OUTREACH COMMUNITY EVENTS
Recruitment is essential to the well being of the organization. Several times throughout the year, our Outreach Committee sets up paddle events for members of the community. This provides them the opportunity to paddle with experienced paddlers and paddle in a dragon boat on the Banana River. The focus of the sessions is FUN. If you are bitten by the Dragon and want more, we have a program, called Connect, to help you develop paddling technique.
Scheduled Paddle Events for 2024
February 3, 2024-Health First Paddle Event;
February 4-March 10, 2024-First Quarter Connect Sessions;
April 6, 2024-Scouts BSA, Troop 373 Paddle Event;
May 19-June 23, 2024-Second Quarter Connect Sessions;
June 6, 2024-Family Paddle Event;
August 17, 2024-Health First Paddle Event;
September 22-October 25, 2024-Third Quarter Connect Sessions;
MORE TO COME
THE CONNECT PROGRAM
The CONNECT Program is held three times a year. A One-hour introductory “try it” session is held the week prior to the start of the program. Interested members of the community are encouraged to take part to decide if they would like to participate in CONNECT. The Connect course follows with 1 hour practices, on Sundays for a total of 5 weeks. The program culminates in a racing opportunity at the last practice (either from Oars and Paddles Park or at an actual festival with community racing teams). The total cost of the Program is $50.00. Although non-refundable, if unable to attend following your registration, you will be moved to another session or the fee can be transferred to another individual.
The CONNECT Program requires many volunteers from the team. Steer persons and paddlers who can serve as strokes and role models in the boat are always needed. Coaches take turns participating. Typically the practices are scheduled around other team practices to encourage participation.
The CONNECT practices are also a great opportunity for those members who have not paddled for a while to come get back in the boat.
The contact person for our CONNECT programs is Jennifer Schmanski. She can be reached by email at [email protected] (Subject-Connect) for reservations in the program or for any questions you may have.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT EVENTS
We are blessed to be able to paddle weekly on the Banana River and Indian River Lagoon. We are so lucky to be able to paddle out of Oars and Paddles Park, located in Indian Harbour Beach. Because of this, we are diligent in our use and care of these environments.
Yearly we participate in the Marine Resource Council's Indian River Lagoon Clean up event. In 2022 and in 2023, our focus will be the Pineda Causeway.
We are also a Founder with the Brevard Zoo's "Our Legacy Campaign" which is involved with the conservation and education of the Indian River Lagoon.
We also participate in the rebuilding of the oyster reefs in the lagoon
We take care of Oars and Paddles park through our quarterly clean up events.
FAQ
Below we have comprised a list of the common questions and answers regarding dragon boating, training, membership, sponsorship and donating. If there is a question that has not been answered by the list below, please feel free to enter an inquiry on the "Contact" tab above and a team representative will respond.
Training Sessions
Dragon Boat Basics
Donate to Team
Membership
Sponsorship
Have more questions? Feel free to reach our, get in touch with one of our team representatives.