First, why are there so many old people? It didn't say Senior Dragon Boat Racing Club on the signboard. Although I am mid age I felt really young. Second there is no dragon head or tail on the dragon boat. Stripped bare it actually looked like a long boat. Third where is the drum?
We always ignored safety information on flight but when going out into water on such a tight boat, your every action or inaction can capsized a boat. Thus we must also sign a disclaimer that we are solely responsible if we got eaten by shark during the dragon boat practice and also listen to standard safety drill.
We were assigned onto the head coach's boat and sat right behind him. That means the last row as head coach is also our boat captain. He steers the boat. If he say jump, we....you get the picture. Having the head coach breathing down your neck means you don't get to 'chiak chua'. It also means you get good advise and technique correction. You will be surprise to know, you actually row with your core stomach muscles and not your arms simply because the stomach muscles are bigger than arm muscles. If you do it correctly, the upper torso should be moving back and forth. Synchronization is also very important hence being in tune with the team is paramount and takes lots of practice. I think we did pretty well, as least better than the couple in front as they seem out of sync a couple of times resulting in our paddles banging into each other.
We did some mock races and also a tour around the docklands on boat followed by morning tea! It was one of the best event I've ever joined. I love it so much that I am seriously contemplating joining the team.
Only problem, it will be so cold during winter!
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