Adapt2play

Click HERE to register online

Summary

Veterans and Civilians with physical disabilities are welcome to join our “Team Blue” Adaptive Dragon Boat Team!

Description

This Dragon Boat Team is provided in collaboration with Adaptive Adventures, Ability 360 Sport and Fitness and Arizona Dragon Boat Association. If you are interested in being part of the fastest growing watersport, enjoy being part of a team, are willing to commit to training and competing this may be the sport for you.  No water or paddling experience is necessary, but a commitment to your team, training, fun, and adventure IS. We invite you to register for the Team Blue dragon boat family! The team meets Mondays at Tempe Town Lake Marina at 6:15 pm and practice lasts until around 8:30 pm.

What is Dragon Boat Racing?

Dragon Boating, a sport founded in China over 2000 years ago, started as an international sport in 1976 in Hong Kong and has worldwide participation of over 50 million competitors.  Dragon boats are fast and powerful recognized for the camaraderie, strength, and endurance fostered amongst the team. 

The crew for the Hong Kong class dragon boat is typically 22, made up of 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow (front) of the boat, 1 "drummer" or "caller" at the bow facing toward the paddlers creates the heartbeat and rhythm of the boat, and 1 sweep (steerer) standing at the rear of the boat controlling its track.

Benefits of Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon Boat racing is a fun team-building activity and participating in a dragon boat event can benefit warriors, family, caregivers, and others in numerous ways. Dragon Boating creates an inclusive environment. People of all ages and fitness levels can participate. The nature of the sport emphasizes unity and working together. Driving towards the finish line produces energy, enthusiasm, and motivation. Paddlers communicate by cheering each other on. The sport encourages leaders to move to the forefront. Twenty paddlers in one boat = increased camaraderie. 

Dragon boat races feature an exhilarating combination of premier sports competition in concert with an entertainment showcase for corporations, community organizations, and families.  This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of representing warriors and disabled veterans and their supporters.

Expect to progress in your skills learning how to paddle efficiently and effectively with your new unit, into phases of endurance, and taking this new fitness and family into your at-home life. Together, we will learn how to improve our fitness, canoe stroke, power, and ability to feel the hull of that dragon boat move with speed and stealth.  

You will need to sign a contract of commitment for the season that states you will be able to attend 90% of the sessions. 

To Attend a Dragon Boat Practice, please contact: Michele Laye Email: [email protected]

For Questions please contact Michele Laye (Board Member, Arizona Dragon Boat Association) at: [email protected]