DBACT Sweep Guidelines · DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 2 Document Version Prepared By Date Version 2 Debora Whitfield DBACT Sweep Coordinator with support and in collaboration

DBACT SWEEP GUIDELINES

Canberra Dragon Boats Association Inc. t/a Dragon Boat ACTwww.dbact.com.au PO Box 268 Macquarie ACT 2614 ABN: 89 647 128 044

DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 2

Document Version Prepared By Date

Version 2 Debora Whitfield DBACT Sweep Coordinator with

support and in collaboration with the DBACT Sweep

Assessor Group

September

2019

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the development of this document including AusDBF

and DBNSW for the use of applicable content sourced from the AusDBF Competition Regulations &

Rules of Racing and the DBNSW Sweep Accreditation and Safety Regulations (SASR) document.

DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 3

1. Becoming a Sweep in Canberra .............................................................................................................. 4

1.1. Duties of a Sweep ..................................................................................................................... 4

1.2. Sweep Accreditation ................................................................................................................ 5

2. Safety .................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1. Life jackets / Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) ...................................................................... 6

2.2. Boat Safety Bag ........................................................................................................................ 6

2.3. Boat Lights ................................................................................................................................ 7

2.4. Loading the boat ...................................................................................................................... 7

2.5. Paddlers in the boat ................................................................................................................. 7

2.6. Ratio of Experienced Paddlers to Novice Paddlers ................................................................... 8

2.7. Always do a head count ............................................................................................................ 8

2.8. Conduct a Sweep Safety Drill .................................................................................................... 8

2.9. Balance your boat before leaving the shoreline. ...................................................................... 9

2.10. Be aware of your waterway ...................................................................................................... 9

2.11. Universal Maritime Safety Rules ............................................................................................... 9

2.12. Lake Burley Griffin Users .......................................................................................................... 9

2.13. Paddling in winter................................................................................................................... 11

2.14. In the case of capsize.............................................................................................................. 12

3. Starting to Sweep ................................................................................................................................. 12

3.1. Clothing .................................................................................................................................. 12

3.2. Physicality ............................................................................................................................... 12

4. Manoeuvring the boat ......................................................................................................................... 13

4.1. The basics ............................................................................................................................... 13

4.2. Turning a boat in choppy conditions ...................................................................................... 14

4.3. Using the crew to manoeuvre the boat .................................................................................. 15

5. Practising your sweep calls .................................................................................................................. 16

6. Practice your sweep skills..................................................................................................................... 17

7. Races .................................................................................................................................................. 17

7.1. Pontoon starts ........................................................................................................................ 17

7.2. Racing ..................................................................................................................................... 18

7.3. Calls from the starter .............................................................................................................. 19

7.4. At the end of the race ............................................................................................................ 20

8. Definitions ............................................................................................................................................ 20

9. References ........................................................................................................................................... 20

DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 4

1. Becoming a Sweep in Canberra

To become an accredited sweep in the ACT you will need:

• to register with the DBACT Sweeps Coordinator at [email protected]

• attend AusDBF Sweep Training Course (Length of course Day – 10.00am – 4.00pm)

• have a valid first aid certificate (this is for all levels of sweeps L0 to L5)

• submit a copy of completion of Play by the Rules www.playbytherules.net.au

• hold a Working with Vulnerable Card this is free for Volunteers, and will allow you to sweep school teams and corporate teams

• maintain a DBACT Sweep Accreditation Log Book

• a fully accredited sweep as your instructor (Level 3 min) who will provide direct supervision on the boat with you at all times until you are fully accredited

• if your club does not have a L3 you can apply for an exemption through the DBACT Sweep Coordinator (email address above).

• to log a minimum of 20 hours of training in all types of conditions including time, weather and boat load configurations

• to pass a practical test

• to pass a theoretical test with a 100% pass rate and

• to have successfully swept four races in a standard mixed 18 crew min without incident, over at least 2 regattas

Achieving the above will enable you to become an accredited sweep after which you will be permitted to train novice sweeps, junior crews, corporate, community or social crews. Additional and more detailed information is provided in the AUSDBF Sweep Accreditation Scheme.

Desirable

• A life jacket (PFD) life jackets are provided by DBACT however, it cannot be guaranteed that enough will always be available on any particular day.

1.1. Duties of a Sweep

• Sweeps Take Control

• The safety of the crew and the boat is your primary responsibility

• Check the weather forecast prior to confirming the session will proceed

• Check all of your equipment and have seats, drums, lights etc cross-checked for stability

• Ensure that the boat is equipped with a safety bag, rope 10m 6mm diameter min, bailer and (lights between sunset and sunrise this is a legal requirement and failure to observe may result in a substantial fine)

• Ensure that there is a mobile phone on the boat (encased in a waterproof pouch or bag)

• Steer the Boat

• Give direction

• Keep the crew and boat safe

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• Avoid collisions at all costs

• In the event of a capsize or sinking, take control, conduct crew count, keep crew and boat together and get paddlers safely back to shore

• Members under 18 years must wear a PFD where legislated

• Ensure that local maritime rules are obeyed including PFD requirements

1.2. Sweep Accreditation

Sweeps are ranked in levels commencing at 0 (zero) up to a L5. All sweeps start as a Novice Sweep (L0) and progress through the levels depending on their experience and aptitude. Due to the incredibly important responsibilities imposed on the sweep’s role, various restrictions are imposed at each level until the sweep demonstrates suitable capability.

• Level 0 – Novice Sweep – In Training – Trainee Sweeps are instructed & supervised by a minimum L3 accredited sweep.

• Trainee sweeps need to sweep a mixed crew in standard boats (If not in a mixed club liaise with sweep coordinator to arrange with a club for sweep training before being accredited.

Words of advice from experienced sweeps:

Don’t rush it

Get experience

Be confident (within your ability) and express yourself to the paddlers confidently

No one ever stops learning. You don’t know what you don’t know and a small amount of

information does not make you an expert

Every time you go out it is different

All watercourses are different

• First time for anything is always a bit unnerving

• First time you sweep

• First time in a different boat

• First time on a different waterway

• First time with a different crew

• First time with a new start procedure e.g., pontoon, toggle, free start.

You will only become a good sweep by practicing at being one

Your confidence and ability will improve with practice. It takes time but always be seeking

to improve your sweeping skill.

Sweeps are not coaches – do not feel responsible to coach as well as sweep unless you

are dual-qualified.

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• The accreditation test is in two parts: a practical demonstration of your capabilities as a sweep in a mixed boat and a theory test in which you must obtain and 100% accuracy score.

• Your accreditation is provisional until you have:

1. swept four races over at least two regattas successfully without incident, in a standard mixed boat with a minimum of 18 paddlers, and

2. attained a first aid certificate,

after which you will become fully accredited. While you are a provisional sweep, you cannot sweep social teams in races.

• Full accreditation is for three years after which you need to be re-accredited.

• Following a 3-year accreditation period, re-accreditation will happen once the sweep’s log book has been sighted and signed off on.

• If no log book available the sweep can attend a training course.

• DBACT Sweep activity is collected and recorded by the DBACT Sweep Coordinator for all local and NSW regattas.

• For sweeps that sweep at AusDBF, IDBF and International events it is up to themselves to get a record sign off by the Chief Official or alternative Official (who is the person supporting the Chief Official on the day) This doesn’t have to be done on the day.

2. Safety

2.1. Life jackets / Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)

• PFDs must be worn on the outside of clothing. In the ACT, PFDs must be worn from 1 May until 1 September unless the weather and water remains cold, when a longer mandatory period may be advised by DBACT.

• PFDs should also be worn from the advertised sunset to sunrise times (AusDBF Safety Manual), which are available from official Australian Government agency websites. If your paddling session will start or may finish inside these official times, then PFD’s must be worn for that session.

• All junior sweeps aged between 14 and 18 years are required to wear PFDs at all times. It is highly recommended that all sweeps wear PFDs at all times.

• All paddlers who have not performed their 50m swim test confidently are required to wear PFDs at all times.

2.2. Boat Safety Bag

Each DBACT Club is issued with safety bags based on membership. Clubs are then responsible for maintaining and replacing this equipment which includes:

• 1 Waterproof bag

• 1 Torch

• 1 Ventolin & 1 Spacer

• Sugar Sweets

• 1 First Aid Kit

• 1 10m - 6mm diameter min Rope

DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 7

2.3. Boat Lights

In the event of poor visibility and between sunset and sunrise, every dragon boat is required to display a 1 metre high red and green light at the bow and a 1 metre high white light at the stern.

2.4. Loading the boat

The most likely time a boat may capsize is when paddlers are loading into or getting out of a dragon boat. The following guidelines should be observed (be aware of the type of boat you are loading and the requirements for that boat design):

Water Edge

- If loading from the water edge the back of the dragon boat should be in the water.

- Two paddlers (usually the strokes) hold the front of the dragon boat steady whilst paddlers board. The sweep boards first, followed sequentially by paddlers from the back seat to the front seat.

Dock / Jetty / Pier

- Boats that are loaded from a dock, jetty or pier require the paddlers to load and unload from the front of the dragon boat (bench 1 and drummer and sweep first and then in an orderly fashion, one seat at a time.

All Loading

- When loading and unloading, paddlers should be instructed to keep their weight low and avoid erratic movements when moving through the dragon boat.

- The first paddler to arrive at a seat must sit in the middle of the seat and only when their paddling partner is about to sit down should they move to their paddling side.

- All paddlers should know their buddy seated next to them. In the event of a capsize or sinking, the drummer is looked after by the first bench and the sweep by the last bench. Remember you and your buddy’s safety depends upon you recognising each other and working as a team.

- As soon as paddlers are seated, they should have their paddles in the Paddles Flat position.

2.5. Paddlers in the boat

Do not sweep a boat beyond your capability.

All sweeps need to practice with mixed crews before sweeping a crew of 20 men. The weight and power of the crew makes a big difference to how the boat steers and responds. As an unaccredited sweep, it is important that you do not have too many new (novice) paddlers in the boat compared to the number of experienced paddlers (see the table below):

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2.6. Ratio of Experienced Paddlers to Novice Paddlers

Total Paddlers on Board 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

Experienced Club Paddlers 15 14 14 13 12 12 11 10 9 8 8

Novice Paddlers (Maximum) 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 2

2.7. Always do a head count

Once all paddlers are seated, the sweep must complete a head count. Number 1 is the drummer, followed by Seat 1 (number 2 left, number 3 right), Seat 2 (number 4 left, number 5 right), etc. until you reach the last person on the boat which is the sweep.

Note: If there is no drummer then Number 1 becomes the left stroke.

Let your crew know the capsize procedure. The sweep is the captain on the water and so is the last one out of the water after capsizes (unless injured).

2.8. Conduct a Sweep Safety Drill

This is the reasonability of the sweep once the boat is loaded.

Step 1. Have the crew number off from the front of the dragon boat starting at the drummer then left to right (if no drummer then the numbering starts at the first bench occupied from left to right).

Step 2. Have the crew know who is sitting next to them and in front and behind them.

Step 3. The first bench is responsible for the drummer and the last bench is responsible for the sweep.

Step 4. In the event of a capsize paddles are to release their paddles and each paddler should immediately account for their buddy.

Step 5. The sweep will have the crew number off again in a clockwise direction starting with the person on the right in the last bench all the way back to the sweep.

Step 6. The Crew are to stay with the dragon boat using it as a floating platform as long as the crew are spaced evenly around it or until either sweep or a rescue boat give direction on how to get back to shore.

Step 7. If the Sweep decides that the crew are to swim back to shore, they are all to do so using the buddy system in pairs.

Step 8. The sweep may decide that the crew can swim the back to shore, this should only be done under the control of the sweep and when the swimmers are capable and not at risk.

Step 9. Once all the crew are back on shore have them all count off again.

DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 9

2.9. Balance your boat before leaving the shoreline.

An unbalanced boat is hard to steer, is uncomfortable for paddlers and is not safe. The steering of the boat will be affected if the boat is unbalanced and it will increase the risk of the boat tipping, and a paddler getting injured.

If you need someone to move in order to achieve balance of the boat, do so before you leave the shoreline. The balance needs to be not only left to right, but you also don’t want the bow (front of the boat) to be too heavy or the boat will plough.

To determine whether or not the boat is balanced, have paddlers go to the paddles up (or attention) position, and then lower their paddles to the start position – it is critical that paddlers perform these movements precisely at the same time.

The first position proves whether the boat will be stable when paddlers are sitting with their weight centred inward and the second position proves whether the boat will remain stable once the paddlers lean out.

If after leaving the shore the dragon boat is still unbalanced, stop the dragon boat and make further adjustments.

2.10. Be aware of your waterway

Become familiar with the depths of the waterway.

• Are there any shallow places you need to avoid?

• Are there rocks out from the bank that are submerged?

• How sharply does the water drop off from the bank?

• How does the wind affect the lake?

• What other watercraft use the lake and how do they affect your crew?

• If you discover a new snag, submerged tree or rock, report it to [email protected]

2.11. Universal Maritime Safety Rules

Roads & Maritime Boating Handbook

All water traffic all over the world follows the same rules, whether on the open ocean or within enclosed waters.

• Always travel in an anti-clockwise fashion i.e. keep to the right.

• Always keep approaching traffic on your left.

• You should always have the closest shore on your right – you should never have the closest shore on your left.

All other traffic will expect you to follow these rules at all times. If you are not following these rules and you are involved in an accident, you will automatically be at fault.

Where waterways are crowded, it can be difficult to do this, especially if others are not complying – but do your best to comply at all times. In low visibility conditions (night, mist etc) take extra care to follow these rules so you will be where other traffic expects you to be.

A Dragon Boat is considered a power boat.

2.12. Lake Burley Griffin Users

On Lake Burley Griffin we have swimmers, sail boats, paddle boarders (stand up / SUP), kayaks, rowers, dragon boats and motor boats who all refer to the LBG Lake Users Guide on traffic flow around the lake.

DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 10

Watercraft Safety on Lake Burley Griffin – Traffic Flow Guide

DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 11

• Rowers on the water are faster than you, quieter than you and they are travelling backwards. As a sweep you need to be aware of where they are in relation to your boat and always give them the right of way.

On Lake Burley Griffin rowers go up the right-hand side (south side) of the lake when travelling from west to east, through the first arch under Commonwealth Ave Bridge and the first and second arch under Kings Ave Bridge. The next archway is a “no row” area and they then come back down the lake to pass through any archway on the other side of the “no row” section.

• Swimmers have designated triathlon courses located in West Basin and Yarralumla Beach which are exclusion zones when swimmers are present. These can be identified by the buoys above the water.

• Ferries always have right of way on the water so don’t obstruct or cut across them under any circumstance.

• Rivers and Channels are divided into the three sections. Dragon boats should keep to the outer third of the river / channel (closest to the shore/bank) as the centre part of the river / channel may be used for commercial and power craft.

It’s also recommended that you keep at least 50m away from Ferry terminals and wharves. Maritime waterway rules require marine craft to travel up or down waterways on the right-hand side in the direction of travel.

Safety is the prime concern for sweeps and in all instances, it’s a matter of COMMON SENSE.

• Never go out in (or when predicted as impending) a lightning storm or in water conditions that you do not feel confident in. If a lightning storm has occurred, then you must wait 30 minutes from the last flash of lightning before you can proceed on to the water.

• It is strongly recommended that you learn to read the environmental indicators before you determine it is safe to go out. The condition of the water and the strength and direction of the wind are the key considerations. It is not advisable that new sweeps go out in windy conditions, however, as you become more capable, the decision should be determined by your ability and experience as a sweep, upon the experience and fitness of the crew, and upon the conditions of the water and wind. If conditions are poor and you decide to go out, modify your route, stay much closer to shore at all times and make sure you have advised a responsible party on shore of your proposed session, your routes and your estimated time of return, after which time the alarm should be raised.

• Again, DO NOT GO OUT when there is lightning and never let your coach or crew pressure you into taking any move you consider dangerous.

• Remember that the final responsibility for safety rests with you.

2.13. Paddling in winter

• Stay close to the shore, so it is a short swim if the boat does capsize.

• You have 10 minutes of useful movement to self-rescue, be rescued or to take measure to prevent the onset of hypothermia, in the water in the coldest part of the year before problems start to occur.

• If the boat is too far out, then paddlers should stay with the boat ring ACT Police 000 or Maritime waters 11444 and raise an alert to passing boats or those on shore that assistance is required.

• Conduct head counts immediately after capsize, and every 5 minutes thereafter until everyone is confirmed to have made it back to the shore.

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2.14. In the case of capsize

Step 1. The sweep takes control.

Step 2. Do a head count starting with the sweep and moving in a clockwise direction.

Step 3. Make sure everyone is accounted for.

Step 4. Wait for a rescue boat to retrieve paddlers with the sweep being the last one out of the water (unless injured). This is normally for regattas only.

Step 5. If there is no rescue boat, assess the current water and weather conditions. (wind, rain, water and air temps). Stay as a group and if near to shore, swim the boat to shore by having paddlers spread out equally down each side of the boat and use it to aid flotation. Where possible, bring the boat perpendicular to the waves. This may not be possible in a strong wind or wave pattern – the boat will naturally swing side-on to the waves and you will not be strong enough in the water to turn it perpendicular to the waves. In these cases, all paddlers should move to the same side of the boat, lean on the gunwale, which will raise the other side of the boat out of the water, making it act like a sail, and all kick together to slowly swim the boat back to shore in the direction of the waves). Paddles should not be held onto during or after capsize as they are not useful as flotation devices and their blades can cause injury. They should be released to float back to shore with the waves and be retrieved later.

Examples of capsize drills are available online.

DBACT does not encourage or endorse the practicing of capsize events.

3. Starting to Sweep

3.1. Clothing

When sweeping wear appropriate clothing:

• Appropriate Headwear to protect your face and vision, both in sunny conditions and in rain;

• Sunglasses to be able to see the water way clearly without eye strain particularly in very sunny conditions;

• Wind jacket or rain proof jacket for wet and windy weather;

• You need warm clothing, appropriate headwear and hand protection for very cold conditions. It is suggested that pocket hand warmers are your friend during cold weather. Whilst paddlers are active and keeping warm, sweeps are not, and are therefore affected by temperatures and weather conditions. Remember wind-chill means that that the temperature you are feeling is lower than the actual ambient temperature.

• Headlight or torch for night sessions.

• Knee braces are used by some sweeps depending on the boat and their personal preferences in bracing stance.

3.2. Physicality

• Stand so that you feel comfortable. In some boats you can brace against the gunwales, with a stance that gives both freedom of movement, and with which you brace yourself for powerful starts and different water conditions, wakes etc.

DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 13

• A stance with feet wide apart. (left to right) feels stable in calm weather but will cause you to accentuate any rolls that occur as all your weight will end up on only one foot. It is generally safest to stand with both feet as close as possible to the midline of the boat, whether side by side or one in front and one behind.

• Never put yourself between the sweep oar and the back of the boat. You could pull the oar across your body, which could result in you going overboard. Likewise, don’t over reach the other way pushing the oar away from you as you could over balance and fall in. You also get to a point of not being able to push out any further.

• You do need a fair amount of effort in rough and windy conditions to maintain or alter a course. If you begin to tire, modify the length of the paddling session accordingly.

• Some sweeps like to hold the sweep oar in a more upright fashion so that the blade is closer to the stern – this reduces drag and can help with sharper turns. However, it is a heavier way to hold the oar and alters the weight distribution. Under normal situations, you might find one hand is sufficient to steer with. But in other heavier conditions, race conditions and with heavier boats, you will need to use two hands on the sweep oar.

• You are using your legs a fair bit during a session and continuously making adjustments to your balance. A lot of the time you will not be aware you are doing this. Anticipate varying degrees of muscle fatigue and soreness in your legs, shoulders or back and possibly even cramps after protracted sessions.

• Brace yourself for starts – some are very strong and can cause you to lose balance. Emergency stops can have the same effect.

• Tides, currents and wind all affect steering – watch, learn and anticipate. Please refer to 4.2

• Take your time to advance your experience. Light boat Half boat mixed boat full boat calm water slightly choppier rougher water windy weather rainy weather night sweeping.

• Sweeps can override a coach at any time if it is necessary to manage the position of the boat for safety reasons.

• Be aware of what is happening on the water around you. AT ALL TIMES.

• Practicing manoeuvres helps you to know how to control your boat. It gives your crew confidence and makes them look more professional. Remember you are in control.

• Practicing pontoon starts, toggle starts and untethered starts – you do not want to “learn” these under race conditions. The Race Starter and all the other crews and sweeps will lose patience with you very quickly if you cannot manoeuvre and hold your boat on the start line BEFORE your first regatta. (Note that these starts are not for here at this stage).

4. Manoeuvring the boat

4.1. The basics

• Always look behind you prior to leaving the shore. Incoming boats should give way to exiting boats.

• Point the stern of the dragon boat towards the direction you intend to go before reversing and always reverse towards your new line and not away from it.

• It is mandatory to always reverse slowly, frequently look backwards to see where you are going and deliver your commands to the crew facing the front, or you will probably not be heard.

• The sweep oar must be out of the water when reversing and only dipping the oar lightly and quickly

DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 14

to manoeuvre the boat. A sweep oar that is dug in too deeply can catch in the water and throw the sweep overboard, overturn a boat or break the oar or the sweep oar bracket. It can throw the boat violently off course and unsettle the crew. Worse still, it can cause an injury to a crew member. This is a really common beginner’s sweep mistake AVOID it!

• Make sure the sweep oar is in the water when you are manoeuvring or steering. Keep it out of the water as much as possible when trying to minimize drag in race situations.

• Minimise any time spent broadside to the waves (such as when there is a need to turn) as it is the position most likely to cause a capsize.

• As far as possible always go into the wind or before the wind. This will minimise pitch and roll and will provide the most comfortable ride, as well as minimizing the risk of taking water over the sides and capsizing.

• When stationary point the nose of the boat into the wind. Watch out for wakes from other craft as some can be quite large.

• Always have your paddlers bracing the boat (paddles flat) when they are not paddling.

• Be aware of having enough weight in a boat in choppy water conditions. Boats that are too light will bounce on top of the waves rather than sit in the water and this will make for less responsive steering.

• On the other hand, too much weight will lower your boat in the water and reduce your freeboard (distance between the water and the gunwales) which substantially increases your chances of foundering (sinking by virtue of taking waves over the front or sides of the boat). Please also note that the strength and experience and distribution of your crew may also impact at this point.

4.2. Turning a boat in choppy conditions

There are a few methods to turn a boat on choppy conditions:

• Take a long slow turn

• Take a zig zag approach while turning

• Have the paddlers on the back bench or back two benches on the same side dig in, or better still to trail their paddles like a sweep oar, you will increase the effective sweeping surface and turn the boat faster. Alternately, if you have the back few seats on both sides place their paddles flat on the water this can dramatically reduce the magnitude of the roll as the boat passes through the broadside position.

• Paddle to a protected spot if one is close by or use the shelter of an island, ferry wharf etc. to turn in the quieter water.

• Sometimes it is better to paddle past where you want to go to, turn and then come in riding the waves (e.g. when re-entering Lotus Bay). In such situations, always determine how far past your destination you need to go to do this. Assess how much further to go, how tired are the paddlers already, are they all wearing lifejackets, how high are those waves, how much deeper water will you end up in, how much further to swim back to shore if a capsize occurs at worst possible point (the turning point itself is –where all such capsizes occur). If this seems too risky, take the boat to the nearest sheltered shore or wharf secure it, and wait for the wind to abate, or for a safety boat to help tow your boat back empty if required. Don’t endanger the crew and the boat by making a risky decision for the sake of finishing the session on time.

• When the water is choppy have all your paddlers paddling with deep strokes – As this helps to stabilise the boat and will help with the general control and steering. Boats that are bobbing on top of waves have a habit of skipping sideways.

DBACT Sweep Guidelines – September 2019 15

4.3. Using the crew to manoeuvre the boat

• Unless you are resting the crew, you can use them to manoeuvre the boat.

• To turn a boat in a small space (basically on the axis and length of the boat), varying combinations of number of benches can be used but it is equal numbers usually and you can use all paddlers on one side to paddle forward and all paddlers on the other side to paddle back. Turning in choppy water was mentioned earlier. To avoid the rocking, make sure all paddlers keep their blades low (just above gunwale) and take short smooth strokes. It is fast, choppy strokes and lunging that makes the boat rock, not the numbers that are paddling.

• To turn into a space (e.g. to line up between boats for a race) you can have one side or part side dig in (on the side to which you want the boat to turn) and the boat will come around turning almost from the stern (right angle). Be careful using the whole side as it may be too much power. You must not be going full-pelt, slow the boat first. Use your club’s call to slow the boat and then give the instruction (e.g. Left side…Dig in or Back 3 benches…Dig in).

• To draw a boat sideways, use the front three or four benches on one side to use a drawing action and have the opposite side benches push away while the rest of the boat has paddles flat. You can use all paddlers on one side, but this could rock the boat but under windy conditions, it may be necessary.

• Race start using a pontoon, to realign the bow you can have the front three or four benches on either side draw to bring the bow around and the opposite side benches push away you can have the back two benches dig in. Remember when realigning this could move your boat forward.

• Race start without a pontoon; use the back two benches or front two benches (trimmers) to manoeuvre the boat back and forth if necessary to bring the boat up to the start line as directed by the starter.

• To hold the boats line in a breeze, have the paddlers place their paddles deep in the water (call “Hold water”) so that the blades are perpendicular to the direction the wind is coming from. If you drift off position (inevitable if held on the start line long enough), get all paddlers to lift paddles from the water and use the minimum number of benches to bring the boat forward or back, or left or right. Where possible, try to over-correct a little, so that the breeze takes you to the ideal alignment without wasting more paddler energy. As soon as correct alignment is achieved, get all paddlers back into the water with blades perpendicular to the direction of the wind.

• In a strong cross breeze, you may have to have your boat angled off with the bow into the breeze and then swing the boat around as or just before the start gun goes.

• Remember in training sessions, you can always call “Stop” if you are not sure of your manoeuvring, adjust as necessary, and start again.

• Better to go slower than to cause a problem.

• To lessen the drift of a boat drifting forward or backward, - paddlers “hold water” – paddles fully immersed and paddles at a right angle to the boat, and to prevent the boat drifting sideways paddles should be fully immersed and flat against the hull.

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5. Practicing your sweep calls

Note: These calls are a guide for you to learn as many clubs have their own specific terminology which you may be required to adjust to.

Call Action

Back 2/3/4 rows Only the paddlers in the designated rows paddle under the sweep’s instruction. Other paddlers have their paddles out of the water. This can be used to manoeuvre to the start position.

Squad / Crew This refers to all paddlers in the boat. This call should be used after instructions have been given to part of the crew for manoeuvring.

Numbering from the front (Head Count)

At the beginning before leaving the bank, beach or pontoon, the crew will call their number commencing with the drummer as 1 then, proceeding from the front left side, right side (seat 1 left is 2, seat 1 right is 3) through the boat to the sweep (on a full boat the sweep will be 22).

If there is no drummer then numbering commences from the first occupied seat left 1, right 2 continuing through the boat to the sweep.

Change Sides

(from the front)

The paddlers change sides as instructed by the sweep. The paddlers should avoid sudden movements, transfer their weight uniformly and keep their weight low to maintain the boat balance. This should be executed one row at a time with the paddler on the right standing while the paddler on the left shifts across. The row behind shouldn’t start changing until the row in front has completely finished swapping and have their paddles flat.

Draw front, left or right

(specific seat numbers may be called to draw)

Is used by the nominated seats to pull the front of the dragon boat in line. The opposite side should hold their paddles flat. Some seats may be directed to hold water to minimise drift.

Draw back, left or right

(specific seat numbers may be called to draw)

Is used by the nominated seats to pull the back of the dragon boat in line. The opposite side should hold their paddles flat.

Some seats may be directed to hold water to minimise drift.

Paddles behind, or Paddles back

Paddles are placed in a backward position for paddling backwards, awaiting the sweeps call “GO” to initiate reversing by pushing the blade forward in time with crew mates.

Paddles Up Move paddle to the start position (paddles up). Paddles can be placed in the water (not moving) ready to take the first stroke.

Paddles Flat Paddlers press the blade of the paddle flat on the water to stabilise the dragon boat (also known as “Bracing” the boat)

Paddles Out Paddles come out of the water and the Dragon boat glide to a stop (same as “let it Run”)

Hold Water This is when paddlers hold their paddles still in the water to halt the dragon boat motion and to keep the boat stationary.

Dig it in / Stop the boat / Brake the boat

Paddlers stop the dragon boat quickly by holding the paddle vertically in the water

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Set Yourselves Crew members lean forward with arms straight, resting on the gunwales and with the paddle at a 90-degree angle, nearly touching the paddler in front of them.

GO Start paddling

Let it Run Paddles come out of the water and allow the dragon boat to glide to a stop

Rest/Relax Crew members must remain seated where they are but can relax, drink, re-apply wax to paddle shafts and chat with others around them.

As you were This cancels a call started but not completed. The response from the crew is to resume their former position.

6. Practice your sweep skills

Learn to manoeuvre your boat.

• In Canberra we are well placed on the lake with docks, marker buoys and yachts that are moored in a considered manner. These may be used to develop your steering skills.

• You don’t need to do everything at a million miles an hour. Some manoeuvring may mean you reduce the number of paddlers and the pace of the boat, alter your course and manoeuvre the boat. Some manoeuvring might just need the ongoing momentum of the boat after telling the paddlers to stop paddling. Sometimes you need to stop your boat and then manoeuvre it by means of the sweep oar or the crew.

• You need to set a course and turn slightly prior to where you wish to turn. You need to allow sufficient space for turning. An equivalent counteracting push against the direction of the sweep oar is always necessary to straighten the boat after a turn otherwise the boat will continue past the point you are aiming for.

• Practice giving clear and confident direction to the crew.

• Pick a fixed point in the distance and maintain the boat on a straight line. The moment the boat starts to deviate off the line, you need to bring it back in to line. The bigger the deviation the more work is required to regain the line.

• Practice emergency stops; and also, emergency stops followed by a backset (back paddling) order. This not only stops the boat, but the reverse paddling helps to take the boat away from the cause of concern.

7. Races

7.1. Pontoon starts

Pontoon starts are very good for precise race starts and mean less time-wasting and energy-sapping for the crew. Also, it means quicker turnaround time between races so you need to practice pontoon starts just in case. Pontoon starts will depend on the race course (i.e. they could have either a boat holder or sweep bar).

• To position yourself for the boat holder (person who holds the boat from the stern whilst seated on a pontoon ‘finger’), turn your boat so you are facing down the middle or slightly to that side of lane away from the ‘finger’ where you are docking.

• Reverse the boat gently to allow the boat holder to grasp the stern of the boat. The bow will come across as the boat is pulled back by the boat holder. Practice reversing your boat.

• If there is a cross wind, your front paddlers are required to draw the bow around to maintain the line down the course. The draw stroke can tire your paddlers very quickly and the less they need to do

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the better. Get your crew to practice holding the boat on line during training. Nominate three or four paddlers on either side of the bow and let them bring the boat back into line as necessary. Drummers should call the timing of the draw strokes for respective sides that are drawing.

• The sweep has little or no control over the boat from the stern when being held at a pontoon, but the sweep MUST keep giving clear directions to the front paddlers as to how long to draw for. Remember that the front paddlers do not have your view up the length of the boat and they cannot tell exactly how it is aligned. NEVER leave it to the front paddlers to determine whether you are aligned straight. Take control and maintain control at all times.

• In windy conditions it is worthwhile running the boat back in as far as it can go towards the pontoon. Paddlers in the middle of the boat can hold onto the finger to help maintain the boat in line. The boat holder will then align the boat onto the start line as directed by the starter on the pontoon. This will save your paddlers’ energy.

• Paddlers should hold water when waiting at the start line to prevent the boat from drifting. They should only release when there is a need to draw or they go to attention to start paddling.

7.2. Racing

• Make sure you attend the sweeps’ and captains’ briefing held before each regatta. This meeting gives instruction about the course and any other information the sweep may need for the event.

• The number of your boat usually indicates your lane number. In some cases, you may be assigned a boat number that is different to your lane. A Boat Marshal should advise you of your lane number if this is the case.

• Go promptly to the start of the race line up. In windy conditions, all teams may be asked to hold back and come up together to the start line. If you are late to the start line, you may be disqualified.

• When travelling in the transit lane on your way to the start line, STOP if a race is underway ensuring you are clear of the finish line so as not to block the view of timekeeping systems for race results.

• If there is a wind blowing across the lanes, line up on the windward side to allow for drift so that the wind will assist you to your lane. This is especially relevant (if pontoons are not used).

• If no lanes are marked, verbally indicate to the sweeps either side of you what shore landmark at the end of the course that you will be aiming for to establish your line. They should indicate their aiming points to you so that you can all maintain a safe distance from each other.

• Always keep a safe distance (two metres between paddle blades) from other boats and steer a straight line. Do not enter another boat’s space or lane. If you deviate from your lane, you can be disqualified.

• Stop your boat if you enter another boat’s lane. If you are going to cause a collision or impede their path. You must finish your race in the lane you started in. You are at fault and could be penalised.

• Be aware of other boats turning at the finish. Usually there is a direction indicated for the sweeps to turn at the end of a race so that all boats turn the same direction. If you finish do not cut off boats that are still racing by turning across their lanes.

• Once lined up if you need to realign your boat. The drummer should raise a hand and the starter should acknowledge that. However, drummers are not to raise their hands until the starter has called “Are you ready”. Until the starter asks “Are you ready” you do not have to signal that you are repositioning your boat. Just do it.

• To keep a boat steady on the start line, have your crew hold water by putting their paddles into the stop position and keeping them there until the starter “Are you ready”.

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• If you are given the opportunity to practice in new waters or under different start procedures (e.g. toggle or pontoon), take that opportunity or watch some starts to get an idea of how things work in that location

• Have your crew remain quiet on the start line, not only for your benefit but also for the benefit of the other crews. If you have to pass a race coming down the course while you are heading to the start line, stop your boat until the race has passed then continue to the start line. This is a courtesy to prevent your wake having an unsettling effect on the boats racing in the closest lanes.

• Always have respect for other crews and competitors.

• For National and International Competition, sweeps should ensure they read and understand the rules applicable for that competition.

7.3. Calls from the starter

Call Action

All boats hold The paddlers hold their paddles still in the water to halt the boats motion and to keep the dragon boat stationary

Are you ready The crew moves their paddles to the start position with the paddle fully immersed. If the crew is not ready the drummer must immediately raise a hand above head height. The drummer is forbidden to take such action prior to this call. All movement of paddles to align the boat must stop.

Attention The command to GO or the starting signal is imminent, and in any case shall not exceed 5 seconds. The crew should ready themselves to take the first stroke.

‘GO’

Alternatives:

• Gun shot

• Electronic start signal

• Horn

• Siren

• Other distinct sound as specified.

Commence Racing.

STOP STOP STOP

Alternatives:

• Repeating the start signal

• Using the alternative start signal as specified.

There has been a false start. Boats are to return to the start line.

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7.4. At the end of the race

When returning to the shore, boat Loaders (when being used) will indicate to you either verbally, or by holding up a placard with your boat number on it, where you should bring your boat in for docking. This is usually done in numerical order.

Where more than one group of boats are being used, follow the direction of the boat loaders to where you should dock your boat.

SLOW YOUR BOAT DOWN so as not to cause damage to the boats or injure boat loaders.

Look for signals from the boat loaders who may be holding up boat numbers and you should return to your corresponding number. Alternatively, they may give verbal or hand direction signals to you. If there are no boat loaders, return your boat to the shore so that it is berthed in numerical sequence alongside the other boats.

8. Definitions

AusDBF Australian Dragon Boat Federation

Boat Loader or Wrangler, are the terms used for people assigned to assist with safe launch and berthing of boats at regattas. In the ACT these officials are recognisable by the fluorescent vest/bib stating their role, which they are required to wear when on duty.

Bow Front of the boat where the dragons head can be attached

DBACT Dragon Boat Australian Capital Territory

Helm Back of the boat where the Sweep is positioned directly behind seat 10

IDBF International Dragon Boat Federation

Stern Back of the boat where the dragon’s tail can be attached

9. References

DBACT Sweep Guidelines

AusDBF Sweep training program

Roads & Maritime Boating Handbook

Watercraft Safety on Lake Burley Griffin – Traffic Flow Guide

AusDBF Rules of Racing

Roads & Maritime Services – Night Safety

IDBF International Rules & Regulations