FAQ

What is Dragon Boating? 

Dragon boating is a team-paddling sport on the water. The small boat can hold a crew of 12 including 1 helm and 1 drummer and the standard boat can hold a crew of 22 including 1 helm and 1 drummer. 

Why is Dragon Boating beneficial for those who have been through breast cancer? 

Evidence has shown that exercise after breast cancer is not only safe, but beneficial. *Apart from the obvious weight control benefit, exercise can improve mental health,  boost energy levels and promote better sleep. The specific movement of paddling a  dragon boat could play an important part in preventing and/or improving  lymphoedema, a chronic swelling of tissues that can occur due to breast surgery and/or radiation. 

Being a member of SDP means you can connect with other breast cancer survivors  whilst engaging in a fun, physical activity. The mix of camaraderie,  fresh air, positive  endorphins, and the feeling of being involved in a new adventure, all lends itself to  n overall “feel good” experience.  

*Please consult your doctor before resuming   exercise after surgery and/or treatment. 

Do you need experience to join? 

No experience is necessary.  We are all newcomers to the sport, and we have new people trying it out on an ongoing basis. You will be shown how to use the paddle before you go out in the boat. 

What equipment do I need? 

You don’t need any equipment to try it out as you will be given a buoyancy aid  and a paddle for the first two sessions. These will continue to be available but you may wish to purchase your own paddle and buoyancy aid in the future. It is best to wear clothes that allow you to move freely. Avoid material 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 to paddle! Bring a small bottle of water to stay hydrated. 

Where and when does training take place? 

On the water training takes place on the river Suir at the Clonmel Rowing Club, Sergeant’s  Lane,  Irishtown Upper, Clonmel, Co Tipperary  E91 D592 We meet at 4.30pm to be on the water for 5pm on Wednesdays (daylight permitting) and on Saturdays we meet at 12.30pm to be on the water for 1pm. 

What happens if the boat capsizes? 

The boat is very stable and unlikely to capsize if every crew member does what he/she suppose to do. The helm pairs people of equal weight and ensures the  boat is well balanced before going out on the water. Everybody will receive a number that has to be remembered before leaving the dock. The helms are all trained to a high standard. (Irish Dragon Boat Association). 

In the unlikely event of a capsize, the buoyancy aid will keep you afloat. The crew is instructed of how to behave in this case. Every year we have pool sessions to familiarize with this eventuality. 

Suir Dragon Paddlers (SDP) is a member of the Irish Dragon Boat Association (IDBA), which is the governing body of the sport of dragon boat racing in Ireland. The IDBA  is a member of both the European Dragon Boat Federation (EDBF) https://edbf.org/ and the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) https://www.dragonboat.sport/.  You can get more information on the IDBA website https://www.dragonboat.ie/

How do I join? 

Send us an email through the Contact Us  and we will organize a session. The first two sessions are free. The following four sessions will cost € 5 Euros that will help us to cover insurance.  If at this stage you decide to join us the four session cost will be deducted from the membership fee.