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Dragon Boat Canada


IDBF


Canoe Kayak Canada

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[Colossus]

I don't think its reached THE peak, but it has reached A peak.  Like was mentioned before, in some of the more competitive teams, there have been a lot of really big races to train for in the past few years, and life just can not be put off forever.  I for one got burnt out after paddling every day (sometimes for as much as 4hrs/day) for 3 years.  I was able to participate in some awesome races in that time, but life was being put off.  As much as I'd liked to have been involved in the World Sprints this year in Sacramento, even if life hadn't taken a higher priority, I don't think I'd have it in me to go for a 4th year non-stop.  
Some of the guys I've talked to that are taking a break this year as well are saying the same thing: They've been training so hard for so long, they just want to relax and enjoy paddling for paddling for a bit.  Another common theme is attendance.  Its mentally draining when you show up to practice and only half the crew is there.  

I think that in a year or two, all the people taking a break will take another look at paddling again.  perhaps not at the same level as they were before, but probably take another look.  Some might decide to step it up a bit, others might decide that they want to be a little more recreational with it, and have more fun.  I don't see myself being away from the water for too long.  

[Wet spot]

Has the sport peaked? Yes.  Is it cyclical? Maybe.

I had written a long reply on why the sport is turning down but Brainiac summed it up well in a lot fewer words. I would add that sponsorships are diminishing, getting to and parking for practices at False Creek is tougher, some racing events are poorly managed turning many paddlers 'off', we are losing ambassadors as many of the original racing fraternity  (outrigger, marathon and kayak etc)that started FRCCC moved on to other things.

If we don't want to see our sport diminish further then then perhaps its time to organize, at a level beyond individual teams, clubs or festival organizations, to ensure promotion, accessibility, affordibility, induction of new (and younger) paddlers, quality racing venues etc etc.  Its time for more of us to get involved in this aspect....maybe a Vancouver Area Dragonboat Racing Society?

[Colossus]

To grow the sport, you need to make it easier for people to get into, especially kids, and you need to market it. This requires a level of organization I think is missing, at least around the creek.

I'm guessing there are roughly 100 teams paddling out of VOS (Pogue), FC, DBA, or DZ. Each of these teams operates like a mini club, doing its own recruiting and management. The "club" the team belongs to is really just a db rental facility. Wouldn't it be far more efficient to have the clubs do the recruiting and management instead of a each team?

Note that False Creek operates both as a DB rental facility and a "true club". The true club side has lasted for over 20 years. How many individual DB teams have similar longevity?

I agree that there needs to be more promotion to youth.  Its a GREAT social sport, a great way to meet new/more people, and to build current friendships.  I think someone (clubs, whoever) needs to promote paddle sports to highschools more.  And then within the schools, have more publicity.  I was only barely aware of dragonboating back in highschool.  Didn't know anything about k1 or c1 or oc1.  More awareness can only benefit the sport.

[brainiac]

I don't see myself being away from the water for too long.  

I believe you will be back before too long, but it might take a few days.

[Colossus]

I don't see myself being away from the water for too long.  

I believe you will be back before too long, but it might take a few days.

Damn, did somebody see me there the other day?  I hope they didn't see me huli.  haha  I couldn't stay away, but I'm not on any teams this year.