Fremantle Swan Dragon Boat Club
費曼爾圖天鵝龍舟俱樂部
Dragon boat commands & calls.
The dragon boat is propelled forward by the paddler's action through the application of propulsive drag force on the paddle blade, which acts as a temporary anchor in the water.
Paddling Terms
Most of the following terms are described more fully elsewhere.
The Catch
The point when the paddle first comes into contact with the water
The Drive
The phase of the stroke in which the paddle is fully buried in the water and the paddler pulls the paddle back directly parallel with the boat.
The Exit
The point in a stroke in which the paddle leaves the water cleanly and quickly midway between the paddler’s knee and hip
The Recovery
The point in a stroke in which the paddle leaves the water cleanly and quickly midway between the paddler’s knee and hip
The Setup
The setup position is the end point of the Recovery phase, but is the start of a new stroke cycle. A proper reach position is the foundation of a proper dragon boat stroke and is crucial in maximizing the length of the stroke.
Transition
The point at which the crew changes from the start sequence to normal rate paddling (typical under racing conditions) ir referred to the transition.
Hinging
The action of pivoting from the hips as the paddler looks to setup for the catch.
Paddling Terminology
Strokes
Refers to the first two paddlers in the front seats who set the pace/rating for the team.
Sweep
The person located at the stern of the boat responsible for steering and giving the crew commands, preferably someone with sailing or boating experience.
Rating
The paddling pace, the number of times the paddle goes through the water in a minute. Rates can vary from 40 to over 80 depending on the intensity of effort. The crew’s optimum rate for racing is determined by the coach.
Paddling Calls
Hold Water
The paddle is held vertical in the water in order to hold the boat stationery and minimise the effect of currents or wind causing the boat to drift from its position.
Check the Boat
An action to stop the boat from moving to a full stop with the use of the paddle.
Paddles On / Paddles Flat
To stabilize the boat. Paddle blades flat on the surface of the water with a slight downward pressure to stabilize the boat. The shaft of the paddle pressed against the top of the gunwales. Used especially when transferring seat positions or a wake is coming in broadside. This command will steady the boat from rocking side to side.
Take it Away
Command given by sweep to begin paddling. Paddlers start paddling at a gentle pace and effort level.
Attention / Paddle Set
The sweep command to get into the setup position. This term is used to indicate that the paddling is about to commence.
Go
It might seem obvious, but this is the trigger for action but based on whatever previous instructions have been called by the sweep. A paddler does not action a command/call until they hear the word Go..
Backpaddle
This is a reverse stroke used to bring a boat backward into or away from a dock or a race start.
Let it run / Easy
Command from the sweep to stop paddling and let the boat coast with blades out of the water.
Longer
A pick up call for paddlers to maintain the length of their stroke, usually because as fatigue sets in, paddlers tend to 'miss the catch' or shorten up and effectively losing power.
Power
A pick up call for paddlers to emphasise the actions on the drive phase of the stroke. Specifcally the strong drive down of the top hand and a strong sit up.
Sit up
The action of finishing off the drive phase of the stroke and the torso unhinges and the paddler sits up to the vertical.
Draw Left/Right
The paddlers will lean out to the side and pull water (deep) towards themselves – like having lost an object and they are trying to scoop it back. This is essential on the starting line, or when the boat needs to make quick turns, when winds may drift the boat sideways and the sweep is trying to line the boat up directly down the course.