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Dragon boat · Basic · b3

First sessions in the boat

Learnt at a club

Ready when: The five parts of the stroke on land (b1) and Commands and timing (b2) done, and the child can float, tread water and swim 50 m in light clothing.

Before you look for a club

What the coach teaches

First on land: the lifejacket and what to do if you fall in; then getting into the boat safely, sitting posture, the stroke in time with the drummer (counting aloud first, then silent), swapping sides, stopping and back paddling.

At home, safe only

The five parts of the stroke on land (b1) and Commands and timing (b2).

Ask the club

The swim test, lifejacket and cover-boat rules; an adult in every boat; the number of sessions before a child joins a crew.

What you can see from the side

The child sits tall and keeps the stroke short.

Self-check what the coach confirms

The paddle enters at the same time as the paddler in front.

Stop and get a coach when

The boat feels unsteady or the child is afraid or cold.

Basic is done when the coach says the child is in time with the stroke.

awiseathlete.com/sports/dragon-boat/dragon-boat-b3