Paddler Drew

Personal snaps of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival 2026.

If not paddling, or coaching, I'm somewhere shouting and timekeeping as a Race Official, hahaha😅

Videos of the tough tug-of-war team battles.

There's no avoiding the camera on regatta days, even for the cameraman. Shout out to our amazing Master of Photography, Emile van Rooi

Images by: Andrew Jacobs

Do's & Don'ts
• DO start and return to an upright position (Result: full stroke recovery).
• DO NOT slouch or overarch your back and shoulders (Consequence: Shorter stroke and back ache).
• DO twist into the stroke, punching your outside hand to the front (Result: longer stroke).
• DO NOT bend your elbows (Consequence: lack of power drive down).

Paddle Revolution
• Lift the paddle with your inside hand gripping the T-bar handle.
• Twist your shoulders into the stroke with your back facing the water.
• Rotate your hips inward and punch your outside arm forward for length.
• Drop into the catch, angling your blade into the water.
• Drive down with your top hand while also pulling with the bottom for power.
• Push up with your legs, bring your back straight, and exit at the hip at a slight angle away from the boat.

Starter Line-up
• Come forward by raising your paddle above the surface of the water.
• Lean into your stroke.
• Twist and acknowledge your partner.
• Head forward and eyes focused.

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Paddling 101: Brief Overview
Over the next few days I will be posting some basic Dragon Boating commands, techniques, and boating culture.
This guide is ideal for new paddlers and those looking to recap.
Made in Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦