This sport requires a lot of strength, but more than that, it’s all about teamwork. This weekend, over 60 dragon boat teams came together at Hamilton’s bayfront for the annual Waterfest regatta.
“When the horn goes off it’s chaos but it’s controlled chaos,” said Matthew Carroll, team captain of the Toronto Mofos. “So the thought is, as much power as you can get, but with control.”
Today, colors and cheers filled Hamilton’s bayfront as paddlers from across Ontario raced into the first day of Hamilton Waterfest.
It takes about two tonnes of boat and crew working together to make a dragon boat glide smoothly.
“When the entire boat is moving together, it’s so smooth and graceful is the word,” said Jackie Taggart of Lively Dragon. “Everybody just moves together and the boat just feels like you’re flying on top of the water, instead of in the water.”
Taggart’s team, Lively Dragons, helped kick off the very first Hamilton Waterfest two decades ago. Now run by Alkame Dragon Boat Services, this two-day regatta has become one of Ontario’s biggest events for dragon boating.
“We got 60 teams participating all weekend,” said Scott Murray from Alkame Dragon Boat Services. “Today features mixed teams with both genders. Tomorrow will showcase all-women teams and then what we call open teams where anyone can join an open boat regardless of gender.”
Among local teams competing this weekend are the Warlocks and Lively Dragon. One of its paddlers is Zofia Seroka, who is visually impaired and says her team ensures she never has to navigate alone.
“I’m actually half-blind and I do have challenges,” Seroka said. “I need to ask my teammates for help to guide me when there’s a lot of people. So I’ll grab their shoulders and they just tell me which way to go.”
: Summer festivities return to King William Street in Hamilton
On the water, each person has a specific role. The drummer sets up the rhythm.
“I encourage everyone on the boat and then also keep balance for the boat,” said Sophia Lin, a drummer for the Toronto Mofos.
The steersperson keeps things straight while paddlers synchronize their strokes because if even one person gets out of sync, everyone feels it right away.
“The boat’s not flowing; it’s herky-jerky,” Carroll said.
This synchronized effort looks impressive from land too.
“I think just seeing how amazingly they row together in sync at such speed is thrilling; I love watching it,” remarked a spectator.
“I’m just here watching. My cousin invited me today since he paddles for CSDC,” said Raj Singh another spectator.
For members of Canadian Seniors Dragon Boat Club, it’s during that final stretch where races are truly decided.
“You’re digging in; you’re draining your energy pushing toward that finish line,” explained Monique Gara from the club.
From shore perspective, it appears to be purely about strength. But really out there? It’s all about rhythm, teamwork and trust among teammates.
“It’s not brute strength always,” Taggart noted. “It’s grace and working together.”
: Hamilton’s Victoria Park pool reopens after phone line repairs
Source link
Source link
