What are the key dragon boat race strategies?
With the proper reach position, the catch phase of the stroke will be the most effective. Pull – Pull the paddle directly parallel to the boat. The paddle should be in a vertical position. Make sure paddlers are sitting up and using the larger back muscles to get the full force of the stroke. Second, the stronger of the two paddlers should sit in the rearmost position. The rear paddler should be the one to match the stroke of the front paddler, since they can watch the stroke of the front paddler.Sitting in the Stern (Back) of the Canoe The back of the canoe is where the steering takes place. For this reason, the more experienced paddler, or more coordinated person, should be in the stern of the canoe. When there are only two canoeists, it is also better to have the heavier person in the back of the canoe.The stern paddler is the source of the most powerful strokes and is the person steering the canoe. Ideally, you want your most experienced paddler in this position – or, if everyone is at about the same level in terms of experience, the heaviest paddler seated here.PADDLER PLACEMENT: Generally; put experienced paddlers – small to medium sized in the front, big strong paddlers in the middle and lesser experienced, weaker, not too big, in the back.