Dragon Boat West

I'm just now looking into learning how to row and I'd LOVE to compete in some dragon boat racing too!  I just moved to Victoria.  Is it possible to join a dragon boat team and learn to row while we're training together?  Or should I do a "learn to row" course on my own before I even look at joining a dragon boat team?

Thanks!

Dragon boating and rowing use very different techniques.  Learning to row won't necessarily help you in a dragon boat and vice-versa.  Many Victoria dragon boat teams are willing to take on new paddlers who have little or no experience because it is often easier to teach a new paddler the proper technique.  The Dragonauts, one of Victoria's premiere dragon boat teams, is currently looking for additional paddlers.  You can check them out and contact them at:

http://www.dragonauts.ca (http://www.dragonauts.ca)

[email protected]

They practice at 5:30pm on Tuesdays at the Gorge Rowing and Paddling Centre  located at the Selkirk site.  You can always show up on the dock during one of their practices to meet with the team.

Thanks for the great reply!  Gives me somethiing to think about.  I'd feel like i'm barging in if I join a dragon boat team who's already been training together for a while and I missed the start of the season...  Also, I was wanting to start rowing to further develop my back and shoulder muscles.  I'm not sure if Dragon Boat racing will use as much muscle groups as regular rowing.

Check out the Gorge Rowing and Paddling Centre, same place that the Dragonauts and several others train out of.  They offer both programs and all of their info can be reached at www.gorowandpaddle.org.