So you decided that you want to try our sport and that you want to make the Pirates your summer home. That is great news. Welcome Aboard. It is going to be great getting to know you and to show you the ropes as you make your way through the dragon boat world.
Being a new paddler and making their way onto a new team can be very daunting. Meeting complete strangers, in a strange place, under strange conditions can be a lot for most people. Please do not worry. Everyone that you will meet has been in the same boat (no pun intended). We have all been the new paddler and we have all felt the same feelings you are right now. This is normal. What you will find out is that because we have all been in that position we are all aware of the new paddler and go out of our way to make them feel welcomed. Patience will be afforded you as you learn all the aspects of our sport. Other paddlers will be there to answer any questions you might have. We have also seen new paddlers bring out a friend to try the sport. This too can help and is encouraged.
Pirates Mentoring Program
Coming into a new environment, with people you do not know, to learn a sport you have not tried, can be very daunting. It is probably one of the biggest reasons that people do not participate. We understand and can relate to everything you are going through. We have all been there.
To help transition our new paddlers from the newbie stage (wet behind the ears) to the rookie stage (paddling in their first race) we have created the Pirates Mentoring Program.
The Pirates Mentoring Program is a very simple concept. Let’s get a veteran paddler and pair them up with our new paddler. The veteran paddler will be able to show them the ropes. Help them through the transition phase and answer any questions that they might have. Your mentor will be assigned to you on the day of your first practice.
Commitment
The million dollar question that everyone asks is about commitment. I want to join the team but I don’t know how much of my time I need to commit to the sport. The easy answer is that the more you are in the boat learning to paddle the better paddler you become. The Pirates practice twice weekly and we encourage all our paddlers to make both practices. We also go to regattas and compete against other teams throughout the paddling season. These regattas are located within BC with most being local or within driving distance. The Pirates try and compete in 3 or 4 of these events a year. The majority of the regattas are one day events so you are usually home for dinner.
If you have questions or concerns about your commitment level please speak with the boat captain or your coach. Both are available before or after practice or through email or phone/text. Click the Contact Us link to be redirected to that part of our website. Either will be able to help answer your questions in a timely manner. We are here to help you success at this new adventure and will do everything in our power to make that happen.