Vic Uni Dragon Boating

Welcome to the Victoria University of Wellington Dragon Boat team! We’re looking forward to a season of training and spectacular competition on the water.

About dragon boating

Originally from Southern China, but now popular around the world, dragon boat racing pitches teams of 20 paddlers against each other in a series of intense, exhilarating races. As a team sport, it emphasises power, speed, synchronisation, and endurance. Races are over 320 metres (about 1.30 minutes) with an occasional longer haul at a slightly slower pace.

Safety

Dragon boating is very safe. The boats are unsinkable, a rescue boat will always be on hand, and life-jackets must be worn. A full safety briefing is mandatory before we head onto the water for the first time covering what to do in the (extremely rare and avoidable) event that you end up in the water. There is no swimming test but we can’t let you on the water unless you confirm you can swim 50 metres.

The University's team

We’re friendly. The team consists of 22 paddlers, includes 2 subs, and a drummer (stroke caller). The final team will be confirmed before we hit the water for training in January. Subs are fully active members of the team and we will rotate members during training, and events if we need to.

The team is run by staff but open to both staff and students. Most activity takes place from mid-January to mid-March.

Fitness

Dragon boating is a physically demanding sport but it’s also within everyone’s reach regardless of current fitness level. There is no minimum fitness level needed to join the team but you will definitely be able to contribute more to the team—and get more out of it yourself if you work on this.

Training

Training is provided and covers technique, fitness, and strength—you will get fitter and you will get stronger. We will have both on-water and land training sessions to help everyone get ready for the regattas.

There’s more information on our website, or feel free to contact Des Kelly (team manager) via the contact details below.

Contact details

Phone: 02 7563 5075
Email: des.kelly@vuw.ac.nz
Website: Vic Uni Dragon Boating
Facebook: Vic Uni Dragon Boating on Facebook