Commands + Actions
Back 2/3/4 rows Only the paddlers in the designated rows paddle under the Sweep’s instruction. Other paddlers have their paddles out of the water. This can be used to manoeuvre for example to the start position. Whole Crew/Team This refers to all paddlers in the boat. This call should be used after instructions have been given to part of the crew for manoeuvring. Number of from the front (Head Count) At the beginning before leaving shore, the crew will call their number commencing with the drummer or coach (or whoever is sitting on the front of the boat) then, proceeding down the boat counting both paddlers on each row through the boat to the Sweep. This is important as the number of paddlers on board is reported to Beacon Hill by the rescue crew before going out on the harbour so that, in the event of a swamping or capsize, everyone knows how many people need to be rescued. Note: Once everyone is in the water (and quiet!), the sweep will ask everyone to number off again starting with whoever is nearest to the front of the boat. Change Sides (from the front) Selected paddlers change sides as instructed by the Sweep. The paddlers should avoid sudden movements and transfer their weight uniformly to maintain the boat balance. This should be executed one row at a time. The row behind shouldn’t start changing until the row in front has completely finished swapping. Draw front left or right (specific seat numbers may be called to draw) Is used by the nominated seats (usually the front 3) to pull the front of the dragon boat sideways to turn or realing the boat. The opposite side should hold their paddles flat. Some seats may be directed to hold water to minimise drift. Draw back left or right (specific seat numbers may be called to draw) Is used by the nominated seats to pull the back of the dragon boat around. Sometimes this is done to help the front paddles drawing on the opposite side - this will in essence 'spin the boat'. Other paddlers should hold their paddles flat. Some seats may be directed to hold water to minimise drift. Back Paddle Paddles are placed in a backward position for paddling backwards, awaiting the Sweep’s call “GO” to initiate reversing by pushing the blade forward in time with crew mates. Paddles ready Move paddle to the start position (paddles ready). Paddles can be placed in the water (not moving) ready to take the first stroke. Stable Paddlers press the blade of the paddle flat on the water to stabilise the dragon boat (also known as “Bracing” the boat) Paddles Out Paddles come out of the water and let the boat glide to a stop (same as “Let it Run”) Hold Water This is when paddlers hold their paddles still in the water to halt the dragon boat motion and to keep the boat stationary. Stop the boat Paddlers stop the dragon boat quickly by holding the paddle vertically in the water Set Yourselves Up / Lock it in Crew members lean forward with arms straight, resting horizontally on the gunwales and with the paddle angled forward, nearly touching the paddler in front of them. When "Paddles Ready is called, paddlers only need to lift the top hand to get the paddle vertical. Go Start paddling Let it Run / Let it Glide Paddles come out of the water and allow the dragon boat to glide to a stop Rest/Relax Crew members must remain seated where they are but can relax, drink, re-apply wax to paddle shafts and chat with others around them. As you were This cancels a call started but not completed. The response from the crew is to resume their former position. |