‘PADDLERS FOR LIFE’

This month’s topic on the Dragonboat was given by two participants of a group that meets regularly on Windermere, one of whom is also a local u3a member.

Originating in China, the Dragonboat has paddlers sitting in pairs, with the Helm playing a strategic role in steering from the rear of the boat, whilst upfront a drummer helps to keep time. The boat described by the speakers has twenty pairs, but internationally the size can vary up to a mighty two hundred rowers.

The UK boats, made in Gdansk, Poland from fibre glass, each cost around £8,000. A ceremony takes place in Spring of painting in the dragon’s eyes to symbolize the awakening of its spirit and painting out in Autumn so the spirit can go to sleep. This is also reflected in the April to October period in which rowing takes place, although the crew and volunteers keep active in the winter months with practise sessions of such as capsize drill.

The Paddlers for Life movement has built up in response to the recognition that those who have had treatment for cancer would benefit from a sport offering a combination of physical and mental support and shared experience. Both speakers spoke of their own pleasure and strength gained from being crew members, particularly when taking part in special occasions such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on the Thames.

The talk, introducing an area of activity likely to be new to many members, was much appreciated by the audience.