There’s no better way to celebrate summer in the Comox Valley than venturing out on the water.
Every Monday and Thursday evening, Valley youth are doing just that as they launch from Comox Marina in their dragon boat. If you are between ages 13 and 20, you could be joining the fun because yhe Dragon Riders, a youth dragon boat team, is looking for new paddlers.
Dragon boating is a great sport. Many find it’s an effective way to cross train or stay in shape for winter sports. Others enjoy taking part in a team sport where there are no individual stars, simply a committed team having fun while working out together. There is no experience necessary – just a willingness to give it a try.
The Dragon Riders are out for more than fun — though they have plenty of that. Over the course of each season, the team develops into a racing force to be reckoned with. Under the training of skilled coaches and fully qualified tillers, the Dragon Riders have been known to post some of the fastest times in the races they enter. Sometimes youth has an advantage.
This summer, the Dragon Riders are planning to enter two races. In July, they have entered a race in Nanaimo. In August, they will compete at home in Comox during Nautical Days. In the early fall, they may have been seen flying across the waters of Sprout Lake.
The idea for a youth team came out of the Prevailing Wins, a competitive mature mixed team in the Comox Valley. A desire to mentor youth birthed the creation and sponsorship of the Dragon Riders Youth Team in the spring of 2012. Prevailing Wins continues to provide regular support to the Dragon Riders. The strong relationship between the two teams has proved to be mutually beneficial over time.
Practices are held at the Comox Marina on Monday and Thursday evenings. The cost is $20 for the season. All equipment is provided.
FMI: cvdragonriders@gmail.com
