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 Although we have put up the forum, we will continue to air issues that are frequently discussed among dragon boaters. Here you will find the facts (if they are provided) and overviews of issues affecting dragon boating in Canada today. 

Mandatory Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) - Updated!

At the Toronto Island festival, officials read out to all participants before each race that it was mandatory for everyone to wear PFDs according to Coast Guard regulations. In the eyes of the GTDBC, this satisfied the requirement.

According to Mike Kirkmann from GWN, this is not the case. The following is an excerpt of an email from Mike:

Mike Kirkmann also goes into detail explaining how the PFD issue came about in the 36th and 38th posts of this forum thread. Thanks for the info Mike.

Our only question is this, GTDBC apparently got away with stating the rules and letting the paddlers do what they want. Thereby putting the onus on the paddlers (which is what many want to begin with) to put the jackets on. Doesn't this satisfy their due diligence and alleviate their need to force paddlers to wear lifejackets? If this can work, we can save time and just do this at all events no?

GWN vs. GTDBC

Were noted in the past about a certain member associated with GWN spotted on the island wearing a PFD - much to the intial disgust of paddlers who noticed.

This is a response from Mike Kirkmann:

Maybe there's a reason why this individual was wearing his personal jacket... like maybe he took his club coach boat over from the outer harbour and didn't want to leave it in the boat because someone might steal it and wearing it was easier than carrying it around...

Also, I could care less what goes on at the island except for my interest in our club crews. I have lots of friends who still race at the island. Yes, the police and harbour master called GWN and asked some questions. I even offered to bring some PFD's from our club if they were short.

Paddlemonium

Problem solved! According to International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Executive President Mike Haslam, EDBF paddle standards are the same as IDBF standards. The following is an email directly from Mr. Haslam:

Hi All,

   Regarding the paddle storm in Canada (and before it gets out of hand) the Toronto paddles are not to IDBF/EDBF Spec (which is the same by the way) and my advice to anyone intending to paddle at the TCBA event would be to insist that the organizers provide the same paddle for everyone, then it does not really matter if the paddles used are to IDBF Spec or not, as long as they are all the same.  (The event by the way is not IDBF sanctioned and therefore does not have to follow IDBF Rules but it would be nice if they would). For information in Canada on the IDBF Spec contact Adrian Lee or Mike Kirkman. 

Yours in sport, 

Mike Haslam 

IDBF Executive President

Apparently, GTDBC has dropped the ball on this and is looking pretty bad. We know for a fact that GTDBC does NOT have enough Cowan Canoe paddles for six teams at any given time. Furthermore, since the marshalling system requires a boat to be on the water while the next is loading, the clubs should actually have enough Cowan paddles for 12 boats. Failure to do so undermines the level-playing field.

Also, since TCBA is an IDBF sanctioned body, paddlers were purchasing paddles from them on the belief that the paddles bought are IDBF approved. Since these paddles were sold on this basis, and without a disclaimer by the GTDBC, it seems only fair that the club accept returns and refund paddlers who do not want these non-conforming paddles. In doing so they will then have enough paddles to level the playing field at the Island event. Kill two birds with one stone.

For complete details of the paddles specs, go to:

http://www.dragonboat.org.uk/edbf/english/handbook.htm

Medals (or lack thereof)

Running a site that lists the top teams in Ontario, you're bound to talk to all the Champs (or most anyway). One of the biggest disappointments for paddlers is the lack of hardware at events.

Don't get us wrong, paddlers appreciate a bag or clothing as prizes. But they should NEVER replace actual medals. For upper-level paddlers, medals and trophies are what they look at when they recall their moments of glory at festivals.

This is not limited to the overall champs. Medals should also be given to challenge races as well. These are for the large corporations that drop large chunks of money at your event. Might as well keep your banks, hospitals and tech companies happy. Or they might not come back.

Lastly, recognize all the "A" division teams! TIDBRF does a great job of this by giving plaques to the non-top 3 teams. These teams worked hard and could easily win a medal if they tanked a race and were in "C" or "F" division. Show them the respect they deserve. 

Costly Practices

Dragon boating is definitely the sport for the rich (or at least a sport for employees working for companies with deep pockets). Practices each cost around the $75 range. The cost of purchasing a dragon boat fluctuates around $12,000. Looking at how the GTDBC runs at least 8 boats a practice (1hr sessions), the organization can buy a new boat every 4 days!

We understand that some of these costs are allocated to the lifeguards and other variable costs. We also understand the  GTDBC and GWN are not charities but profit making organizations. However, is it necessary to make such a wide profit margin? In order to promote the sport, making practices (and festivals for that matter) cheaper will do much in advancing its popularity.

Lets think of it this way, the more people you get hooked into the sport, the more revenue sources you all have. That beats oligopolistic pricing in the long run since you rely on a larger client base. (Thanks to a very astute emailer for that tidbit of info).

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