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Australian Capital Territory
PO Box 7191 Yarralumla ACT 2600
tel: 1300 889 566
ACTregion@dragonsabreast.com.au (Regional Representative)
or canberra@dragonsabreast.com.au

pdf downloadable/printable version 23kbsFrequently Asked Questions

Please click on a question to view the answer.

I wonder……..

When I join Dragons Abreast ACT what do I belong to?
You belong to Dragons Abreast ACT and Region (DA ACT), Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA), Canberra Dragon Boat Association (CDBA) and Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF) www.ausdbf.com.au. CDBA also require that all members are financial members of the Canberra Southern Cross Club as we use their facilities.
Who determines membership fees?
Your membership fees are determined by the Canberra Dragon Boat Association (CDBA) and DA ACT. The CDBA set their fees for the season and it includes $5 per person for membership to AusDBF, DAA ACT add an amount onto this, to cover the team membership to DA Australia (our national body) and costs involved in running DA ACT and maintaining GoAnna.
Who makes the rules?
All organisations have rules. Dragon boating is one of the fastest growing sports and so is constantly developing. This is a hierarchy starting at the top, which looks like this.

IDBF (International Dragon Boat Federation) http://www.idbf.org/".

 

AusDBF – Australian Dragon Boat Association

(Each state and territory has a Dragon Boat body, making up AusDBF)

 

Canberra Dragon Boat Association (CDBA) AND Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA)

DA ACT and Region

Regattas are mainly run under the IDBF race rules but each state body has its own set of rules that cover their particular circumstance. For example in Victoria everyone has to wear a PFD all the time, we only have that rule in winter but in Victoria it is a maritime rule and has to complied with.

In major regattas you must have a legal paddle but in local regattas it is not obligatory. So you need to look at the rules of the regatta before you compete. Every regatta is slightly different depending on what type it is and where it is held.
What is a legal paddle?
All dragon boat paddles have to have a license number, they also have life expectancy. IDBF set out the specifications and regulations governing dragon boat racing, for all equipment, including paddles, boats seat paddling, gloves, crew composition everything. They have a list of legal paddles and recognized paddle manufacturers. Regatta instructions will advise you of the requirements regarding paddles. So if you are racing in an AusDBF sanctioned race (major regatta) you need to make sure that your paddle has the correct license number. When buying a new paddle make sure it is made by an accepted manufacturer and meets the current requirements.

Paddles are made of wood, carbon fibre /wood mix or carbon fibre. They vary in cost: wood is the cheapest and the easiest to maintain and are around $80 , carbon fibre can cost anything from around the $200 to $300. Carbon fibre is lighter but less flexible and not as durable as the wooden paddles.

How do I become a sweep?

The Sweep is responsible for the safety of both the crew and the boat. Anyone can become a sweep. Sweeping a dragon boat is not just about steering the boat, it is about Being in Control of the boat. That is maneuvering the boat by use of not only the sweep oar but also by using the crew.

It also means being able to direct the crew to manage the boat in all conditions and in some cases the weather and water conditions are not dragon boat friendly – lots of fun, but a lot of hard work for the sweep. AusDBF have Sweep accreditation scheme which sets out the basic responsibilities and requirements for the sweeps.

An apprentice sweep is mentored by an experienced sweep while they are learning. Once a sweep has learnt to manage the boat with a full crew, the apprentice sweep can present for sweep accreditation. This involves both theory and practical tests. The theory is a multi choice question sheet and the practical exam is a demonstration on water by the sweep that they are in control of both crew and the boat.

When the sweep passes both the theory and practical exams they then are provisionally accredited until they sweep 4 sports teams over 2 regattas (without incident) when they become fully accredited and then can sweep social teams as well as sports teams in regattas and must sweep 4 races per season.

What is a Provisional sweep?
She’s a sweep in training who has gained the required skills and competence to present for an accreditation assessment. This assessment involves theory and practical tests to demonstrate that they are not only able to control the boat but also the crew as well; and can manoeuvre a boat safely under a variety of weather conditions with full, or part, crews.

Basically, they are on their Ps and have restrictions on who they can sweep. To move from provisional accreditation to full accreditation they must successfully complete four races over two or more regattas sweeping sport teams (they cannot sweep social teams in a regatta until they are fully accredited). After gaining full accreditation they must sweep four races every year to maintain that accreditation. This is an AusDBF accreditation and lasts three years, after which they need to be retested. Learner sweeps cannot be in control of a boat without an accredited sweep on board.
How do I become an accredited Coach?
AusDBF run a Accredited Level 1 Coaching Course – Dragon Boat specific which is run by DBNSW (Dragon Boat NSW) several times through the year. The course is approved by the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme. The coaches must attend the course and meet the practical requirements.

The practical component involves planning and analysing a series of training sessions (20), having 5 sessions monitored by another coach. A training schedule for a specific period must be produced and submitted along with the reviewed training sessions.
I'm entered into a regatta, and I haven't competed in one before, what do I need to know?
Please thoroughly read this document, written by Robyne Kellett, which gives all information you'll need on regatta day (click!).
How do I subscribe to the ACT Dragons email list?
To subscribe to the list, send a message to: actdragons-subscribe@dragonsabreast.com.au

 To remove your address from the list, just send a message to the address in the 'List-Unsubscribe' header of any list message. If you haven't changed addresses since subscribing, you can also send a message to: actdragons-unsubscribe@dragonsabreast.com.au.
What is a 'skins' event?
This is a very exciting form of racing. It is an elimination race. 

For example:

  • 4 boats race over 200 metres,
  • the last one drops out,
  • They turn, paddle back to the start within a specified time frame, line up and race again, they can hit the start line moving and the turns at the finish can get quite tight. 
  • The last one drops out etc
  • The go is not to be first every race but not to come last and then hammer in the final. It ends up being a lot of paddling and usually you need to be fit and train for it a bit, but it is very exciting to watch.
Where can I find Dragons Abreast ACT training times?
Training times are listed on this website .
How can I give extra assistance to Dragons Abreast, outside of being there for training, etc.?
You can offer to assist at local regattas, you could offer to become part of the DAA ACT Committee (Annual General Meetings are held in October of each year), to serve on the CDBA Committee, or offer your services for boat maintenance, etc. You could take photographs at events, you could offer to organise participation in local or state regattas, and of course your assistance is always needed at our Annual Dragons Abreast Challenge. Voluntary organisations are never short of jobs to do! Please contact the Coordinator at canberra@dragonsabreast.com.au for more information.
Why do we need to support the national association?
Dragons Abreast Australia is our national body, and have responsibility for protecting the good reputation of DAA and for assisting new teams to get off the ground. They have normal expenses associated with running an organisation, such as stationery, postage, printing, administration costs and maintaining this website. Dragons Abreast Australia receives no government funding, and must pursue sponsorship and fundraising in order to bring the magic of dragonboat racing to our members.
Where can I find a Calendar of Events?
There are two Calendars of relevance on this website - the Events page, and the National Calendar of Events.
When I am in the boat, am I covered by insurance?
Once you have filled in a CDBA Temporary Membership form, you are covered by personal accident insurance for three (3) dragonboat sessions. When you become a full member of CDBA, by completing a Membership Form and paying the membership fee, you are covered by CDBA insurance. For events ourtside of the ACT, you may be covered by insurance by virtue of membership of AusDBF (Australian Dragon Boat Federation) but we strongly suggest you check the conditions of entry for each event.
Are pfds (personal flotation devices) compulsory?
Pfds are compulsory if you are unable to swim 50 metres in the clothes that you wear on the boat. We recommend that you use a pfd if you feel more comfortable doing so. Pfds are compulsory after dark (CDBA ruling) and for DAA ACT in the winter months (between June and September). Please note that pfds are compulsory at all times in Victoria, and also at many international events.
What do I wear for training sessions?
Comfortable clothing which can get wet - eg shorts and Tshirt with non-slip shoes which can get wet. Also wear sunscreen.
What do I bring to training?
A plastic bottle of drinking water and some dry clothes and shoes to go home in as sometimes clothes get wet from splashing.
How long is each training session?
Participants are requested to be at lakeside half an hour before the paddling commences. This is to give everyone a chance to warm up (an important part of the session - see "Why you should warm up before training"), catch up with friends, fill your water bottle, and assist in putting the boat into the water. After most sessions we have coffee or a cold drink at the Yacht Club, and a chat. The social aspect of Dragons Abreast is as important as the exercise benefit.
What do I bring on race days?
Again, water to drink, plenty of sunscreen plus comfortable clothes which can get wet. As we are part of a team, and we like to look good on the water, the team racing shirt is recommended. Bring a snack, or a small amount of cash to buy something from the food stall. DO NOT BRING any valuables unless you also bring a friend or family to guard them while you are on the water. No responsibility will be taken by the organisers for paddlers' personal possessions.
Does Dragons Abreast ACT have a Code of Conduct?
Yes, please click here to read.

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