FAQs

HOW CAN I JOIN THE TEAM OR LEARN MORE?

Go to Join the Team or Contact us. We’d love to meet you and discuss your interest.

I’M NOT A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR, BUT HOW CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?

Our Prairie Partners (visit Join the Team to become a partner) are a network of friends, family and people who want to support the team out of the boat. We are fortunate to live in a community bursting with a variety of skills. Contribute your ideas, talents and enthusiasm! Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way, and surrounding yourself with survivors can cultivate a positive, uplifting environment.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO JOIN PRAIRIE DRAGON PADDLERS?

There is a $75 annual fee to join the team. This covers a Prairie Dragon Paddler T-shirt, entrance to all races, team events, use of race-day PFDs (personal floatation devices) and paddles for practice, as well as mooring, storage and insurance costs.

WHERE DO PRAIRIE DRAGON PADDLERS PRACTICE?

We call Homer Lake in rural Champaign County our practice home. Please Contact us if you are interested in giving paddling a try!

HOW OFTEN ARE PRACTICES?

We practice twice a week on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. Practices last about one to one and a half hours. We sometimes like to stay on the water longer when the sun sets later or we are preparing for a race.

WHAT DO I NEED FOR PRACTICE?

The team has a supply of paddles and life jackets (although you are welcome to bring your own). We supply camaraderie, motivation, instruction and coaching. Paddling a dragon boat is a cost-effective way to increase mental focus and physical fitness. We encourage you to wear sunblock and sunglasses (a safety string is always helpful) and wear appropriate clothing and shoes (Teva, Columbia and Keene make great waterproof sandals) that you don’t mind getting wet and that dries quickly. Some paddlers bring seat cushions such as kayak seat cushions, rubber carpet padding and garden pads. Oh, and bring a smile … it will prepare you for the fun ahead!

WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS DRAGON BOAT PADDLING HELD?

Our season typically runs from April into October, depending on weather conditions.

WHERE ARE DRAGON BOAT RACES HELD?

Races are literally held around the world. We typically attend races in the Midwest, although some paddlers travel to other states and countries to participate in various races and festivals individually.

DO I SWITCH SIDES WHEN I PADDLE OR STAY ON ONE SIDE ALL THE TIME?

We recommend switching sides, if possible, in order to ensure balanced muscle development and minimize injury. However, if there are concerns, accommodations are easily made to ensure your comfort. First and foremost, this is your fellowship time on the water, and our first priority is to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.