Wanted: Dragon Boat Paddlers

No prior experience necessary

By: Piedmont Post

Students at Piedmont High School are putting together a few dragon boat teams to be entered in this year's Dragon Boat Race, Saturday, May 26 at Lake Merritt. Sponsored by the International Dragon Boat Association, the annual event is tons of fun. Races take place throughout the day, starting at 8:30 a.m.

A dragon boat is a 48-foot long, canoe-shaped fiberglass boat powered by a crew of 20 paddlers, 10 on each side, one drummer, and a person steering. Novice and recreational teams can complete the 500-meter race course in about 3 minutes.

No prior experience is necessary; paddlers will be taught everything needed to make the boat be competitive in the race. Strength is less important in dragon boat racing than how well the paddlers work as a team.

Paddlers need to attend three practices in advance of the race. Practices will be scheduled based upon the availability of team members, most likely on weekends, and will be at the Lake Merritt Boathouse and are normally one hour. Paddles and life jackets will be provided.

The registration fee is $125 per team, approximately $6 per person.

A safety form signed by participants and permission slip signed by parents are required before practice begins.

For more information, contact Justin Lok at jjlok@UCDavis.edu, or call Michael Lok at 653-1856.