EDBRC on their way to China for championships - Edmonton Journal

Local dragon boat crew on their way to China for championships

Source: Nick Lees, Edmonton Journal

EDMONTON - Edmonton is proving it really is the City of Champions by sending two dragon boat teams to the July 24 Commonwealth Championships in Penang, Malaysia.

A team has also qualified to compete in the World Club Crew Championships in Macau, China.

"All team members began paddling in Edmonton as members of a corporate team or in a beginner training program," says Kevin Kwan, the Edmonton Dragon Boat Racing Club head coach.

"The sport is becoming increasing popular because everyone can take part. You can't have a superstar. Everyone has to work together. A boat doesn't leave anyone behind."

Edmonton's dragon boat races now see more than 3,000 participants paddling on 140 teams.

Club members have become so proficient that two weeks ago the men's and mixed teams competed in the Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival and dominated Alberta competition, Kwan says.

"The men's boat was 10 seconds ahead of their nearest rival and the mixed boat was five seconds ahead its opposition," he says. "It's like winning hockey games 10-1 or 5-1.

The women's team also placed first."

Kwan joined a corporate dragon boat team when he moved to Edmonton from B.C. He later started coaching and training teams.

"About five or six yeas ago I suggested we become more competitive and compete in other Canadian cities. Some of our coaches went to Florida for training camps provided by our national coaches and passed their knowledge onto the club and Edmonton at large.

"The idea was born that we'd go to the national championships in Montreal and be one of the best five teams in the country."

In the 2009 nationals, the premiere open and premiere mixed teams qualified for the Commonwealth competition in Malaysia and the world club crew championships in China. "The premiere open category is the fastest," says Kwan. "The 20 athletes of either gender or age on a team paddle so fast they can pull a water skier."

The non-profit club has some 250 members from all walks of life and offers free coaching to youths.

Fundraising efforts to renovate an Epcor power sub-station in Dawson Park and convert it to a clubhouse, which will include three paddle tanks, are well underway.

"It will cost $300,000 before it is completed," Kwan says. "But it means we can train all year and be on an even footing with teams such as Vancouver."