Information
Here you will find information for all things paddling and Onami. If you are a new to dragon boating, please read all items below to make sure you are well prepared to take on the water!
Your First Practice (Important!)
The Dragon Boat Stroke
Sunnyside Practice Location
Your First Practice (Important!)
If this is your first time dragon boating, here are some pointers to help you through your first (possibly grueling) dragon boat practice!
- Please show up at least a half hour before our scheduled practice time. Our practice time is 11:00, and that is when we get in the boat. Before that, we need to stretch, warm up, make sure we have all our gear, and prepare to board the boat. If you are late and we have left without you, do not leave right away. We will usually go for a warm-up paddle, and then come back to the dock to pick up stray paddlers. Watch for us, and give us a shout when we pass by.
- Most importantly, please remember that practices are held rain or shine. The only time we cancel a scheduled practice is in the event of lightning, but otherwise, we paddle in all weather. If the weather looks doubtful, please call one of the team managers or the NDC Weather Line (416-532-6979) and confirm whether practice is on. Do not assume that we are not practicing and don’t show up, because we do not like paddling a big dragon boat with half a crew!
- It will be cold during the first few practices. Dress properly for the weather, keeping in mind that the lake is always a few degrees colder than wherever it is you live. It will be typical spring weather in Toronto, which means rain, and sometimes even hail. We do not want anybody catching a cold or worse, pneumonia. Bring a dry change of clothes, because you will get wet!
- The water temperature stays below or near 0 degrees well into May, so protect your hands. A pair of paddling gloves or even dish washing gloves will help!
- Try to keep your feet comfortable and dry. The practices are long, so a pair of wet running shoes will definitely be uncomfortable. We encourage you to buy water shoes or sandals (strapped), or if you must, wear flip flops.
- We’ve planned the practice times to be just before lunch, so eat a good breakfast (or at least some carbohydrates), and don’t be too full for practice time.
- Plan to join the team early and stay after practice for warm-ups and a stretch. You will be using muscles you’ve never used, so do yourself a favour and prepare your body for paddling.
- Please limit conversations while in the boat, and always listen to your steersperson and coach. They are in control of the boat, and will be issuing commands regularly. This is especially important during rough weather conditions, as the whole team’s effort is required to keep the boat upright.
The dragon boat stroke is different from all paddling/rowing you’ve done before. Forget everything you know about canoeing and rowing, because this is a brand new stroke.
Please refer to the following resources for training and paddling techniques and tips, courtesy of fellow teams:
Paddlers Anonymous – The Dragon Boat Stroke
Stratford Dragon Boat – Technique
Onami holds practices at Sunnyside Pavilion, with rented boats from National Dragon Boat Club. Please note that for the first few practices in spring, the parking lot may be free, but once the City of Toronto puts the parking meters up, you will be required to pay the parking fee or risk getting a ticket.
Instructions:
Eastbound Gardiner
- Gardiner eastbound, exit at Parklawn or Lakeshore exit, head east on Lakeshore Blvd.
- Sunnyside is on the right, park at the first parking lot west of the Pavilion, or the second lot east of the Pavilion
Westbound Gardiner/Lakeshore
- Gardiner westbound, exit at Jamieson exit, head west on Lakeshore Blvd.
- Continue west on left lane past the pavilion, and there will be a turn-in to eastbound Lakeshore
- Park at the first parking lot directly in front of the turn-in, or the second lot east of the Pavilion
