[Cliu91]

Hi guys, just wondering if any of you have been committed to Mac's Dragonboat.

What is the daily and/or weekly routine that you guys follow?

[interrobang?]

Yep, I've trained with them during the year and raced one summer two years ago.
The way the year is split up: Sept-April is dry land and pool side training and May-June (sometimes July) is the race season.

Dry land training includes running, circuit training, strength training in the Pulse, and general conditioning. Pool side training is when you practice paddling at the side of the pool in Ivor Wynn and it's a way to learn the technique and start building the strength before you actually get on the water. This is because you'd be hard pressed to find a dragon boat crew in Eastern Canada that paddles on the water before April; plus classes and exams make it difficult to get out on the water. Last year, there were 4 land practices a week, and 6 pool practices a week, but you only have to go to one of each (but highly recommended to do multiple). The endurance running and strength training were on your own time, or at optional workouts.

[Cliu91]

Originally Posted by interrobang?

Yep, I've trained with them during the year and raced one summer two years ago.
The way the year is split up: Sept-April is dry land and pool side training and May-June (sometimes July) is the race season.

Dry land training includes running, circuit training, strength training in the Pulse, and general conditioning. Pool side training is when you practice paddling at the side of the pool in Ivor Wynn and it's a way to learn the technique and start building the strength before you actually get on the water. This is because you'd be hard pressed to find a dragon boat crew in Eastern Canada that paddles on the water before April; plus classes and exams make it difficult to get out on the water. Last year, there were 4 land practices a week, and 6 pool practices a week, but you only have to go to one of each (but highly recommended to do multiple). The endurance running and strength training were on your own time, or at optional workouts.

I heard training on land and/or poolside started severely early (5am) is this true?
Would you say that participating in Dragonboat affected your studies or social life?

[interrobang?]

Nope! That's the varsity rowing team (which I'm actually thinking about trying out for)

Land practices went from 6:30 - 8 or 8:30 pm Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur and pool side practices were during the lunch hour swim on Mon/Wed/Fri.

I didn't find that dragon boat interfered with either; the pool side practices were easy because if I had a one hour break between classes, I could just drop by the pool and get some exercise. The good thing about how the Mac team is structured, is there are three boats/crews within the team and they vary in competitiveness and recreation. So if you're looking for something to keep you fit while meeting lots of cool people, you can have that. If you're looking to stay on top of the game, paddle your heart out, and win some medals next summer, you can have that too. There're a lot of social events the team organizes throughout the year so you also get to know your teammates pretty well.

[Biochem47]

Where can someone find more information? Can anyone join the recreational team?

[Cliu91]

Originally Posted by Biochem47

Where can someone find more information? Can anyone join the recreational team?

It operates as a club, so during club week there will be a table just for Mac Dragonboat.
I'm pretty sure anyone can join the recreational team, but you probably still have to pay the membership fee.

This is their website: http://www.mcmasterdragonboa t.ca/

[chi0]

The club email is [email protected] in case you ever want to contact them. If you don't find them at Clubsfest you can always just email them asking to be added to the mailing list.

I strongly encourage you to join! Dragonboat is super fun, a great way to meet people and exercise, and we need new members for next year!!!

[chi0]

And yes, anyone can join. The club does make cuts but as long as you're enthusiastic and committed (i.e. you show up for practice), you'll make the team no problem.

[RyanC]

Dragonboat is awesome, but realllllly intense. Prolly gonna try it again next semester.