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Free paddling lessons next two Sundays

Sunshine Coast Dragon Boat Club
dragon boats
Try out dragon boating May 19 and May 26 at the MacKenzie Marina on Porpoise Bay starting at 11 a.m.

The Sunshine Coast Dragon Boat Club is offering learn-to-paddle sessions on May 19 and 26 for all adults aged 18 and over who would like to try this fun team sport. 

Participants may come to one or both sessions, which will be held at the MacKenzie Marina on Porpoise Bay starting at 11 a.m. 

Offered by experienced local dragon boat coaches, the lessons are free, and all equipment is provided. All you need to bring is a water bottle and clothing that you’re not worried about getting a bit wet. 

“We’re offering these sessions because we hope more people will get involved in our club. It’s a great way to get fit, learn new skills, meet other active people and spend time on the water during our beautiful summers on the Coast,” said club president Beth Callahan. 

The Coast is home to four dragon boat teams, which all hold their practices in Porpoise Bay. Three teams are competitive and one is recreational. Information will be available about all of the teams, along with an invitation to sign up for one if you’re so inclined after trying out the sport. 

Throughout the summer each team practises twice a week, offering daytime, evening and weekend slots to accommodate people’s schedules. Paddlers work on developing technique and learning how to race with their teams at regattas. Many team members meet informally after practices at a local café or pub to debrief on paddling and life in general.

Team members participate in two fun local regattas held on Porpoise Bay during the season, which ends in late September. The three competitive teams also sign up for other regattas throughout southern British Columbia during the summer. 

Whether or not you’ve ever held a paddle or been in a self-propelled boat before, the club welcomes you to come and try out dragon boating! It may be the best gift you give yourself this summer. 

During Active Trans-portation Month, the club encourages people to bike or carpool to get to the marina. 

Sign up for the sessions by email at scdbcmanager@gmail.com. Include your phone number in case of last-minute time changes. The club also posts news updates on its Facebook page.

– By Ellen Adelberg