Discover the ancient tradition of Dragon Boat Racing with our Health and Fitness courses in Sydney!
Make the most Sydney Harbour's stunning surrounds by getting out on the water with our introductory Dragon Boating course.
Dragon Boating is a fast and furious paddle-driven water sport that originated in China over 2,000 years ago. Today, it's one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
This course is an introduction to the exhilirating sport of dragon boat racing, on the waters of Sydney's scenic Iron Cove, home of the Bay Run.
Participants will love the wide-reaching benefits of this course:
- Experiencing a Unique Sport: Dragon boat racing offers a distinctive blend of physical exertion, teamwork, and cultural heritage, providing an unforgettable experience for participants
- Fitness and Wellness: Engaging in dragon boat racing is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen core muscles, and enhance overall physical health
- Team-Building: Participants will learn the importance of communication, trust, and synchronisation within a team, which are valuable personal and life skills
- Cultural Appreciation: Students will have the opportunity to participate in a sport rooted in ancient Chinese folklore and tradition
If you enjoy keeping fit, being part of a fantastic team, being out on the water, and having fun- then this is the course for you!
By the end of this Dragon Boating for Beginners course, participants should be able to:
Demonstrate Proficiency in Dragon Boat Paddling;
- Execute basic paddling techniques with precision
- Apply learned strokes for efficient movement through the water
Display Effective Teamwork and Communication;
- Work harmoniously within a team of fellow paddlers, exhibiting synchronised movements and clear communication.
- Understand the importance of coordination and teamwork for successful racing.
Gain an Understanding of Safety Awareness and Protocol;
- Demonstrate knowledge of safety measures and protocols when participating in dragon boating
- Gain confidence entering and exiting the water
Apply Race Strategy and Tactics;
- Apply race strategies and an understanding of when to conserve energy and when to exert maximum effort.
Deepen Cultural Appreciation;
- Gain an understanding of the significance of dragon boat racing within Chinese tradition.
Improve Physical Fitness;
- Enhance cardiovascular endurance, core strength, and overall physical health through regular training and practice.
By the end of this course, participants will not only have acquired the necessary skills to participate in dragon boat racing but will also have experienced the camaraderie and sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering this dynamic and culturally rich sport.
What will be covered in this Dragon Boating for Beginners course?
Week 1-2: Introduction to Dragon Boat Racing
- Safety protocols and equipment introduction.
- Basic strokes and techniques for efficient paddling.
- Teamwork and dragonboat calls and commands.
Week 3: Technique Development
- Refinement of paddling techniques.
- Introduction to race strategies.
- Drills to build stamina and teamwork.
Week 4: Simulated Races and Team Dynamics
- Practice races to apply learned techniques.
- Emphasis on effective team coordination and synchronisation.
- Review of individual and group performance for improvement.
Who is this Dragon Boating course for?
This course is for complete beginners, or for those who have some experience with Dragon Boating and would like to brush up on their skills.
This course is open to individuals of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Participants should have a basic level of physical fitness and be able to confidently swim 50 metres.
Please note: participants must be age 18 or over.
FFB Dragon Boat Club
Canal Road, Lilyfield NSW 2040.
(Under the Lilyfield Road Footbridge, 200m from Le Montage – approx. 9-minute walk from Leichhardt North Light Rail)
The club’s training site offers direct access to the calm waters of Iron Cove, providing a safe and ideal environment for paddlers of all levels.
Please note:
- On-site parking is limited. Street parking is available along Canal Road, Maliyawul Street and surrounding streets,
- Suitable clothes to paddle in (for example, a t-shirt/singlet and gym/bike shorts). We recommend a rashie in the cooler months.
- Enclosed shoes must be worn. Please wear shoes you don't mind getting wet, such as Crocs, old runners, or any water shoes.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- A hair scrunchie or clip if you have longer hair.
- A change of clothes (you will get wet!)
- A water bottle
- A towel
Please note: Paddles and life jackets are provided.
- All sport/recreation classes are active, and therefore you must bring to the attention of the tutor any physical or health-related impairment that may affect your safety.
- In the event of inclement weather, specifically high wind or risk of thunderstorms, sessions may be cancelled. If this occurs, you will be contacted via email and the session rescheduled.
- Please note: It is the mission of Sydney Community College to provide quality, accessible education, and training. Our commitment to improving the quality of all courses we offer is ongoing and extends to ensuring the safety of all our students. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any physical impairment that might impact participation in the course.
