Canadian Dragon Boat Nationals were held this past weekend in Whistler B.C.  As a coach, paddler and Dragon Boat Canada Board Member, I am extremely pleased with the event. 

My club FCRCC had an extremely strong showing in numbers and results winning the overall burgee as well as the premier, U-23, Senior B and Senior C categories.  FCRCC High Performance Dragon Boat Team, my pride and joy, had victories in 8 of the 9 premier races with some tremendous races on which to build as the program encourages these paddlers toward National Team positions for the 2011 Nationals Cup Worlds. 

From the DBC board member perspective, this event was a great success.  There were 29 teams participating.  In addition, the Water’s Edge Festival had many other teams racing as festival racers to increase the action.  Teams came here from Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton and Canada-to-the South, Portland.  Participation from local teams was great and, hopefully, the event will spur their interest to travel to Nationals in future years – Starting next year in Welland where we expect upward of 80 teams!  Also of note, the Senior C (over 60) category was included for the first time with teams in mixed, Women’s and Open!

Congrats to all who participated!  Anyone interested in knowing more about Nationals next July in Welland or anything else about FCRCC, the FCRCC High Performance Dragon Boat Program or Dragon Boat Canada, please contact me or visit the linked websites.

Hooray for summer paddling at last!!

Kamini