If you’ve been dragonboating for a couple of years, you’ve probably
heard your steersman or caller issue instructions such as “check the
boat”, “all up”, “right side draw” or “let it run”. And you (hopefully)
know what the person wants you to do. But, if you’re new to
dragonboating, it might be Greek to you.
So, to help demystify things, here’s a list of the most common things
your steersman is likely to say and what they want you to do.
| When they say… |
They really mean… |
| All up! |
Get ready to start paddling and listen for the next instruction, which is usually… |
| Take it away. |
Start paddling. |
| Let it run. |
Stop paddling and let the boat coast. Be sure not to drag your paddle in the water. |
| Hold the boat |
Stick your paddle in the water, but don’t
take a stroke. This may not seem like it does a lot, but it has the
effect of holding the boat in place. Usually heard on the start line
when the boat is barely moving. |
Left side draw
Right side draw |
Paddlers on the specified side of the boat
should turn the blades of the paddles 90 degrees and pull the water
towards them. This is usually done at the start line to help position
the boat for the start of the race. You’ll sometimes hear it when
pulling up to the dock and the boat’s a little too far from it. Everyone
drawing should do it at the same rate so that the boat doesn’t rock too
much. |
| Ready! Ready! |
Given on the start line, paddlers should bury the blades of their paddles and be ready to start in a few seconds. |
| Check the boat! |
This is probably the only command that can be given at any point, usually without warning. Similar to hold the boat, the goal is to stop the boat moving as quickly as possible. Stick the blade in the water and hold it in place. (Note: It does not mean to make sure there aren’t any holes in the boat or that you’re in the right boat!) |
| Check hard! |
Almost identical to check the boat, you add a little more resistance so that you’re almost (but not quite) paddling backwards. |
| Beer me! |
One of the most important commands a
steersman will issue. The nearest paddler should immediately provide the
steersman with a properly chilled beer. |
Back it up
Back it off |
Start paddling in reverse. This should be done in time so that the boat doesn’t rock too much. |
In general, when you’re paddling, whether it’s paddling easy during a
practice, drawing at the start line or during the race, all the
paddlers should be hitting at the same time. If even one person is out a
bit, the paddlers around them will tend to get off beat.
Happy paddling! This was written by Gordon Dewis and posted to the previous incarnation of the Slings' website last year. It is also available on his blog by clicking here.
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