The Osoyoos Lake Paddlers dragon boat team is holding its annual open house event on Saturday. All interested paddlers are invited to the event. (File photo)
If you’ve ever wanted to be a thread in the rich fabric of ancient ceremonial, ritualistic and religious traditions, or maybe just zip through the water on a 40-foot, human-powered watercraft, you just might want to try dragon boating.
If you do, you’re in luck, because the Osoyoos Lake Paddlers will hold their annual open house April 30, inviting anyone and everyone down to the lake for free lessons and chance to paddle in a dragon boat.
Dragon boats are the basis of the team paddling sport of dragon boat racing, a sport with roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers, which has been held for over 2,000 years throughout southern China.
Today, a typical dragon boat holds 22 people, including a coach and steersperson (and occasionally a drummer setting the pace), who paddle in time and at their peak can reach a blistering 18-19 kilometres an hour.
Betty Steinbart, a member of the Osoyoos Lake Paddlers, says she loves the all-ages sport because it is both a great workout and engaging social event.
“It’s very much a social activity and it’s awesome fitness,” she said. “You’re out on the lake exercising, instead of in a gym.”
That exercise, she says, is an “all-over body workout” that tests everything from your core to your legs, arms, shoulders and more.
Laying the health benefits aside, Steinbart says gliding along the lake, self-propelled and totally in sync with 22 other people, is a feeling unlike any other.
She encouraged anyone interested in the sport to head down to the Osoyoos Lake Paddlers’ open house – which begins at 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Osoyoos – and experience that feeling for themselves.
The club’s coach will be giving short paddle-boating lessons and anyone interested will be able to hop in a dragon boat and practice alongside experienced paddlers.
“Everyone wants to get out and try it,” Steinbart says with a laugh.
Paddling, she says, is easy to learn and a great way to get and stay fit. It offers the camaraderie of being on a team whether you are looking for racing competition, recreational activities or both.
Last season the club had 50 active members made up of men and women aged between 35 and 80.
Club members also compete in races and events like the Cherry Fiesta Parade, the Penticton Sprints and, in the past, the B.C. Senior Games. It also hosts a number of social activities such as paddle picnics, full moon paddles, an annual BBQ and a Christmas party.
It also offers free membership for the first two weeks in May, so anyone interested in joining can literally test the waters before committing to a membership.
“Come out and join us this weekend,” she said.
TREVOR NICHOLS
Regional Reporter
