Paddling a dragon boat is an uplifting and rewarding experience in many ways. The adrenaline high you get from winning a dragon boat race is wonderful. The sense of camaraderie among a crew is superb.
The best thing about dragon boat paddling is that it is an inclusive sport, Everyone is welcome. Blind paddlers can be accomodated. Paddlers in wheelchairs can be accomodated. Crews are usually made up of me and women, boys and girls from about 10 years of age, up to about 60.
It is cramped in a dragon boat. The boat is 40 feet long with twenty planks across for twenty pairs of paddlers to sit on, You sit facing forwards and use a single bladed paddle.
You do not need a superb physique, though obviously if you have one and know how to make your muscles work together you will be a better paddler.
The nearest dragon boating facility to Cork is a University of Limerick facility on Lough Derg near Killaloe. Everyone there is very friendly and it is wonderful paddling on Lough Derg. Peaceful, silent except for the crew’s breathing and paddling.
If you are interested in paddling a dragon boat I urge you to give it a go. You will get wet, but the exercise will keep you warm, regardless.