Dragon Boating
If you are looking for a team activity that allows you to get away from it all without leaving the city, get a total body workout, and enjoy the camaraderie of a great group of women, come see what dragon boating is all about and why it continues to be the fastest growing water sport in the world.
Become a Member
Becoming a member is free and a required first step to taking part in our programs.
Dragon boating is a team sport that is appropriate for all fitness levels. No experience is required, and equipment is provided. Because we are all moving the boat together, beginners are able to rest when needed and still stay with the group. Coaches, captains, and experienced Survivor paddlers teach and support each other. A full boat consists of 20 paddlers, plus a tiller and a caller.
Our team, Survivor SAKE, paddles under the umbrella organization Seattle SAKE Paddling Club. New paddlers can join three practices before deciding to become a member of SAKE, which requires a reduced annual $100 membership fee. Scholarships are available to those who need financial assistance – contact Beatriz at operations@teamsurvivornw.org to apply.
[PLEASE NOTE: Since Dragon Boating is part of two organizations, this program requires proof of COVID vaccination (initial shots + booster) unless you have a medical exemption from a doctor.]
Racing is an exciting part of the dragon boating program. We work hard at our practices to build the endurance and technique required to work as a synchronized unit. Those that want to participate in races will be expected to try to make most practices. Races are all-day events, usually on Saturdays. Most of the races are in the Puget Sound area, but we often select one overnight race each season at a bigger festival in locations such as Portland, Vancouver, or Victoria. All races are optional, but encouraged.
Intensity Level
Moderate to High
FAQ
Practice Days/Times
Practices are currently held twice a week in Seattle and are led by fabulous volunteer coaches and captains with many years of Dragon Boating experience.
- Saturdays (year round) 8:30 AM
- Tuesdays (Spring and Summer) 6:00 PM
Steps to Join
For this program, you must be “cleared” by both TSNW and Club SAKE. For Team Survivor:
(1) Click on “Become a Member” in the purple box above to fill out a current membership form (free).
(2) Click on “Join Dragon Boating” above to complete the process for TSNW.
For Club SAKE:
(3) You will need to register on the Club SAKE website as a visitor and agree to the terms of the SAKE insurance liability waiver: https://www.clubsake.com/home/.
(4) Club SAKE requires proof of vaccination and booster. Please send a photo of your COVID vaccination card to coach Lisa Harkins: communications@clubsake.com.
Sick and/or COVID Protocols
Survivor SAKE participants will follow established TSNW and SAKE COVID protocols (which are slightly different). Club SAKE requires proof of vaccinations and booster, which are emailed before attending. When you arrive at practice, you will check in with a health coach. Please refer to the following COVID/Illness guidelines when considering whether to attend:
- Please do not attend practice if you have any of the following symptoms, even if you have tested negative for COVID: fever or chills, cough unrelated to allergies, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion or runny nose, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, muscle or body aches, decreased sense of smell or taste, unusual fatigue, uncharacteristic headache, rash or discoloration of fingers/toes
- Must be 10 days since onset of symptoms AND no current symptoms (without medication) to attend
- IF EXPOSED TO COVID: Must be 5 days since exposure and symptom-free (without medication) to attend practice. Must wear mask until day 10. Because Covid can be asymptomatic, TSNW encourages testing at day 5 after exposure, regardless of symptoms.
- POSITIVE RESULT FOR COVID: Must be 10 days since positive test AND no current symptoms (without medication).
- Please be respectful of teammates’ choices to wear a mask or not.
RSVP For Each Practice
Paddlers need to RSVP for each practice on the club website the day before practice: https://www.clubsake.com/home/. Your RSVP allows coaches and captains to plan a great practice; at times, we may take out a smaller boat or plan to take out two boats depending on how many people RSVP. If you have RSVP’d and are not able to attend, a text message to both captains is required. If you forget to sign up, you can also text the coaches the day before practice to see if they are looking for paddlers to fill cancellation spots. You will not be able to get on the boat if you show up without RSVPing.
Getting On the Boat
We suggest you plan to get to practice early, especially during the summer when parking can be tricky. If you are running late, please text both captains to let them know. If you are just a few minutes late you will miss the warmups, but late by 10-15 minutes, there is a good chance that you will miss the boat. Communication with the captains is key!
If weather conditions are not favorable, we will cancel. We try to make these decisions prior to people driving all the way to Leschi but it is not always possible. Bring a pair of sneakers just in case as sometimes if we can’t paddle, we will take a brisk walk together by the lake.
While Dragon Boating is not really a contact sport, we do sit two ladies to a bench and some of the benches are a tight squeeze! You can expect that you will be rubbing elbows, touching legs and at times in very close proximity with your bench mate. When you exit the boat, we have a process that involves a forearm-to-forearm connection to exit the boat. This is a safety procedure in place for all to exit gracefully without losing balance.
Gear
The club provides PFDs and paddles. Our captains/coaches will give you information on how to purchase your own should you decide to do so after falling in love with paddling!
What to Wear
Fragrance-free products only (this includes deodorant, sunscreens, lotions, laundry detergent, etc). We have members whom are highly sensitive to fragrances.
Athletic gear that you can move in and layers to regulate body temp.
Tights, tops, socks that are made from moisture-wicking materials like polyester, spandex, nylon, bamboo, wool are best. (No cotton)
Closed-toe shoes with rubber soles like Keens are great. A pair of sneakers or rain boots work just fine.
Rain gear like a light jacket and rain pants are helpful.
Hat, sunglasses, gloves (gardening gloves work well).
When Coach Charlene is at practice, we will ask that you mask. We will give you notice of this, but it is always good to have a mask handy, just in case.
