Dragon Boating for Beginners

What you'll learn

Learn the ancient tradition of Dragon Boat Racing with our Health and Fitness courses in Sydney!

Make the most of our beautiful Sydney Harbour surrounds by getting out on the water with our Dragon Boating introductory course.

Dragon Boating is a fast and furious paddle-driven water sport that originated in China over 2000 years ago. It has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

You will learn how to paddle with experienced coaches guiding you through basic technique, paddling games and teamwork - in the waters of Sydney's scenic Blackwattle Bay.

Participants will love the wide-reaching benefits of this course:

• Experiencing a Unique Sport: Dragon boat racing offers a distinctive blend of physical exertion, teamwork, and cultural heritage, providing an unforgettable experience for participants
• Fitness and Wellness: Engaging in dragon boat racing is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen core muscles, and enhance overall physical health
• Team-Building: Participants will learn the importance of communication, trust, and synchronisation within a team, which are valuable personal and life skills
• Cultural Appreciation: Students will have the opportunity to participate in a sport rooted in ancient Chinese folklore and tradition

If you enjoy getting fit, team sports, experiencing a new culture and being out on the water - then this is the course for you! 

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Dragon Boating for Beginners course, participants should be able to:

Demonstrate Proficiency in Dragon Boat Paddling;

• Execute basic paddling techniques with precision
• Apply learned strokes for efficient movement through the water

Display Effective Teamwork and Communication;

• Work harmoniously within a team of like-minded amateurs, exhibiting synchronised movements and clear communication.
• Understand the importance of coordination and cooperation for successful racing.

Gain an Understanding of Safety Awareness and Protocol;

• Demonstrate knowledge of safety measures and protocols when participating in dragon boating
• Gain confidence entering and exiting the water

Apply Race Strategy and Tactics;

• Apply race strategies and an understanding of when to conserve energy and when to exert maximum effort.

Deepen Cultural Appreciation;

• Gain an understanding of the significance of dragon boat racing within Chinese tradition.

Improve Physical Fitness;

• Enhance cardiovascular endurance, core strength, and overall physical health through regular training and practice.

By the end of this course, participants will not only have acquired the necessary skills to participate in dragon boat racing but will also have experienced the camaraderie and sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering this dynamic and culturally rich sport.

Course content

What will be covered in this Dragon Boating for Beginners course?

Week 1-2: Introduction to Dragon Boat Racing

• Safety protocols and equipment introduction.
• Basic strokes and techniques for efficient paddling.
• Teamwork and communication skills development.

Week 3: Technique Development

• Refinement of paddling techniques.
• Introduction to race strategies.
• Drills to build stamina and teamwork.

Week 4: Simulated Races and Team Dynamics

• Practice races to apply learned techniques.
• Emphasis on effective team coordination and synchronisation.
• Review of individual and group performance for improvement.

Intended audience

Who is this Dragon Boating course for?

This course is for complete beginners, or for those who have some experience with Dragon Boating and would like to brush up on their skills.

This course is open to individuals of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Participants should have a basic level of physical fitness and be able to confidently swim 50 metres.

Please note: participants must be age 18 or over.

Course venue

This course is located at FFB Dragon Boat Club. 

Their water training location is conveniently located next to the Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont, Sydney, a ten-minute walk from Darling Harbour.

Please note: on-site parking is not available. There is metered parking available on nearby Bank Street.

Course materials

What to wear to class:

• Suitable clothes to paddle in (for example, a t-shirt/singlet and gym/bike shorts). We recommend a rashie in the cooler months. 
• Enclosed shoes must be worn. Please wear shoes you don't mind getting wet, such as Crocs, old runners, or any water shoes.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• A hair scrunchie or clip if you have longer hair.

What to bring to class:

• A change of clothes (you will get wet!)
• A water bottle
• A towel

Please note: Paddles and life jackets are provided.

Additional information

• All sport/recreation classes are active, and therefore you must bring to the attention of the tutor any physical or health-related impairment that may affect your safety.
• In the event of inclement weather, specifically high wind or risk of thunderstorms, sessions may be cancelled. If this occurs, you will be contacted via email and the session rescheduled.
• Please note: It is the mission of Sydney Community College to provide quality, accessible education, and training. Our commitment to improving the quality of all courses we offer is ongoing and extends to ensuring the safety of all our students. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any physical impairment that might impact participation in the course.