So despite my sore calves from my run yesterday, I agreed to trying dragon boating this morning. Afterall, it's my calves that hurt, not my arm. Was dragged by Lucas simply because he didn't want to be the only new one so he called me along.
The place was at Pyrmont just by the waters which is really close to where I stay. 5-10 min walk. Met lucas there at 9. Lucas's friend who introduced him to dragon boat have really nice looking arms. Hey, I still can stare OK! Lol!! I just appreciate nice bodies, that's all. Hehehe....
There were quite a lot of people there as dragon boating is a team sport. The boat fits 22 people. 20 paddlers, a steerer and a caller. There were 18 people this morning and quite a few new ones so we didn't feel that left out. We were quickly briefed on how to hold the paddle, how it should enter and exit the water and how the body position should be. They didn't overload us with too much information because they know we would forget it anyway once we get into the boat and start paddling.
This sport actually involves more of the shoulders and the torso rather than the arms. The leg position is also very important and it has to be really glued to the ground. Timing is key in this sport because if you're not in sync with the rest, you would actually be creating resistance and also you would be hitting the paddle of the person in front of you (which is what I was doing most of the time.. lol!). We started with long strokes and then later on with fast and short strokes. The caller was like shouting 85%, 95%, 100% in terms of the power we should put in but to me, I find myself pretty much going 100% all the way. Lol! My shoulders and my bum were so sore!!! Halfway through, I was so tired I just took my paddle out of the water and just enjoyed the view. We went around Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay, just under the Anzac Bridge. It was a sunny morning and the view was just awesome. The boat was still moving of course because not like I make any contributions anyway. Haha! The boat probably moved faster without me paddling and creating the resistance. Lol! Towards the end, we did like sprints, i.e. fast and short strokes and omg!!! My whole body was rocking forward and back at one point and I almost flew off my seat because I didn't glue my feet into the ground. Your whole body moves in dragon boating, not just your arms as you use your trunk. OoooOoooO!! perhaps I could get some abs with this sport? Hehehehe.....And also maybe I can get some biceps n triceps too.... I need them ok!! I need to get bigger arms because my arm band keeps sliding down when I run... lol!
I find this sport quite like swimming. For swimming, the angle your arm enters and exit the water is important. The stroke is important. We will forever be corrected with our strokes and it takes lots of time and practice to get it right. Your body position is crucial to maintain streamline and reduce the resistance. Dragon boating is just like this...except it has the timing component and it's a team sport. It is usually done during summer when the weather is warmer and now is actually the end of the season and they are just doing it socially and perhaps getting more people into it.
Would I do it again? For now, it's a yes.....provided Lucas still goes because I do not really know anyone there that well. They are all quite friendly though and we all went for breakfast after. I do not know how long I would stick to it tho but it would be nice to make it a new sport for me this year. Hehehe... It's a good opportunity to get some upper body strength. Arms and back. Good sport to get stronger back muscles too. And.....think lean, toned, muscular arms on me.... hehehehe... I used to have it during my swimming days but now it's no longer there. Well, it is but smaller... lol! My arms are still my favourite part of my body. Hahahaha!!! Yes, I know. I am probably the only girl who wants muscular arms. Just hope it doesn't make my shoulders broader since it does involve the shoulder quite a bit. Plus, it's so near my place and I still can sleep in till 8.30 on Sundays. And... at least my weekends will be a tad more interesting rather than just being a couch potato and running.
So... dragon boating... my new sport this year? Perhaps.. very well perhaps....:p
Looking forward to next weekend!!!
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