The Osoyoos Lake Paddle Club is hosting a Paddle Palooza where the public can try out the sport. The event is on May 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Safari Beach. (File photo)
By Vanessa Broadbent
Osoyoos Times
The Osoyoos Lake Paddle Club is inviting the public to see what dragon boating is all about with a drop in “Paddle Palooza” on Sunday.
The day will kick off with a paddling demonstration on dry land before participants are sent out on the water, assisted by experienced paddlers.
Dragon boating isn’t difficult, but completely different from canoeing or any other type of rowing, club president Wendy Barlow said.
“It’s a different type of stroke because we’re in sync and we’re close to each other in the boat.”
The syncopation leads to camaraderie, which Barlow finds draws people to the sport.
“It’s very much a team sport and I think that’s why most people enjoy it, because we’re definitely a team in the boat,” she said. “The friendships that are created in the boat are incredible.”
While Barlow calls dragon boating a good workout, she said it’s also accessible for all fitness levels.
“You can do it at pretty much any level.”
It’s also open to all experience levels, and the club will supply a paddle and jacket to anyone wanting to try it out.
The Paddle Palooza is on May 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Safari Beach (near Legion Beach Park). Everyone is welcome.
