Chicagoland Dragon Boat Training & Team Blue Kick-off Dinner - Illinois

Short Description

Ever wanted to race down the Chicago River on in a dragon boat? Now's your chance, join our team. This event is a weekly practice session for Team Blue, Adaptive Adventures dragon boat team. Every Friday we will practice in order to prepare for the China Town Dragon Boat Festival and the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival where we will be competing against other dragon boat teams from across the country.

Dragon Boat racing is a fun team-building activity and participating in a dragon boat event can benefit people with disabilities, veterans, family, caregivers, and others in numerous ways. Dragon Boating is a sport founded in China over 2,000 years ago and started as an international sport in 1976 in Hong Kong. Dragon boats are fast, powerful, and recognized for the camaraderie, strength, and endurance fostered amongst the team members. Dragon boat races feature an exhilarating combination of premier sports competition in concert with an entertainment showcase for corporations, community organizations, and families. This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of representing people with disabilities and their supporters.

Goals

· To paddle as one team, supporting our seat mates (battle buddies) in ongoing training

· To increase overall physical fitness and health with a focus on paddling specific muscle groups

· To foster an inclusive team environment filled with camaraderie

· To compete in open divisions at local festivals working towards national and international competitions

Schedule

Please note that this is our kick-off practice for the season, followed by our Team Blue dinner at Sully's House!  Please arrive by 5:30pm in order to sign in, warmup, get your PFD and paddle, and be in the boat by 6:00pm. Practice on the Chicago River will run until 7:00pm, followed by dinner at Sully's at 7:30.

Who Can Attend?

Must be 18 years with a primary physical or visual disability in order to participate. Must be able to self-transfer up or down by 12+ inches and comfortable in close confines with other participants in narrow seating. Swimming skills recommended.

**Please Note - Participants must be able to follow directions and effectively communicate with or without assistance provided by themselves to be eligible for Adaptive Adventures programs.

What Can I Expect?

We will progress into how to paddle efficiently and effectively with your new unit, into phases of endurance and taking this new fitness and family into your at-home life. Together, we will learn how to improve our fitness, canoe stroke, power, and ability to feel the hull of that dragon boat move with speed and stealth.

We ask that you attend as many practices as possible. We are a competitive team and the best way to win is to practice all together.

How Should I Dress & Things to bring?

Please wear moisture wicking and comfortable clothing, closed toe shoes and bring rain gear and layers in case of inclement weather. Participants are recommended to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and hat for practice.

Timeliness

We start practice on time and expect members to arrive promptly at 5:30 pm so we are ready to get on water at 6:00pm! By starting promptly, we are respecting your time, our coaches time, and the Greater Chicago Dragon Boat Club's time. Please notify staff in case of cancellation, running late, or any other event. Boats will leave the docks at 6:05pm no exceptions will be made.

Contact Information

Questions? Contact: Dan Loch dan.loch@adaptiveadventures.org 

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