This is a fun event. It is not a requirement to have ever paddled in a dragon boat prior to the safety/paddling instruction/training sessions. At the practice sessions we will teach you the basics. It is very easy to learn basic competency in dragon boating.
How will the race be run?
The race will be 200m - from under the entrance of Lotus Bay to the finish tower in front of the Southern Cross Yacht Club - see map. There will be six teams per heat and then a final.
Who can enter?
Any group of 20 paddlers may make up a team. No more than FOUR paddlers per team can be sports paddlers - ie members of a sports team under CDBA, AusDBF or IDBF.
What about sweeps and drummers?
Dragons Abreast ACT and Canberra Dragon Boat Association will supply drummers and Fully Accredited Sweeps for all teams.
How can I guarantee our team will be able to race?
Once 20 paddlers have registered for a particular team, that team will be confirmed in the race and allocated one of the race slots in the program. Race slots will be allocated on a first come/first served basis until the race is full. Where a complete team of 20 paddlers cannot be achieved from a particular business, corporation or group, composite teams will be formed.
What if I don't have a particular team to enter?
Paddlers who register without nominating a particular team will be accommodated in a composite team.
How will team members know what's happening?
Each team will have a Dragons Abreast Team Liaison Manager to communicate updates and information to the Team Captain (one of your paddlers). Each Team Captain can then communicate race information to the team members.
What if I can't swim?
Any paddler who cannot swim 50 metres lightly clothed is required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when on the water and must make this notation when registering for the race. Loan PFDs will be available for paddlers who have indicated their need for one.
How do I register?
Go to our registration page to register. Payment can be made by cheque to Dragons Abreast ACT, and sent to PO Box 7191 Yarralumla ACT 2600. Please contact the organisers if you would like to make a direct deposit to our account, or pay with cash.
What if I register and then I can't make it on the day?
Once you are registered your fee is non-refundable, however you may arrange a substitute paddler if you notify your DA Team Manager.
How much does it cost?
Entry in the Dragons Abreast ACT Corporate Dragon Boat Challenge is $40 per person or $800 per team. Entry fees, insurances, practice session costs, paddles, (and PFDs for those who cannot swim 50 metres lightly clothed) will be provided by Dragons Abreast. You may wish to encourage your workmates, family and friends to sponsor you for this event. Donations to our national organisation can also be made via this website. Dragons Abreast Australia is a registered charity, and all donations over $2 to Dragons Abreast Australia are tax-deductible.
What if we want to make a single upfront payment for a whole team?
Contact your DA Liaison Team Manager to arrange. In cases where a single payment is received for a whole team a single receipt will be issued to that payee.
What will the donated money be used for?
The monies raised by this race will go towards Dragons Abreast ACT's general running costs; selected cancer Charities in the ACT region; and our national organisation, Dragons Abreast Australia (a registered charity), allowing more women to have access to the dragon boating experience around the country.
What if I can't attend the safety/training session?
All team members are requested to attend their team's training/safety sessions. This ensures that all team members are advised of safety issues relating to participation in the race and to the race venue. Individual paddlers who have paddled in this race in previous years but who are unable to attend the training session agree that they have been apprised of all relevant safety issues. Teams which have trained together prior to the race will invariably paddle more effectively as a team in a race.
What about insurance?
Every participant will be covered by personal accident insurance offered by DAA or CDBA?.
What about parking for the training sessions?
Parking is available as shown on map. Please do not park in the sealed Southern Cross Yacht Club carpark, but use the gravel carpark as indicated.
What do I wear for the training session?
Comfortable clothing which can get wet - eg shorts and Tshirt with non-slip shoes which can get wet. Also wear sunscreen.
What do I bring to the training?
A plastic bottle of drinking water and some dry clothes and shoes to go home in as sometimes clothes get wet from splashing.
How long will the training take?
Every effort will be made to complete the practice session within two hours of commencement.
What do I bring on race day at Lotus Bay?
Again, water to drink, plenty of sunscreen plus comfortable clothes which can get wet. Teams may choose to race in a team shirt, cap or uniform for clearer identification. DO NOT BRING any valuables unless you also bring a friend or family to guard them while you are on the water. No responsibility will be taken by the organisers for paddlers' personal possessions.
