Two Lethbridge dragon boat teams heading to nationals for the first time

Jul 18, 2019 | 10:30 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Canadian National Dragon Boat Championships are being held this weekend in Regina.

132 teams from across the country will be competing, which includes for the first time, Lethbridge’s Coulee Classic Dragons and Coulee Classic Cruisers.

Prior to heading out at 6:30 Thursday morning, Coach Karen Johnson told Lethbridge News Now how the teams are feeling heading into their first event of this scope and level.

“Today, probably scared spit less, but in our last couple of practices, we did really well so we’re heading on a positive note. We had some really good practices the last couple of weeks so everybody’s pumped and excited and nervous.”

“We’ve never even been to a national event, even to say that we’ve witnessed it, so this is all going to be new and wonderful.”

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Dragon boat racers on Henderson Lake. (Supplied by MPP Photography)

Since the outdoor season in Lethbridge is not very long, the crews have been practicing all year at the University of Lethbridge’s Max Bell Pool. Using their specially-formulated seats for indoor paddling, they have been working on their techniques at least once per week while hitting the gym as often as they can.

Johnson says there was a lot of work to do just to get to this point.

“You have to go to qualifying events, so events where there are Dragon Boat Canada officials. Your ID is checked and you have to race in those events. Each paddler has to do two events in order for that one person to be able to go with the club to nationals.”

The Dragons and Cruisers will get one afternoon session today to get the feel of Wascana Lake before competing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Competitors in each age and divisional category will compete in 200 meter, 500 meter, and 2,000 meter events.

by David Opinko