Jim Peltier, the head coach with the Osoyoos Dragonboat Team (called Dragon Spirit) was showing newcomers the intricacies of a solid stroke during the team’s annual open house this past Sunday afternoon at the Holiday Inn. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
Instead of working out in the gym, you can work out on the water with some “Dragon Spirit” in Osoyoos.
That’s the lure of the Osoyoos Lake Dragonboat Team (called Dragon Spirit), which attracted nearly 20 potential newcomers this past Sunday during the annual open house the team holds at the Holiday Inn.
The 50-member team has been continually recruiting since it began about 12 years ago.
Paddler Betty Steinbart said the Dragonboat experience is a great way to get fit. It also oozes camaraderie.
“It’s a good workout, not just for the upper body, but it’s a whole body workout.”
Steinbart said newcomers can have a two-week trial period to decide if they want to join the team.
Steinbart said she didn’t know a lot of people when she first move to Osoyoos, but has met some great friends as a result of joining the local Dragonboat Spirit.
The group practices five days a week, but encourages people to train at least two days a week.
The boat holds 22 people, who have to work as a team in unison, Steinbart pointed out.
She noted the team consists of a competitive component and a casual group of paddlers.
The group offers full moon paddling excursions and social picnics, with annual summer barbecues and Christmas parties.
Charter member Arnie Polischuk was hooked the first day he joined. He likes the fact that his workout is on the water instead of indoors.
“Once in the water, it’s not as hard as I thought it was,” he said.
Coach Jim Peltier admitted the being part of a Dragonboat team involves lot of work, but when you share the boat with this many people, it’s a lot of fun.
“Nobody does anything by the seat of their pants because everyone works to a schedule,” he told a packed room of paddlers.
Peltier said training, warm-ups and safety are key elements in the Dragonboat experience.
And remember, port side is left and starboard is right.
Peltier said the team is gearing up for three race events this year, starting with the Penticton Supersprints on June 23-24.
Team members range in age from young adults to seniors and everyone who is interested in fitness, fun and joining a great group of people is welcome to join.
For more information about joining the team, call Steinbart at 250-495-8166.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
Dragonboat newcomers learn techniques during the Osoyoos Dragonboat Team’s annual open house this past Sunday afternoon at the Holiday Inn. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
