The 2024-25 Paddler Recruitment Program has now OPENED.
Mako trains to race in State and National regattas in Premier (<40) and Senior A (40-49) categories. While no experience is necessary, you need a base fitness level as training sessions usually run for 1-1.5 hours.
Your first step is to email our friendly Registrar or message us via our Facebook page.
What is Dragon Boating?
This ancient sport is the ultimate team water experience, involving men, women and mixed racing crews of 20 paddlers + Sweep + Drummer. The season’s grand finale is the Australian Championships, where the best fight it out on the water for National Titles. Also up for grabs is qualification for the World Club Crew Championships overseas every two years, which, given some time, we are chasing, too. With paddling trips overseas always on our radar, there’s much racing to be had.
Training Times
Starting in September, we train three sessions per week. Once you get the basics sorted, we recommend at least 2 sessions per week to build fitness, technique and strength as the club moves forward:
- Wednesday afternoons: 5.30 pm arrival, off the water by 7:00 pm
- Friday mornings: 5.30 am arrival, off the water by 7:00 am
- Sundays: 9 am arrival, off water 1030-1045 (and we usually all go for coffee afterwards)
- Racing season (Sept-April) – all three sessions
- Off-season (Winter) – Sundays only
What to Bring
Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, shoes/crocs, insect repellent, change of clothes if we head out for a coffee or beer after training. We recommend wearing gym-style clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. We will provide you with a paddle and all the instructions you need for a great session.
Location
The Mako boats are located at the Woollamia Boat Ramp paddle launch area (down the path beside the boat ramp). There will usually be Mako’s about wandering over to the session. However, we will also contact you beforehand to confirm the session times and give you all the necessary information.
Fitness Level
There is an assumption that dragon boat paddlers are all familiar with some form of strength training (gym, bodyweight push-ups, etc.) and cardio fitness (basic jogging, cycling, sport). The stronger and fitter you are will enable you to master the technique and see gains faster. Dragon boating uses muscles in very different combinations from most other sports, and the main focus is the power-to-weight ratio and the ability to apply power to the blade efficiently under the water. As the season progresses, your strength will increase due to the training.
Paddle Safety
Safety is our top priority, and all sessions are conducted by experienced coaches with first-aid training. Everyone is given a safety briefing before participating in their first dragon boat paddle session. We will train regardless of rain (it’s a water sport); however, our coaching team will continually assess the weather conditions to ensure they are suitable before commencing a paddling session.
How Much?
There is no charge for your first few sessions. Club members must pay a membership and association fee, which covers their public liability insurance, equipment, coaching, and the national platform under which they race. Members also purchase their race tops and paddles. The club also sells branded merchandise such as t-shirts, training tops, hoodies and hats.
