Page 4 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 150

4 Issue #150 July 2025 www.sportsenergynews.com

The Dragonboat Club is getting Ready for the

Cornwall Waterfest festival

By Christine Ouellet boats will cover the 200-meter
distance in roughly 80 paddle strokes.
ragonboat paddling is The organizers expect approximately
Dexhilarating. For those who 20 teams, with three competing
love being on the water, Dragonboat against each other simultaneously.
racing offers a unique opportunity to To achieve this perfect, frenzied
surpass yourself, to go beyond your
choreography, each paddler has a
capacity, work as a team, and cross role based on their skills and position.
the finish line with an immense sense The lead stroke at the front sets the
of accomplishment.
rhythm for others to follow, while
On August 9th, Cornwall Waterfest the other member of the pair echoes
will feature the 200-meter Dragon that rhythm on their side of the boat.
Boat race, known as the Sprint Behind them, each paddler tries to
Race. It is the shortest Dragonboat match the one in front. Paddlers’
race distance; others include 500m, strength and skill are considered
1000m, and 2000m. The race will when assigning positions. For
test the team’s synchronization and example, the largest and strongest
control of the paddle stroke, fending paddlers sit in the middle seats,
off the water with ferocious power, known as the engine room, while
at full speed. In less than one minute, the best technical paddlers are at

Eric Wheeler showing the paddling stroke as it is hitting the water.
Photo Christine Ouellet
the back. However, every paddler is is contagious. I spoke to many
expected to give their best, strongest members of the club who have led
stroke. amazing paths, competing around the
The other important team members world. Paddling is very friendly for
are the drummer, who sets the cadence people over fifty, and I was told that
that guides the paddlers, marking the women do particularly well. Silvana
beat; and the steersperson, standing Ursini has been an avid paddler for
at the rear, who is responsible for years. She started in Ottawa and for
directing the boat’s course, going many years paddled on rivers, such
straight, or initiating turns. as the Rideau, with Duke and Dame,
Would you like to dip your paddle Ditch the Oar, before the pandemic.

☛ into the world of dragon boating and She is now paddling for Cornwall

☛
race? I had the opportunity to step and has been a Dragonboat crew
onto the boat with the training crew, member in the last two Waterfest

and I loved it. Festivals. She is looking forward to
Canoe lovers beware, this passion the next Waterfest Festival.