Dragon Boat West

We are sure you have heard the rumors and now it's official - we are moving our office into the brand new Creekside Community Centre. We are excited about the move and what it will offer to Dragon Boat paddlers in 2011 including showers, bathrooms and lockers.

As part of this move we are now offering courses through the community centre including Outrigger and Kayak training programs and a Women only Get Fit for Paddling course. We are also hosting an information session about our new Dragon Zone Competitive Team Program.

The following courses are available the Community Centre. You can register in person at the Community Centre, by calling the Community Centre at 604.257.3050 or online at http://vancouver.ca/parks/cc/creekside/index.htm or by
calling Jackie at 778.389.5433.
 
 
Outrigger Recreation
Open to all Ages.  During this 6 session program – you will experience the thrill of paddling these Hawaiian style boats against the backdrop of the Coastal Mountains on the protected waters of False Creek.  For those who want to participate further in the activity you have the potential to become involved with DZ Outrigger Canoe Racing Team.
Pre-requisite:
None
Cost:
DZ Members: $60
Non-DZ Members: $72
Dates/Times: Starting November 7th
Wed 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm or Sundays – 8:00 am – 11:00 am
 
Outrigger Huli Capsize Recovery  (Pool Session)
A huli or capsize is a common outrigger occurrence.  It also tends to happen when conditions in general are less than ideal so every crew member must know what their specific role is in the event of a huli. Participants will learn the specific roles for each seat and the importance of working as a team to right the canoe quickly and safely.  (A huli recovery can be done in less than 15 seconds with teamwork and practice).
 
Cost:
DZ Members: $65
Non-DZ Members: $75
Dates/ Times:
November 9, 29
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Ocean Kayaking Programs
Rec 1 - Introduction to Ocean Kayaking
Participants will receive 3 hours of on-water instruction that will provide a strong foundation in basic sea kayaking skills.  The course includes instruction in the fundamentals of paddling in protected waters, including; equipment orientation, safety gear, launching, tides and currents, and basic sea kayak strokes.  Participants will benefit from the local knowledge and expertise of our instructors.  At the end of this course you will be prepared and confident to safely navigate your way through protected waters in B.C. and perhaps beyond!
Pre-requisite:
None
Cost:
DZ Members: $65
Non-DZ Members: $75
Dates/ Times:
Nov 6, 20, 2010
Saturdays 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Rec 2 – Introduction Ocean Kayak Recovery
This 3-hour program will build on the skills you learned in the Introduction to Ocean Kayaking course.  This course will give you the confidence needed to handle an accidental capsize.  The practical skills learned in this course are general safety, rescue gear and how to rescue yourself or a partner after capsizing. 
Pre-requisite:
Introduction to Ocean Kayaking or equivalent experience
Cost:
DZ Members: $65
Non-DZ Members: $75
Dates/ Times:
November 9, 29
6:00 to 9:00pm

Competitive Dragon Boat Program
New to Dragon Zone, the Competitive Dragon Boat Program is aimed at paddler’s interested in competing at the international level. Participants will take part in both dry land and on-water training, including skill development, strength training, video feedback and time trials. Coached by nationally recognized coaches. FREE INFORMATION SESSION
Dates/ Times:
November 16th 
Tuesday 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
 
WOMEN’S GET FIT FOR PADDLING
Interested in taking up paddling but don't know if you have the upper body strength? Perhaps you are a an experienced paddler concerned about losing your hard earned fitness level during the months you're not on the water?   Whether you're a kayaker, dragon boat paddler or outrigger paddler, this course is for you.
 
Join us for 8 weeks as we Get Fit For Paddling!
 
This course will focus on increasing the strength, stamina, flexibility and coordination of paddling muscles in an enjoyable group environment.  Gym work becomes much more fun when you have a purpose.  Participants will learn exercises that mimic particular aspects of a paddling stroke and work on the muscles that support overall joint health so you can paddle better, longer and with less injuries. 
 
This dry-land training course will be followed up by the on-water Get Fit for Paddling starting in February 2011.
Pre-requisite:
None
Cost: $85
Dates/Times: Starting October 31st
Sundays – 3-4:15pm

A quick note that if you try to register online for the Outrigger Huli Capsize Recovery  (Pool Session), only the Nov. 29th session shows availability. 

If you are interested in the Nov. 9th session you will have to call the Creekside Community Centre directly, as it is available.