How to Get Started Dragon Boat Paddling

First off, I'm sorry for saying "rowing" when I really mean "paddling"!
Anyways, here's an awesome video I did in collaboration with the dragon boat captain of NAAAP Atlanta (National Association of Asian-American Professionals).
atl.naaap.org/
Whether you're a rookie or veteran, this is a great video to learn or re-learn the basics of paddling form.
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[@catbee1452]

Beginning paddler here..this vid was very helpful! You guys explained it in a way that made the most sense to me out of all the videos I've watched about DB paddling. Thank you!!

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

Thank you for watching! Let us know if there's any other videos you'd like to see. We have more on the way about DB paddling :)

[@jimjohughes4575]

Soon I will be bringing together a group of people in our small island community who wish to get in a Dragon Boat and try it out. I have been "paddling" through different sites trying to find something that is not too overwhelming for a newbie, but will reinforce technique for others who have had some experience. I like this video. The presenters to not use complicated language. It makes sense.

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

Thank you! Let us know how your group does. Let us know if you have any questions, maybe we can answer them in another video!

[@Deefolt]

In DragonBoat, we don't row we paddle 💪

[@bunnytan3842]

I think this is the best explanation of the basic techniques and the big picture that I have come across. Thanks for the video!

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

Glad it was helpful! Happy paddling out there.

[@audreyfilardi2779]

Going to be my first time dragonboat paddling this season. I'm excited after watching this video! It was very helpful to see the techniques. Very different from kayaking which I've done a lot of. Thanks!

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

Thank you for watching! Dragonboat is really fun, so we hope you have a great time out there!

[@Dgehjeo]

Great tips about the splashing!!

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

Hey thank you for watching! Happy paddling out there!

[@blairbowen198]

why use a longer paddle - it seems to disconnect your upper shoulder and make the withdrawl more difficult

[@haloguy579]

Lol I was steering that race he showed 👍🏼

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

Mad props to you! Steering looks difficult, at least to me anyways. -Dr. B

[@MrBskurowski]

Great video, thank you!

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

you're welcome! thanks for watching and happy paddling out there

[@rapel2156]

Thank you!!!

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching

[@Ak-wu9zk]

Thank you for this video

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

You’re welcome! Thank you for watching 😀

[@mattruda6455]

Sorry guys but I dislike that setup of the big awkward A-frame, It looks pretty.... but with the inside arm fully extended overhead and elbow pointing up you are just asking for shoulder issues. Doing a simple tweak of a hair less body rotation and turning the elbow down alleviates that issue and allows the lats and pecks to contribute. I know it is difficult to show since your not on water but the "pull" should not be from the bicep. Nobody should be gripping the shoulders of the paddle, if they are then they are not fully buried at the catch.

[@haloguy579]

Matt Ruda I think they illustrate the A stroke pretty well, certainly not perfect but not bad. At most moments the A stroke was demonstrated pretty well

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

Hey thanks for the input! We'll have to make an updated video soon, the variation of a "perfect" setup would definitely vary with each person. I know for myself I'd like to think my form was like this, but when in the water and the rush of the race, I had difficulty with keeping with the "ideal" during the race. -Dr. B

[@mattruda6455]

@@ryanbalmesdpt Dr. B your body positioning looks good to me right at 4:33, Ming's is really the one I'm really critiquing. At 9:28, you see how his inside arm is curving over his head, his body is so rotated that he has to reach over his head. Hope you guys had a good race this year, sorry I missed it.

[@starrbarnes1726]

The hand close to the blade should be a fist above the blade and that arm should stay straight at all times. No bending it.

[@haloguy579]

Starr Barnes except for the exit, also depends on what stroke he’s doing, for the A stroke you need to bend for the exit at the hip (or a little before the hip if timing is an issue)

[@ginnyjollykidd]

Thanks!

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching :)

[@rih1468]

Not understanding the use of the legs?

[@adelaideonaplane]

I think they're referring to anchoring/engaging your lower body so you can add power to your strokes. Not entirely sure myself.

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

You got it. Physics wise, you'll have to use your legs and feet to "anchor" into the boat. This way when you pull on the paddle in the water the boat will move forward. How you brace your legs in the boat will all depend on preference (digging in the heel for hamstring activation vs pushing your knees out against the boat)

[@MrLangam]

It came from China. Not South East Asia. Wtf.

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

Yeah we have not intention of being the definitive expert on the origins. We can let the historians speak on this. We're just a few guys who wants to help you get started with the sport!

[@olilassika4121]

Sag nicht RUDERN!!!!

[@tobigmaguire8371]

This is not an awesome video by any means.

[@ryanbalmesdpt]

Sorry about that. There are plenty of videos to check out about dragon boat. Happy racing!

[@catbee1452]

Perhaps you are a seasoned paddler but, as a newbie, I found this very helpful in understanding the basics.