Despite a history as old as the first Greek Olympiad, dragon boat racing still has relevance today. What began in China with religious and cultural significance, has spread to the rest of the world and that includes Quesnel.
Founder of the Dragon Lake Paddlers, Sylvia Graham, through a contact in Kamloops, enabled the Quesnel club to purchase their first red, 50-foot, 1,100-pound dragon boat.
“She’s called the Sylvia in honour of Sylvia Graham who lost her battle with cancer before she had a chance to paddle that dragon boat,” paddler Cathy Briggs said.
The club now has two dragon boats, the Sylvia and a fiberglass vessel that has yet to be named. Briggs said it was still new and its name will evolve from the new relationship with the Quesnel paddlers.
Both the club and the boats are on the move. Currently housed at Briggs house on the shores of Dragon Lake, the club is moving the boats to Pioneer Park once the boat house they are currently fundraising to build is completed – that is expected before the end of the season this year.
“We’re excited to be based at Pioneer Park,” paddler Sarah Shipley said.
“It gives us a permanent home and allows us to expand the club.”
With the new boat house they can permanently house the boats and equipment in a secure facility with protection from the elements.
“The 50-foot vessels are a challenge to transport, as it takes a special boat trailer to handle the length,” Briggs added.
“Wherever we move it, the boat needs to be paddled so it remains somewhere on Dragon Lake.”
The club has also changed its name to Quesnel Canoe Club and they are hoping to attract new members. Currently they have about 38 competitive paddlers and about the same number of recreational paddlers. Last year they also welcomed more than 40 drop ins.
From it’s beginnings five years ago, there are approximately 20 long-term members.
With the new location at Pioneer Park, there’s better parking and they can integrate with the community.
Paddling is a great team sport, fostering camaraderie and providing excellent exercise.
“Team coordination is crucial,” Shipley said.
“With 20 paddlers all working in unison, that’s optimal in racing mode.”
Recreational paddling offers the same benefits but without the competitive component.
“For many of the paddlers, they are amazed at their abilities,” paddler Carolyn Draginov said.
“The personal growth is amazing.”
Each boat holds 20 paddlers, as well as a drummer in the bow facing the paddlers and a steers person in the stern. The drum, a kettle-like instrument about two and half feet in diameter, keeps the paddlers’ pace and the steers person guides the boat.
“Its a great way to be outdoors and the sound of the drum, resonating off the hills, is awesome,” Briggs said.
According to coach Shipley, there’s a right way and wrong way to paddle. Calling on the paddler’s core strength, the paddle entering the water (the catch) must be solid and the pull (pulling it through the water) determines the speed.
“And that’s what racing is all about,” Shipley said with a smile.
“Its a great workout.”
As the club grows, they are looking to add other flat-water racing vessels such as kayaks and canoes.
“Long term it’s very exciting to anticipate adding these formats with the equipment, training and coaching for both recreational and competitive,” Briggs said.
Although Quesnel has six months of winter, club members have found a way to begin their training early at the Rec. Centre pool.
“We can simulate the boat on the side of the pool and practice paddling,” Shipley said.
If you’re interested in trying paddling or feel inclined to join the Quesnel Canoe Club, see them at Central Registration at the Arts and Recreation Centre, April 10, 6 – 8 p.m. or contact Marcia Swanson, 250-992-6713. She can also answer any questions you may have about the sport.
Competitive practices are Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at 1815 Beach Crescent and recreational and drop in paddling is Wednesday night 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the same address (at least until the new boat house is built in Pioneer Park.)
“The club is open to youth and adults, both men and women,” Draginov said.
The club is holding a fundraiser Pub Night at the Smokey Oak, April 5, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and all proceeds go to the boat house fund.
Tickets are $25 at Iris and Rocky Peak or call Sarah Shipley, 250-992-7753.
There will be prize give aways including weekends at Whistler or Sun Peaks Resorts.
