Dragon Boat West

Waking from hibernation, I'm hoping for a quick update/summary of post-Olympic, long-term dragon boating status on False Creek and in Richmond.

Since our new head office is South Burnaby, it's a coin toss between our former home at UBC Boathouse in Richmond and downtown: same distance, both have water and boats, both have a few remaining pros/cons.
 
- Is DragonZone stable for a year or more? (I hope the city sees it that way but haven't heard latest progress)
- What's the level of facility investment by DragonZone in Richmond at the Yacht Club? (compared to Boathouse)
- There were rumours last year of a Burnaby facility under develpment ... Bueller? Bueller?
- Anyone else do either of those commutes to practices?

Thnaks for any help, folks - Laurie/IronGiant

Hey IronGiant!

From what I understand, things look pretty stable at DZ. It's tough right now to get out onto False Creek and accessing DZ until after the Olympics/Paralympics.  In terms of new DZ facilities in the future, this is excerpted from an email I got from Ann Phelps:

We are still moving forward with our plans to move the Dragon Zone activities to the new community centre in South East False Creek. You can see it about 100 meters west of where are docks are now. The new site will have power, bathrooms, and showers.

They did buy four 10 person Swift DB's last season, so I see that as a sign of confidence from the DZ people.

For purely selfish reasons, I know our crew would be happy to see you at False Creek! We are looking for a steersperson if you're interested! ;)

Hi IronGiant,

There is FCRCC and VOS clubs who also have practice out of False Creek.  FCRCC is on Granville Island and is part of the False Creek Community Centre so DB teams have the use of the showers, saunas, change rooms, meeting area, etc. http://www.fcrcc.com/

VOS has there facility at the Burrard Civic Marina.  They have a promotion on right now for DB teams.  They are a little easier to get to and find parking at. http://www.poguesports.com/vancouveroceansports.ca/

Thanks for the replies so far, folks.

Price may just be one of the big kickers (that and being close to Vancity xoxo). UBC Boathouse was $2,080 for Apr 1- Sept 25, 1x/week last year. That's a difference of about 140 beer garden beverages. We may not be the fastest or the prettiest but we have our priorities well in order.

Hi Laurie,

I am the communications director for VOS, you may find our prices for dragon boat rental to be quite competitive and more to your liking as it would allow for more beer. And yes, we do have access to running water and washrooms. As well I don't believe we are charging any HST, the price is flat rate (to be confirmed). Shoot me a message if you'd like more info and I'll put you in touch with our membership director. Here is our 2010 pricing schedule:


Feb 1 - Nov 30 2010

1 X's a week - $1200.00
2 X's a week -  $1400.00
3 X's a week - $1800.00

April 1 - June 30 2010

1 X's a week - $1000.00
2 X's a week - $1200.00
3 X's a week - $1500.00 

We also offer OC6 cross training packages for your team members.

Cheers,

Kelli

For those futurists, here are some shots of what Richmond's waterfront may look like very soon.

First image looking north. For the Richmond Festival, the start is usually at the Dinsmore Bridge, heading upriver to the UBC Boathouse. Our old head office/festival parking is just before the bridge. Now you can see how spoiled we were so close to a paddling facility.

(http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss334/RBIronGiant/richmond-olympic-ovalcopy.jpg)
(Photo credit: VANOC)

This photo is looking north east, Dinsmore Bridge on the left, Oval on the right. Note ALL the buildings between the bridge and the Oval are torn down and replaced with condos/village ('River Green'). Note that River Road is erased along the river and moved behind the property. Note the fancy docks ... Water's Edge? DragonZone? and our team in the lead in the dragon boat finals (yes, those were actually put in the rendering by the artist, not me). A man needs his dreams.

(http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss334/RBIronGiant/RichmondWaterfront.jpg)
(Photo credit: ibigroup advertisement via BC Business magazine)

I think you guys might enjoy OC6 for the days where you are lacking the commitment for a dragonboat practice