Log in

About

THE CLUB

Geelong Dragon Boat Club Inc. operated under the Model Rules of Incorporation, Victora.  We are comprised of like minded people that enjoy competition, fitness and social functions. 

Membership is accepted from 12 years of age.                          

The club is involved in local, regional, state, and national competition with the opportunity for involvement in occasional international competition.

The commitment is for the individual to assess but regular participation is valued by the club.  

Training continues all year round with instruction from qualified coaches.

THE MISSION

To foster and strive for fitness, team work and encourage success in competition.

To maintain a cohesive, supportive and friendly environment.

To raise awareness of Dragon boating in the community.

To encourage juniors into the sport.

MUTUAL RESPECT

All members have a right to train in a secure, friendly and respectful environment.

The club aims to meet paddlers expectations and maintain harmony.  

Appropriate behaviour is required by all members in respecting each others differences.

The club does not tolerate bullying or aggressive behaviour or any actions that put the paddlers or boat at risk.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Sun Safe- recommended that you wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.

Fluids- recommended that a drink be carried at training sessions.

Snakes- be aware of possible snakes in hot weather.

Swimming- if swimming from the launching area be aware that there are numerous large rocks off the edge. DO NOT DIVE.

Cold Weather- Paddlers are expected to dress appropriately and thermals are recommended.

A Personal Floatation Device is to be worn at all times in the boat.  This is a legal requirement.

If identified that a new member cannot swim the coach will discuss a follow up strategy with that person.

Dragon boating is an alcohol and drug free sport.  Any person having partaken of alcohol or drugs on the day will not be permitted in the boat.

TRAINING SESSIONS

Training sessions commence  Saturdays  9.00am,  Wednesday 4.30 pm  winter and 5.00 summer.

 All members are expected to arrive on time to warm up, prepare and launch boat. 

It is important to know how many are in attendance for decisions on how many boats to launch and to arrange seating.

While it is acknowledged that a member may be delayed occasionally adherence to this policy facilitates efficiency of sessions for all. 

All paddlers are expected to help with launching and retrieval of boats as well as preparing,  cleaning and stowing of boats. 

 If you are unable to do heavy lifting please give assistance in the lighter duties.

There are extra duties that arise around regattas, including volunteering and members will be rostered to assist with these.

On the water the Sweep has legal responsibility for the boat and crew and will be in control.  

The coach of the day, will direct the training and liase with the Sweep.  Individual paddlers and the team will benefit from accepting instruction and direction from the coaches.

When in the boat, if you have a training query direct it to the coach,  otherwise direct questions to the Sweep. 

If you have a grievance or concern,  approach a member of the committee to discuss.

 If an issue or concern cannot be satisfactorily addressed in the initial contact then the committee will meet to discuss and resolve, and the member who raised the issue can be included or not, as they wish.  

Participation in competition requires reasonable attendance at training sessions. 

Some necessary rules for in the boat that will facilitate safety and enjoyment for everyone-

  1. Do not move from your allocated seat without the Sweeps direction or approval.   Undue movement destabilises  the boat.
  2. 'Paddles flat' will be adhered too by all crew in any movements within the boat or when instructed by the Sweep.
  3. During specific training exercises all crew are to maintain silence i.e. during race starts, races, on the hard paddle section of a pyramid.  Save your breath for full effort and the silence is required so that instructions can be heard by all.  While we like a bit of fun in our sessions there also needs to be some discipline to get benefit from training.
  4. Refrain from giving technique instruction to other members including new members, this is the coaches job.   All new paddlers will be assigned a mentor to assist them.
  5. In the interests of maintaining harmony and a friendly atmosphere only positive or constructive comments are acceptable. 
  6. For safety the Sweep will direct loading and unloading procedure.  As you step into or out of the boat use assistance and sit in the middle until a buddy is with you.
  7. Roll over drill- once the boat is loaded a ’number off’ is required.  Sweep and left hand Stroke will make note of total.    In the event of a roll-over, all paddlers are to remain by the boat and remain calm while a number check is performed and then follow Sweeps direction.    If the Sweep is incapacitated the left hand Stroke will direct the check.                                                                        Procedure-  the person immediately to the Sweeps (or Strokes) left is to call ‘one’ and then each paddler calls in sequence according to where they are in the water ending with the person on Sweeps right and the Sweep.   NOTE if you end up under the boat, it will not sink, there are air pockets, if you are not confident of ducking out,  knock on hull and someone will come for you.    Render first aid as needed.

BOAT LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVAL

Moving the boats in a safe manner is a responsibility for all members and requires team work and direction.

Either ONE of the coaches or a sweep will direct.

  1.  ALL members need to assist to their ability, place your paddle in the floor of the boat against the angled side and take hold of the boat.
  2. When launching keep a firm hold of the boat as you go down the slope and stop just before  the rollers.
  3. Place the chocks in front of the wheels.
  4. Check the river is clear and push the boat off.

RETRIEVING

  1. Check that the trolley is in place with chocks behind the wheels. 
  2. Everyone line up ready to take hold of the boat as it comes in.
  3. One person with the front rope is to pull the boat along the concrete landing until tail is about half boat length from roller.
  4. A second person pushes the tail of the boat out into the river.
  5. Person holding the front rope then moves  to the roller quickly with the nose of the boat- thus thus lining boat up at right angle to landing.
  6. Then the boat is fed up over the roller with members joining in as they get room to get a hold on boat. 
  7. Line bench 5 up over the wheels and remove chocks ready to move up the hill.
  8. On the command everyone haul away up hill.