Get in the boat!

Are you ready to paddle a dragon boat? We're out on the water year-round, and we'd love to have you join us for a practice session - rain or shine.

If you want more information about what to expect, read on below for answers to frequently asked questions.

What's provided?

We've got the basics covered:

PFDs - personal flotation devices (PFDs) are required for everyone in the boat. We have PFDs available, but you're also welcome to wear your own if you have one already!
Paddles - we have a variety of paddles ready to go, so we can set you up with a size that should work well for you.
Boats - the Olympia Dragon Boat Club is lucky to have two boats available. Depending on the day, and how many paddlers we have, we'll use one or the other (or maybe even both)!
Fabulous company - we don't want to brag, but our club members are kinda the best. You'll be welcomed aboard by friendly paddlers who will be glad to show you the ropes.

What should you bring?

Here's our checklist of things to consider for your practice session.

There's not a lot of room for personal items in the boat, so please bring only what's needed. We'll have a dry bag available for small items you don't want to get wet but encourage paddlers to "travel light" for practice. 😉

Water bottle - bring your own water bottle so you can hydrate when we take breaks!
Weather-appropriate clothing - we practice year-round, and that means we see ALL THE WEATHER. We suggest checking the weather report for your practice day so that you can plan accordingly.
- Warm weather - wear comfy clothes that will breathe and allow you a full range of motion.
  - Sun block is your friend.
  - Hats and sunglasses are great accessories on the water.
  - Sandals or other water shoes that won't slide off your feet are ideal.
- Cold weather - stay cozy, but remember you'll probably warm up as you paddle. Many of our members dress like they would for a hike.
  - Hats and scarves are a great option, as they can be easily adjusted if/when you warm up.
  - Wear shoes that'll keep your feet dry.
- Wet weather - it's not called "the Evergreen State" for nothing... but we're not afraid of a little rain!
  - Nothing beats some good rain gear. During the rainy months, you'll spot many of our members throwing lightweight rain shells on over their workout clothes as an easy way to stay dry.
  - Waterproof boots or neoprene socks can make a world of difference on the soggy days!
  - Wool or neoprene gloves can be great, too, so long as you can still grip your paddle.
  - Throw a dry sweater in the car so you can change after practice if needed (you'll thank us later).
"Dad jokes" - it's a time-honored tradition in our boat to tell a joke when we take a break at the halfway point of practice. For reasons we cannot explain, this club really loves a good knock-knock joke, a cheesy punchline, or a groan-worthy pun. (Just keep it family friendly, thanks!)

What will we actually DO during practice?

We'll start by checking to be sure that everyone is geared up (paddles, PFDs), and then we'll load the boat. Since we're all in one long boat together, we'll move people around a bit to get the balance where we want it, so that we can cruise through the water!
Once we're away from the dock, the captain will take over. Depending on tides and wind, we'll paddle out to enjoy the day.
Sometimes, we'll try out some race starts! Other days, we'll work on stamina, paddling slow-and-steady for a duration of time. It all depends on the day, and who shows up for the practice! The key is always to have fun on the water.
We typically paddle for around 30 minutes (don't worry, you can take a break any time), before we switch sides and paddle back. All in all, we're usually paddling on the water for around 1 hour.
When we get back to the dock, we unload people and gear, secure the boats, and head home with smiles on our faces.

How much does it cost?

Nothing! We welcome and encourage all new paddlers to come out and give this a try.

If you fall in love with dragon boat, you can join the club - and we really hope that you do! Check out our membership page for more details about joining the Olympia Dragon Boat Club as a member.