Irish Dragon Boat Mayo Crew Helm Training Day April 2023

Apr,2023

Irish Dragon Boat Federation Crew Helm Award – Saturday, 15th April 2023

The training day was given by Julie Doyle – Chairman, Irish Dragon Boat Association, www.dragonboat.ie The trainee helms learned loads and spent an enjoyable day with Julie Doyle. Saturdays course commenced at 9am and the trainee helms had two paddling sessions with Julie (training and testing). The course was finished with a controlled capsize. Well done to the brave souls that volunteered to do the capsize. We have lots of photos of the day.

Trainee helms will now take the opportunity to put their new skills to use over the next few weeks. The first session on Tuesday evening’s and the second session on Saturday’s will be a leisure/social paddle and these sessions will be allocated for the new trainee helms (under supervision).

The course was supported by Mayo Sports Partnership and lunch was provided by Lough Lannagh Holiday Village. A big thanks also to Mayo Civil Defence.

A Note from Louise Killeen to members

Hi All, thank you all so much for taking part/helping out today. It was a very successful day for the club.
We have to say … the paddling was very good and the helming was excellent. We are so proud of you all. Louise Killeen

View More photos in Gallery

Upcoming Helm Training Day in Castlebar

Apr,2023

APRIL 15th 2023 : Julie Doyle from IDBA is due in Lough Lannagh to do helm training with 4 members and to sign off 2 previously trained helms.

This course was made possible by Mayo Sports Partnership, who we are very grateful to for their sponsorship of the training.

(More Photos to come after the event)

Volunteers Wanted

Mar,2023

Castlebar St Patricks Parade 2023

The theme for the Castlebar St. Patrick’s Parade 2023 is: ‘Castlebar Our All Inclusive Town’. This is to celebrate the progress being made in turning Castlebar into an Autism Friendly Town.

This year the Parade will include a Quiet Street section where those with with additional sensory needs can enjoy the parade.

We are looking for Volunteers who would be willing to help out for a couple of hours on St. Patrick’s Day to Steward/Marshal this section of the Parade route.

The Parade commences at 2.00pm from An Sportlann, while the Quiet Street section will be situated at Chapel St.

If you have a couple hours to spare on St. Patrick’s Day please register your interest on: https://bit.ly/3ZjGgtN or contact me directly.

Kind regards,

Vincent McHale
Placement Officer
Mayo Volunteer Centre
Tel: 087 7555899
Email: vincent@volunteermayo.ie

Dragon Boat Race Start Fit for Various Teams

Jan,2023

The purpose of a start in dragon boat racing is to increase the speed of the dragon boat during the beginning of the race so the team can settle into a race pace.

Generally the stroke rate during the middle and end of a start will be the high. The follow describes the stroke rate and power of the 5-15 (or 5-5-10) start.

For all types of teams, the key to a start is paddling together at the same time while increasing the boat speed.

First 5 – Deep, Long, Strong, and Powerful Strokes

The first five strokes are to get the boat moving from a stationary position. They are slow, powerful strokes that are deep in the water.

Second 5 – Increasing Stroke Rate

The next five strokes should be slightly faster than the first five to accelerate the boat and get it sitting higher in the water.

Fast 10 – High Stroke Rate

The next ten strokes should even faster in rate than the last 10 and possibly a shorter catch and bring up the boat speed close to the race speed.

5 Transition Strokes After the 20 Start strokes

After the 20 start strokes, there should be a transition period of slower, farther reaching strokes. 5 is a good number.

After the transition, the team can settle into a race pace consisting of long and strong strokes.

Table Description of the 5-15 Start with 5 stroke Transition

Article by Justin Tung

https://justintung.com/2011/06/20/dragon-boat-race-start-fit-for-various-teams-5-15/