Paddlers

• 18 – 20 paddling at any given time.
• Responsible for keeping a quiet and focused boat.
• Responsible for listening to and following instructions quickly.

Steersperson

• Sets the path the boat is to take.
• Responsible for the safe operation of the dragon boat.
• Knows the correct boat crew commands to call out.
• Ensures safety equipment is on the boat.
• Is the person, ultimately, in control of the boat.
• Once away from the dock, the steersperson will hand over the control of the boat to the drummer who will then lead the practice or call the race.
• At any time the steersperson can take over the boat for safety reasons.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STEERSPEOPLE

Accreditation Manual for Crew Steersperson

http://www.lethbridgedragonfest.ca/_cabinet/4/Steering_Check_List1.pdf

Drummer

• Controls the boat during practice or during a race
• Prior to docking the drummer will hand control back to the steersperson
• Together the drummer and steersperson bring the boat back into the dock
• The only exception to this is the steersperson can take over the boat at any time for safety reasons.
• Responsible for the safety of the crew from sides and back.
• Coaches the crew through the practice .
• Knows the correct boat crew commands to call out.
• Sets the race tactics and calls the race.

Stroke

• Leads the paddlers in stroke rate and timing.
• Drummer and lead stroke must be in time with each other.
• Drummer and lead stroke are in constant communication as to what is happening in the boat and around the boat.
• Drummer calls commands based on the entry of the strokes’ paddles.
• Two more strokes may be used, half way through the boat, to help keep paddlers in time.
• Essential that both sets of strokes coordinate timing.
• Some sort of reflective tape on the inside wrist of the strokes may help paddlers see the strokes and to keep time.