Practice

Practice Information

As part of the Team Registration Fee each local team gets to schedule 3 hours per week of practice time over 2-3 days in our traditional-style dragon boats. Throughout the season teams tend to do technical, and endurance work. As the season continues teams may choose to do race runs with others by meeting under the Marquam Bridge where our races generally start.

Each team must have at least 10 paddlers, a caller, and a tiller to go out on the water. View the Calendar for when the Practice Buoy becomes available for flag catcher runs. Teams can line up for flag runs under the Marquam Bridge near the west side of the Willamette River. It is important not to get too close to the river bank, follow all rules regarding where the boats can and cannot go laid out in our Captain’s Meetings.

There are no refunds for practices missed. For Out-of-town teams they may practice in the boats the Friday prior to Race Weekend, as listed in the calendar.

Some teams use an app to coordinate their practices, events, and seating locations. Please be sure to check with your Caller (Captain) for that information.

It is recommended you review the weather prior to practice and dress accordingly. If there is a lightning storm, or other severe weather event your caller and tiller may decide to cancel practice. Many choose to wear waterproof clothing, gloves, jackets and long or short sleeve shirts depending on weather, and waterproof boat shoes (generally with some grip). It is also recommended that you get a waterproof lanyard, or waterproof bag for holding your phone, wallet, and personal belongings you need with you. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as well.

Teams generally meet at the rallying point laid out above. They stretch and are assigned their seats, then head down to the dock. Paddlers may use their own paddles and life jackets, or may use those made available by the PKSCA in their assigned lockers. We have different sized jackets and paddles available.

Depending on weather, it may be necessary to bail the water out of the boat before embarking, there are jugs in the boats available for this purpose. It is imperative that people never stand on the benches of the dragon boats. Also please review our resources about the weather, dock, lockers, practice buoy, and how to lock and unlock the boats. The method of how the boats are docked is vital to the safety and structural integrity of our incredibly special traditional-style dragon boats.

It is also important that teams practice how to pull a person that falls over board safely back into the boat. We also recommend training backups for tilling, flag catching, and pace-setters. As these are vital positions that always need experienced people in those roles.

Be safe, treat the boats with respect, and have fun.

Paddles Up!