strokers” set the pace for the team. All other paddlers synchronize their strokes to the stroke paddlers. The result of the split second difference of delay can result in a caterpillar or centipede effect whereby each successive pair of blades hits the water a fraction of a second behind the blades in front, with the collective stroke of the boat falling out of synchronization. Highly experienced paddlers will feel the response of the boat and its surge or resistance through the water via the blades of their paddles, and will adjust their reach, and the catch of their blade tips, in accordance with the power required to match the acceleration of the hull through the water at any given moment.

The engine room in a dragon boat is the middle section of the boat, usually made up of the middle eight paddlers. The engine room is responsible for generating the majority of the boat’s power. The engine room is typically made up of the stronger and heavier paddlers on the team.

Dragon boat rockets are the paddlers in the last three or four rows of a dragon boat. Rockets are known for their strength and speed, and are called upon to provide an extra push at the start and finish of a race. They support the engine room, which is made up of the middle rows of the boat. The water moves faster for the rockets because the first 14 seats push water back. Rockets are also known as the “white water” or “last kick”. Rockets are sometimes considered the most difficult positions because the paddlers must continuously stroke through the turbulent water created by the other paddlers. However, newer paddlers may be placed in the rocket position to learn technique and timing.

The Drummer and Drumming

The drummer is utilized during a race to assist with the entire boat with the timing. The drummer sounds the pace provided by the stroke for the rest of the boat to hear.

A drummer is required during racing events, but if he or she is not present during training.  For Community Festivals the event manager may provide a drummer. For United States/International Dragon Boat Festivals the Club must provide a drummer.

The Steersman

The steersman, also known as the steerer/sweep, controls the dragon boat with a steering oar similar in function to a tiller which is mounted at the rear of the boat. For Community Festivals the event manager may provide a sweep. For United States/International Dragon Boat Festivals the Club must provide a steerer/sweep.

The boat is balanced side-to-side and front-to-back. The steerer and coach are responsible for assigning seats for safety and optimal performance.