2023 New Paddler Recruitment Program has now CLOSED
The club does however have limited opportunities in specific racing categories. Please contact us for further info.
The best first step into paddling is to come to our Have a Go Day which is held in spring each year (Sep/Oct). No experience is necessary, you just need a base level of fitness, to be comfortable around water and keen to challenge yourself. Mako trains to race in State and National regattas in Premier (<40) and Senior A (40-49) categories.
What is Dragon Boating?
Dragon boating is the ultimate team water sport; involving men, women and mixed racing crews of 20 paddlers + Sweep + Drummer. Competitions are along the NSW east coast and a few regattas in Canberra. The grand finale of the season is the Australian Championships, where the best of 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 to China and NZ always on our radar, there’s much racing to be had.
Training Times
We train three sessions per week. Once you get the basic sorted, we recommend at least 2 sessions per week to build fitness, technique and strength as the club moves forward:
- Wednesday afternoons: 5.30pm arrival, off water by 7:00pm
- Friday mornings: 5.30am arrival, off water by 7:00am
- Sundays: 9am arrival, off water 1030-1045 (and we usually all go for coffee afterwards)
- Racing season (Sept-April) – all 3 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 to have 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. We will however have also been in contact beforehand to confirm the session times and give you all the info you will need.
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 to 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 you will find your strength increases as a direct result of the training.
Paddle Safety
Safety is our number one priority and all sessions are conducted by experienced coaches with first-aid training. Everyone is given a safety briefing before they can take part in their first dragon boat paddle session. We will train regardless of rain (it’s a water sport), however, our coaching team will always assess the weather conditions to ensure they are suitable before commencing a paddling session.
How Much?
There is no charge for our Have a Go Day. Club members are required to pay a membership and association fee, which covers your public liability insurance, equipment, coaching, and the national platform under which we race. Members also purchase their own race tops and paddles. The club also sells branded merchandise such as t-shirts, training tops, hoodies and hats.