The Nanaimo Paddling Centre is encouraging people to enter the dragon and take up dragonboating.
The non-profit is recruiting paddlers of all skill levels, from novice to veteran, who seek coaching, a team environment, and an opportunity to paddle in Nanaimo's scenic harbour, according to a press release. Two programs are being offered, with potential for three.
Otter Madness is available for those with little paddling experience and is intended to teach dragonboat basics. Training takes place Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-7 p.m. with races at Sproat Lake.
For those with some dragonboating experience, Nusa'lon Dragons is a competitive program for those who seek to refine their skills and compete across B.C. Paddlers practise on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. Races include the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival, at Maffeo Sutton Park, July 12-13.
Hydra Fury, a high-performance program, is for elite paddlers focused on top-tier training and competition, the press release added. Training is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Sundays from 10-11:30 a.m. Races mirror those of the Nusa'lon Dragons.
While teams are currently comprised of women, a co-ed team (Hydra Force Mixed Team) will be formed if enough men join.
"We’re looking to expand our teams and welcome both women and men to the sport," said Holly Wylie, paddling centre operations manager and head coach, in the release. "With the right mix of paddlers, we can introduce a strong co-ed program to the Nanaimo paddling community."
Equipment is provided and anyone interested in joining is asked to send an e-mail to nanaimopaddlingcentre@shaw.ca.
For more information, visit www.nanaimopaddlingcentre.ca.
