WHERE AND WHEN DO YOU TRAIN?
We meet in Carlow Town Park, Sleaty Road, Carlow. We train on Saturdays @ 8.15am and Sundays @ 8.45am. During the summer months we have an additional training session on a Wednesday evening @ 6pm.
DO YOU HAVE A TRIAL MEMBERSHIP?
Full membership of the club is open to any person over the age of 18 years. Junior Membership is available to those aged 16+ (juniors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian). We offer those wishing to try out dragon boating two free sessions. If you then wish to become a member, this can be arranged through the club secretary. Membership is €200 per year for adults and €100 for juniors.
If you wish to come along and have a try, please contact us
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
You don’t need any equipment to try it out as you will be given a buoyancy aid and paddle for the session. It is best to wear clothes that allow you to move freely. Avoid “plant” based materials such as cotton or linen (especially jeans) as they tend to hold water when wet. Bring a rain jacket if you have one and a change of clothes as we tend to splash a bit when learning how to paddle! A small bottle of water is also a good idea – paddling is a form of exercise, so it is best to stay hydrated.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BOAT CAPSIZES – DO I HAVE TO BE A STRONG SWIMMER?
The boat is very stable and is unlikely to capsize. The helm pairs people of equal weight and ensures the boat is well balanced before taking the boat out. The helms are all trained to a high standard (Irish Dragon Boat Association) and are very capable. In the unlikely event of a capsize, the buoyancy aid will keep you afloat and enable you to reach the dockside. Once a year, the coach organizes a planned capsize drill to give people a chance to experience what it is like.
WHO COACHES THE TEAM?
Head Coach is Julie Doyle, Chairman of the Irish Dragon Boat Association. Julie has over 25 years of experience in the sport and and represented Great Britain for 16 years. As a BDA Level 4 coach Julie has a wealth of experience and knowledge. In addition there are a number of experienced members of the team that also coach and lead the training sessions
WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION?
Medical conditions must be notified to the trainer and on the club application form.
For those who are breast cancer survivors have lymphodema a compression sleeve should be worn when paddling. We take the approach that each person is responsible for their own well-being; if you feel you cannot take part in a full training session, please let the trainer know.