ABOUT US

What Is Dragon Boat Racing?

Dragon boat racing is a quickly growing sport that has a long and colorful history. It is part of ancient Chinese culture, and there is a great deal of ceremony and symbolism involved.

Dragon boat races are traditionally held in China to commemorate the death of Qu Yuan, an exiled patriot poet who lived during a period when several kingdoms were battling for supremacy (475-221 BC).

To learn more about the history of dragon boats,check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat_racing

What Is The Wicked Paddlers Club?

WPC is a recognized nonprofit 501(c)(3) group comprised of two teams, Wicked Kelekona and Wicked Wahini. Wicked Wahini ("woman" in Hawaiian) is the women's-only half of WPC. Our coed team, Wicked Kelekona (meaning "dragon") came into being when a number of male friends, family members and/or significant otherswanted to get in on the fun.

Practice, Practice, Practice

While there is a great deal of support within our teams and within the paddling community, dragon boat racing is a competitive sport, and we do like to bring home "the hardware" (medals and trophies that are rewarded in races). WPC expects paddlers to devote several hours each week to training. In return, we promise to give you what you need to be an important member of our teams, and the training you need to contribute to the team and avoid injury. We want our team members to be healthy! Learning the technique takes time. Experienced paddlers will tell you that they never stop perfecting their paddling techniques. Patience with yourself as a team member and patience with your fellow paddlers is required and expected. After all, there's a reason why it's called paddling practice.

But Wait! There's More

Because we are a team, we share other responsibilities as well. Members are asked to volunteer some of their extra time and expertise on committees that help keep the team organized. Some of those committees include choosing and ordering team uniforms,organizing food for races and creating social events. Fundraising is another important committee; because we are a nonprofit, we always accept donations. Tell all your friends.

We hope that you will find paddling with WPC a fun and rewarding experience, and that you foster not only better physical fitness but a great sense of teamwork and a number of new friendships as well. We look forward to seeing you on the water.

Paddles up!

• What Do I Wear?
• Paddlers' Committment
• Fees
• More On Dragon Sports USA
• Dragon Boat Terminology
• Race Information?
• How Do I Join?
• Contact WPC
• Download Team Manual (PDF)