Aug 30
2010

1250m dragon boat racing on the Gorge

The Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club (VCKC) knows how to put on a party! From the boats to the BBQ, this year’s Guts & Glory event was a rocker. The innovative 2500m race offered paddlers a change from the usual 500m event. Teams raced in two 1250m heats, and the combined time for both was used to determine final placement. This was a great event, and I am hoping VCKC will be able to expand Guts & Glory next year with involvement from more Island teams.

Champion 912 dragon boat racing on the Gorge

VCKC team putting a Champion 912 through its paces

Two Champion 912′s added to the fun when they were raced by anyone wanting to try a smaller, lighter boat. The highlight of the 10-paddler racing was the “Over 50 – Under 50 Challenge,” which saw the youngsters beaten by their elders in a very close finish.

Champion 912 dragon boat racing on the Gorge

Paddlers of the Fifth Moon on the last leg of a 1250m heat

Champion 912 dragon boat racing on the Gorge

VCKC team rounding the first bouy during a 1250m heat

VCKC hasn’t set a date for next year’s Guts & Glory, but when they do, make sure to mark your calendar and get your team involved. Good people, good food, outstanding venue…what more can you ask for?

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Aug 15
2010

swamped Millenium Dragon Boat

“Dragon boat paddlers rescued in Inner Harbour after being swamped, story and photos”
“Dragon boat piloted by Seattle team is swamped by fire boat’s wake”

Read the whole story here.

Given all the comments we have heard, prompted by the swamping of a Champion 12m boat in Nanaimo last May, about how IDBF dragon boats are inherently unsafe, we wonder if the same folks will now claim that they’ll never paddle in a Millenium again?

The truth of the matter is that no dragon boat will survive a 2 to 4 foot high wave caused by prop wash from a craft in close vicinity. Is there’s a lesson to be learned here?

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Jul 16
2010

This event will also feature 250m Sprint racing between two Champion Model 912 dragon boats – these 10-paddler racing hulls are fast, fun and very photogenic. Don’t miss this event – the VCKC has superb facilities, and refreshments will be available.

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Dec 28
2009

Champion IDBF Certified 30' 10-paddler boat

Champion IDBF Certified 30' 10-paddler boat

If you have had any experience paddling the 30′ IDBF Champion or Swift 30′ dragon boats, I’d love to hear from you.

I think these boats are going to become increasingly popular, simply because they solve so many problems (ever had a paddle cancelled because there were only 8 paddlers present?), and because they are fast and fun!

These boats weigh in at under 600 pounds, and are sold “ready to race,” with head, tail, drum, drummer’s seat and tiller, unlike many boats which are sold on the “Detroit Model,” i.e. the boat is sold “bare,” with available accessories at extra cost.

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