River Spirit Dragon Boat Team

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Paddler's Handbook

THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

• Be impeccable with your word – How you use your words is the most important consideration. Speak with integrity. If you give your word – mean it.  Listen to others carefully. Avoid gossiping about others and do not repeat anything you do not know for sure.
• Don’t take things personally – Nothing others do is because of you. Treat each other with respect.
• Don’t make assumptions – Ask questions and express what you want.  Communicate clearly with others to avoid misunderstandings.
• Always do your best – Your best is going to change from moment to moment. Under any circumstances, simply do your best.

WHO WE ARE & WHY WE PADDLE

• We are a group of people in Campbell River who, through our non-profit society, the Campbell River Dragon Boat Society and our team, River Spirit, wish to raise breast cancer awareness. We encourage people who are living with breast cancer to live full and active lives through paddling. We provide an emotional network of hope for each other, our friends, and our community.
• Participation in the active sport of dragon boat racing enhances our physical and emotional health.  Participation does not hinge on age, previous paddling experience and/or athletic ability.  We are ONE TEAM.
• It also:

• helps us regain control of our lives;
• shows our families and friends we can live our lives the way we choose;
• reminds us to make the most of every moment;
• creates a new state of wellness in each of us;
• helps us overcome the loneliness of cancer;
• creates a safety net in the event of a recurrence;
• gives us pride in our accomplishments;
• shows us we can undertake strenuous exercise;
• enables us to move on with our lives;
• creates a new balance in our lives; and
• encourages us to share our experience with others.

• Our annual membership fee is $75.00, payable in January.  This entitles each member the use of a paddle and life jacket that remains the property of the society.  
• The team jacket will be issued upon receipt of a $25.00 deposit to be returned if the member leaves the team. 
• A team shirt and hat, as well as a copy of the Society’s Constitution and By-laws and this handbook are provided. Each member is responsible for keeping her equipment and clothing in good repair. 

• Our Society is made up of a number of committees in which we encourage members to participate.  They are: publicity, safety, equipment, merchandise, membership/ social and fundraising.  
• Fundraising requires the active involvement of all members as the funds raised play a vital role in minimizing individual expenses and cover major costs such as festival registration.
• There is a general meeting on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 in Room 2 of the Sportsplex. An agenda will be forwarded to each member in advance. The executive meets a week earlier and appreciates knowing if any member has a specific issue to be discussed at the general meeting.

• Given the increased numbers of paddlers, a sign-up paddling schedule will be developed and, if necessary, two practices held. 

• Please be on time for the warm-up before practice. This will help to avoid muscle strain and will give the coach and Captain an opportunity to seat the boat.

• All members must sign annually a waiver, health questionnaire,  complete an application form and pay the membership fee prior to paddling;

• Practices are normally held Tuesdays in the PM and Saturdays in the AM.  Actual times are established according to the tides and time of year.  Close to festivals, a further practice is usually held on Thursdays.

• A paddler should notify the captain or coach if she is unable to make practice. As well, the captain, coach and safety chair should be notified of the attendance of a new paddler and/or guest as they must sign a waiver.

• Treat fellow paddlers in a positive, friendly manner, refrain from using profanity and show courtesy by avoiding the use of strongly scented deodorants or perfumes.

• SAFETY is always our number one priority.  When loading and unloading the boat, assist your fellow paddlers by grasping their forearm for stability.  Please keep the dock clear of equipment and clothing to avoid accidents. A properly fitting life jacket should be worn not only in the boat but while on the dock.

• Our boat is supplied with a safety ladder and first aid bag.  Any member suffering from a health issue should advise the captain.

• There should be a minimum of 10 - 12 paddlers plus a steersperson to proceed with practice.  In the event of extremely windy conditions, the coach will make the decision as to whether or not we paddle; you will be informed by phone or email.

• While in the boat, instruction comes only from a combination of drummer, steersperson and coach. It is important that there be silence on the boat so all can hear.  Talking should be limited to when instruction is given to take a break and have some water.

• COACH - Our coach is responsible for the instruction and training of paddlers. Working with the captain he establishes the seating plan and practice timetable.

• Making sure the boat is ready for the new season and arranging for the launch; 
• With the coach, advising the members of the start- up date; 
• Scheduling bailers for the season; 
• Reviewing the seating plan with the coach at practices; 
• Greeting new paddlers and reviewing routine;
• Assisting in loading the boat; 
• Assisting the coach at festivals; 
• Ensuring that the boat is locked at the end of practice; and 
• Making arrangements to take the boat out of the water at the end of the season and assessing if repairs are needed.

• This member assists the captain and assumes duties in her absence.

• This position requires a strong individual with good balance and some knowledge of local waters. Special training is offered.  He/she is in charge of the boat when leaving the dock and when returning as well as avoiding marine obstructions, hazards and other dangerous situations.  The steersperson must have the absolute attention of all paddlers as instructions must carry the length of the boat to the drummer.

• The drummer plays a vital role as the motivator for the paddlers, works with the steersperson to control the boat and works with the front strokes in establishing the paddling pace.

• These two people set the timing of the stroke for the other paddlers. It is essential that they be watched to maintain synchronization. 

• The “engine room” pair sits near the centre of the boat.  Their timing is in tune with the front strokes and thus assists those in the rear who may not be able to see the strokes.

• These are members who are breast cancer survivors. 

• These are women who support survivors and paddle on a dragon boat.  While priority on the boat will be given to survivor paddlers, if more than twenty paddlers wish to practice every effort will be made to ensure everyone wishing to paddle will be able to do so.

• Two members will be asked to volunteer for a one month stint to bail the boat prior to practice and when the weather is inclement between practices.  If you cannot make it, please make arrangements for a substitute. 

• For comfort and safety, wearing clothing that will allow for easy movement and quick drying is recommended. 
• Shoes that can be securely attached to the foot with non-skid soles and are water proof are preferred as there is often water in the boat. To avoid chaffing and achieve a firmer grip, wearing gloves is recommended.
• The wearing of SUNSCREEN is highly recommended at all times.
• To avoid dehydration, have an adequate supply of water with you while on the boat.
• For your well being, try to maintain a good level of fitness.  This regime should begin prior to the paddling season to avoid injuries.  A level of strength and-or endurance will be asked of you if you wish to participate in festivals. 
• If possible, it is highly recommended that you alternate the side you paddle on. 

• Competitions carry with them unique rules and regulations; the main one being punctuality. As everyone can appreciate, the races run on a strict timetable and thus, so must we. All paddlers must adhere to the schedule set out by our coach, captain and manager to make our festival experience a memorable one for all of us. You will be notified of our race time and will be asked to gather as a team up to 2 hours prior for race instructions, warm up and marshalling. 
• It is recommended that you decrease heavy physical activity the day before the event and increase your consumption of carbohydrates.
• At the festival site, space is limited and tents are small so it is recommended that you pack your essentials in a convenient back pack and limit valuables. Unless otherwise notified, bringing a collapsible chair is advisable.
• The team uniform consisting of jacket, shirt and black shorts or pants should be worn. 
• We are role models and as such should be gracious in our winning as well as defeat.  Our attitude and sense of pride in our team will shine through.

• Paddles Up – Bring paddle to the ready position.
• Take It Away – Watching your strokes, begin paddling.
• Back paddle or Back it down – In unison, a backwards paddling stroke.
• Hold the Boat – Probably the most important of all instructions.  Blade of paddle is placed deeply vertical in the water and stops the boat.  Your paddle should remain in this position until told otherwise by your drummer or steersperson.
• Hold hard – This command is normally heard at the beginning of a race as the boats are lined up to begin.   Paddles should be in the Hold the Boat position.
• Hold for drift – Your paddle is in the water with the blade parallel to the boat.
• Brace the Boat – For the purpose of stabilizing, your paddle is extended out the side with the blade pushing against the surface of the water.
• Let it run – You stop paddling until further notice.  Paddles should be in a rest position on the gunwale at the ready.
• Reach it Out – While maintaining timing, extend your paddle as far forward as you can to grab as much good water as you can.
• Focus in the Boat – Concentration is stressed especially during a race as it is very easy to be distracted by other teams and boats. 
• Race Commands – Starter has the Race, Attention please, GO or HORN blast
• OPEN WATER – WE WON!