Commands and Basic Skills
We've collected a set of videos and information covering off some of the basics of dragon boating. Let us know what you think and what you'd like to see added. Note that the video clips are from Australia and some of their terminology are somewhat different from what's used in New Zealand. Also, your coach may use slightly different commands - so listen carefully and focus on what needs to be done rather than what it's called on your boat!
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Commands
When and how to paddle, when and how to stop. Get these wrong on race day and you're buying beers for the team! |
Technique
Paddling technique is key to making the boat move fast. Correct technique helps to conserve your energy. The following video clips will help you to understand some of the basics. The goal is always to maximise the force on the blade. However, what is 'correct technique' will vary depending on paddler physique, stroke rate, paddle length, race strategy etc. Just look at some of the IDBF world championship races to see the difference between teams and also how the team in Lane 3 changes its technique mid race.
Paddling technique is key to making the boat move fast. Correct technique helps to conserve your energy. The following video clips will help you to understand some of the basics. The goal is always to maximise the force on the blade. However, what is 'correct technique' will vary depending on paddler physique, stroke rate, paddle length, race strategy etc. Just look at some of the IDBF world championship races to see the difference between teams and also how the team in Lane 3 changes its technique mid race.
Catch and Pull
Initiating the power phase of the stroke. It's useful to understand the physics that are at play here: Power=(Force x distance)/time. The challenge is to find what combination of factors give you maximum power. As you can see in this video, 'hard and fast' can be just as effective as 'long and strong'. Watch the yellow team switching to long strokes in the middle of the race, but then swicth back to fast strokes to finish 1st. |
Putting it all together (1)
The commentary in this video is from Kamini Jain - when she was National Coach for Dragon Boat Canada. This technique suits teams that paddle with a relatively slow stroke rate. Nowadays the faster teams tend to use much higher stroke rates as can be seen in this video. |
Putting it all together (2)
This video was prepared by AUSDBF. Besides individual technique, it also discusses boat setup and seating positions.
This video was prepared by AUSDBF. Besides individual technique, it also discusses boat setup and seating positions.