River Spirit Dragon Boat Team

Notes taken by Melissa at the April 10, 2010 Dragon Boat Paddling Clinic (Instructors: Bob and Holly Wylie)

 Sample drills:

1. Closed-eye drill (blind paddling): All paddlers close their eyes.  Goal is to get used to the sound and feel of the boat.  Coach can call timing if needed. 
2. Top hand drill (aka knock-your-teeth-out drill): With top hand, release grasp on paddle.  This is to reinforce using the top hand for downward force only.  Watch out if your hand slips!
3. Forward-backwards drill: Move paddle forwards and backwards in the water from catch to exit.  This will get you used to rotation. 
4. Hand forwards and backwards drill: With paddle in the boat, use your outside hand and bring it forwards and backwards, parallel to the edge of the boat.  Focus on hand and paddle position.  This should reinforce the forwards / backwards motion – not side to side motion.
5. Blending: Start with all paddlers paddling, then either a middle pair or the front pair will start going at 100%.  Other paddlers will naturally follow suit and follow the same style.  The goal is to have everyone paddling with the same style.
6. Power vs rate drill: Paddlers paddle first normally, then with power, then with increased rate.  The goal is to differentiate between power and rate. 
7. In-out drill: Move paddle in and out of water using leg drive.  If comfortable, alternate weight between front and back foot. 
8. Individual drills: Coach walks down centerline of boat (without falling in water) and coaches individual paddlers.  I found this really useful.

Recap of Main Points:

1. Anchor yourself in the boat with 3 contact points – outside foot should be forward, inside foot should be back. Your bum should be moving, either anchor outside cheek and move inside cheek, or vice-versa.  See what feels better.  
2. There should be 70/30 weight split (more weight on outside). If comfortable, alternate pressure on inside and outside feet.  
3. When pulling, pressure should be outside foot (Leg Drive). Remember HIPS - SHOULDERS – ARMS.  Rotate hips, then shoulders, then extend arms.  This should flow naturally. Try pressing your inside leg against the centreboard, and then do it without to see which feels better and which allows for longer reach. 
4. Monkey hand – twist paddle slightly towards the outside at the exit to slide it out of the water.  But do not drop inside hand into the boat on recover – it is wasted effort. 
5. Outside arm should stay straight, otherwise you lose power from torso. 
6. Aim for forwards / backwards motion – it will help move the boat forwards. 
7. Aim for rectangular stroke (albeit rounded rectangular), not a circular stroke. 
8. Paddle quietly, no splashing on entry or exit.  If you are a noisy paddler, adjust (length, power etc.) 
9. Loose grip on paddle – both upper and lower hand.  Too tight a grip will result in lost strength. 
10. Imagine your paddle is stuck in concrete and you are pulling yourself and the boat up to the paddle.
11. Bury your paddle as far forward as possible and do it quickly.
    

If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water. -- Loren Eiseley