Frequently Asked Questions
What do I wear?
You need to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. Most team members wear active wear tights. A quick dry t-shirt, aqua shoes, a lightweight parka and thermals if it is cold as well as either a cap or beanie depending on weather. Some wear bike/paddling gloves to assist with grip of the paddle. Paddling pants can be purchased that have grip patches on the pants seat to assist with not sliding off the dragon boat seat.
Each team will supply you with a life jacket to wear. We don’t tip out, but life jackets are compulsory.
How much does it cost?
Season subscriptions are set by each team. $50.00 from each members subscription is paid to the Paddle for Life Board account to cover expenses relating to maintenance of the equipment and insurance costs. Each team then sets their own sub. ABOL do a lot of fundraising to help cover the costs associated with accommodation, travel, and regatta costs. The current subscriptions for the 2022/2023 season are:
ABOL - $170.00
Amazons - $225.00
Both teams require a $50 gear bond on top of the subscription which is fully refundable.
Is there an age limit?
No there is not any age limit, you just need to be over the age of 12.
ABOL have paddlers that range in age from mid 40’s to 70’s
Do you offer a trial?
Yes you can come along and give it a go. ABOL generally offer three sessions and then if you decide to join, you will be sent an invoice and if we have in stock a gear bag.
Do you have to do the regattas?
Aoraki Dragon Boat Association the local Regional Sport Organiser (RSO) holds regattas during the season which runs from Labour Weekend to the end of March in the following year. The first one is the Ice Breaker, generally at the end of November beginning of December, Akaroa 10’s which this year was held in December, Aoraki Open in January and South Island Champions in March.
It is ideal to attend the minor regattas before the SI Champs in March as then you are aware of what happens on a race day.
The season is then finished with the NZDBA Nationals Championships held at the end of March at Lake Karapiro.