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DRAGON BOAT FAQ
safe sport, safe paddling and RCC Policies
Safe Sport - The RCC is committed to maintaining a positive, inclusive paddling environment and adheres to Canoe Kayak Canada's Safe Sport policy which includes a Code of Conduct and Ethics. You can view the full list of RCC Policies here.
Where should i park?
Parking at the Rideau Canoe Club is for members only. You can view the parking rules and surrounding parking options here.
where do practices take place?
The location of your practices is at the Rideau Canoe Club. The Rideau Canoe Club’s address is 804 Hogs Back Road, close to Prince of Wales Drive.
- When you arrive at the RCC from parking at the surrounding areas, you can find DB paddles and lifejackets along the path towards the main entrance.
- Once you have your paddle and life jacket, you can follow the path up the hill to the Team Meeting Area to meet your team and warm up.
- Once your team has gathered, you can make your way to the Team Staging Area and line up behind one of the numbered signs (1 through 6).
- Access to the finger docks is ONLY in designated areas. DO NOT STAND ON THE MAIN DOCK AT ANY TIME. Stay in the Staging Area until the boat is ready to load. Load/unload one row at a time to avoid multiple people standing on the docking for an extended period of time.
- During evening practices, DBs will launch from 3 docks (Lucy's Dock, DB Dock and Rec Dock).
when can practices be booked?
When you are ready to book practices please send an email to: dragonboat@rideaucanoeclub.ca indicating your team name and top 3 preferences for practice days/times, coach/steer person needs and coach/steer person requests. Please note these requests are not guaranteed. Please see our booking policy for important information about booking your practices.
when do practices take place?
Practices for the season begin the week of May 15th (weather dependent) and end before the Thanksgiving long weekend in October. Please see our booking policy for information about practice times.
If you would like a time during the day on weekdays during the spring (May & June) or Fall (Sept & Oct) please send an email to: dragonboat@rideaucanoeclub.ca and we will see if this is possible.
If you would like a time during the day on weekdays during the spring (May & June) or Fall (Sept & Oct) please send an email to: dragonboat@rideaucanoeclub.ca and we will see if this is possible.
how much do practices cost?
You can find this information under the DB Practice Fees page of the website.
what happens if a coach is double-booked?
In the case where 2 or more teams book a specific coach the team who has paid for their session(s) first will take precedence.
what is your cancellation policy?
A team may cancel a practice without charge if 72 hours notice is given. If less than 72 hours notice is given full price for the session is charged.
if it rains, is practice cancelled?
No. Practices are not canceled if there is rain. The only situation where a practice may be canceled is in the case of lightning directly over the practice area. The decision to go on the water or not is made on-site at the time of the practice.
The maximum amount of time we will delay a practice in the case of lightning is 15 minutes at which time we cancel the session. In the case a team is not able to get on the water the charge for the session will remain on the team’s account; however, the team will have the opportunity to book a make-up session at no charge. In addition, if a team is on the water for less than 30 minutes due to weather they will be given a 50% discount on a new future make-up booking. The full charge for the practice that was cut short will remain on the account. Credits for canceled sessions due to lightning are not refundable or transferable and make-up sessions must be booked during the current season.
The maximum amount of time we will delay a practice in the case of lightning is 15 minutes at which time we cancel the session. In the case a team is not able to get on the water the charge for the session will remain on the team’s account; however, the team will have the opportunity to book a make-up session at no charge. In addition, if a team is on the water for less than 30 minutes due to weather they will be given a 50% discount on a new future make-up booking. The full charge for the practice that was cut short will remain on the account. Credits for canceled sessions due to lightning are not refundable or transferable and make-up sessions must be booked during the current season.
how long are practices?
Practices are 55 minutes in length. Longer practices may be booked but they are subject to additional charges. We ask that you arrive about 15 minutes before your practice start time so that we are able to get on the water on time. In the case where members of the team are late, the practice will still end at the scheduled time. Most coaches will coach several sessions over the course of an evening so if your coach is not present when you arrive please do not worry they will find your group once the prior session is completed.
is there a clinic where our steersperson can learn how to steer?
Yes. The Rideau Canoe Club will host two steering clinics where steers people can come out and get one on one attention from experienced coaches. The cost to attend the clinic is $10/person. The clinics will take place at the Rideau Canoe Club on Sunday, May 28 and Saturday, June 10, 2023, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM.
is there a clinic for drummers?
Yes. The Rideau Canoe Club will host one drummer clinic where drummers can come out and get tips about calling the race. Topics discussed will be commands, race strategy, etc. The cost to attend each clinic is $0/person. The clinic will take place at the Rideau Canoe Club on Saturday, June 10, 2023, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM.
where can i practice closer to home?
If your team is based in the west-end of the City, take a look at the Ottawa River Canoe Club. If your team is based in the east-end of the City, take a look at the Petrie Island Canoe Club.
where do we find our coach?
Teams assemble on the hill (you will see this hill when you arrive for the first time) and the coach will come to you and introduce themself. Oftentimes coaches are coaching a group right before your session so coaches will get off the boat and come directly to meet you.
when should my team arrive at the practice site?
Teams should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time of their practice. Make sure to allow yourself enough time to assemble your team. During the core festival training period (June) there will be many dragon boats at the Rideau Canoe Club. In order to determine which boat you are practicing in please talk to one of the staff members (identified with RCC Community DB T-shirts) or check the signs which indicate your corresponding area.
what should i wear for practice?
When attending practices you should make sure to dress appropriately. You will get wet during these practices so try to choose clothes which are quick to dry. T-shifts and athletic shorts typically work best.
what should i bring to practice?
Paddles and life jackets are provided but you may bring your own life jacket and paddle if you prefer. Due to the nature of the sport, we also recommend teams bring water with them to drink during the practice, particularly on very hot days. Come prepared to paddle and leave any valuables at home or in your car.
TIM HORTONS OTTAWA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL SPECIFIC QUESTIONS:
do we need a steersperson?
Every team must provide a steersperson for the race. Steering is not an easy task and we recommend that you appoint someone who has some canoeing or sailing experience (if possible). Steerspeople will be given instruction during the practice sessions but it is highly recommended that they attend at least one of the steering clinics.
if we can't find a steersperson, what do we do?
If you are having trouble finding a steer person, you are able to rent a steersperson for $25+HST per practice and/or $25 per race. If you would like to rent a steersperson for the festival you can request one onsite at the Coach/Steer Person Tent beside the Staging Tent. If a team pays a coach directly and there is damage to the boat the team is responsible to pay all fees.
are drummers available to hire?
Drummers may be hired. Typically teams will only hire a drummer for races. The cost for drummers is $25 per race. If you would like to rent a drummer for the festival you can request one onsite at the Coach/Steer Person Tent beside the Staging Tent.
how many practices are included with festival registration?
When you register for the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival you receive 2 free practices.
Title photo by Peggy Cumming