Dragon Boat West

Hi all,
I'm new here and while I was reading the posts concerning winter training I noticed that the prefered method of keeping in shape seems to be some other paddling discipline.  Makes sense, but what if that's not an option?  Is it worthwhile to torture yourself on an erg?  I'm guessing yes, however I wanted some experienced paddlers' input.  I've only been dragon boating since May and my team is now down to only one practice a week for the winter  :cry: and that's just not good enough.  I rowed last year at uni and so am, unfortunately, fairly well aquainted with those evil ergs  :wink: I'm not sure if I want to get back on one of them...That said I'd think that they would give you a good workout and so prove uselful in lieu of real paddling...Input anyone?

imo if you have no access to other outdoor watersports, then the gym and swimming would be good alternatives.
sounds like you're really harcdore btw. i usually just get fat during the winter.  :D

:D
Definately not hardcore Photog, I didn't say I would actually end up doing anything...but at least I'm planning.  I figure that's a step in the right direction anyways (the easy one; the hard ones are those that will take me out the door, down the street, across the park and into the gym).  

ps. awesome pics btw, it was great to see everything from Kelowna; I've never been to a big festival.  My team is hoping to go to Nanaimo's and Victoria as well next year.  This is only their second year in existence and we're definately on the recreational end of competative so far but have aspirations to greatness  :wink:

I held weights in both hands and simulated (to the best of my ability) paddling for 2 mins X 3 sets

good lord man. surely you can't be serious.  :shock:
how many lbs?

Indigo Eve,
thanks!
if you just wanna do something at home, there's always office chair paddling with a short paddle, or just your arms.  :P

Why don't you two combine your ideas; office chair paddling with a short paddle and weight on the paddle .......  :wink:

......and now the question is; if it's one of those spinning chairs will momentum send you in circles?....lol.....to make it more entertaining you could actually do this at the office  :P

done it. late at night when everyone else went home.  :oops:
just wear good runners and plant your feet in the ground, this will help keep you in place, and you can simulate that leg drive thing-a-ma-bobber.

yikes. that would take quite some doing.