Dragonboat

Ø An ancient Chinese sport where crews of 20 paddlers plus one drummer and one steersperson race on rivers and lakes, dragonboat is among the fastest growing water sports in the world.  

Ø Ottawa is host to one of the largest North American race festivals each June.  Additional festivals are also hosted locally at Carleton Place and Rideau Canoe Club.

Ø It is gaining popularity as a team-building activity for all age groups – children, families through to corporate team-building activities.  Not to mention, improving that upper body strength!

Ø At ORCC, teams can book 1 hour practice sessions during evenings or weekends, which encourage fun and fitness in a team environment.

Ø Mixed dragonboat practices are a blend of team focus and a lot of fun on the water.  In 2005, ORCC provided a mixed team for the Carleton Place regatta, and finished in 4^th place.  We’re looking forward to 2005 to build on our mixed dragonboat experience and compete again!

Ø Attention high school students! – ORCC will host high school war canoe practices – whereby we hold practices for local high schools interested in competing in the new high school race to be held at the Ottawa Dragonboat Festival in June.

NEW! Mixed Dragonboat Training: For 2007 we are offering an opportunity for adults to try out their dragonboat skills and compete in the ever-popular Nortel Dragonboat Race Festival in Ottawa June 23 and 24.  Training for non-club members for 20 sessions is $50 + race entry fee ($50).  Training fees can be applied retroactively to membership if desired.  Come out on the Ottawa River, enjoy the fitness benefits, and discover what all the excitement`s about! Training takes place Sundays at 8:00 am and Tuesdays at 7:00 pm beginning May 6th.

Dunrobin Dames Dragonboat Team

Ø 2005 represents the 4^th season for the Dunrobin Dames  - ORCC’s ladies dragonboat team, featuring 2 practice and coaching sessions per week and the opportunity to compete in a number of regional festivals. 

Ø ORCC was among the first clubs to feature a ladies only team – which has evolved from a group of novice paddlers to contenders for the gold medal at the Ottawa Festival. 

Ø Their team spirit, hard work ethic, and sense of humour has made them a real force to contend with at local festivals: 

o        2004 Womens Cup Champions at Carleton Place Dragonboat Festival

o        Gold Medalists at Rideau FallFest event in 2004

Ø A well-respected team, Dunrobin Dames is instrumental to the success of ORCC – through fundraising, creating awareness for the club, building our clubhouse, and they run an awesome bake sale each year!

Ø An aggressive 2005 calendar is planned including the Onake Reserve Spring Fling  in May, Ottawa Dragonboat Festival in June, festivals in Carleton Place and Rideau in September