Positions

Just like other teams, dragon boats have positions. Starting from the [front] working back:

Caller/Drummer - Typically a smaller, lighter person with a big voice. This position is responsible for calling the race for the team. He/she beats the drum in time to the paddle strokes and shouts out encouragement to the team. The caller works together with the steersperson to make sure the team runs a good race.

Lead Strokers - The first pair of paddlers in the boat are called the lead strokers. This position is critical since they set the pace for the rest of the team to follow. They are typically smaller, lighter paddlers with great form, timing and teamwork. They work together to set the pace and must make sure that they stay in time with each other.

Crew - Collectively, all the paddlers on the boat are the crew. Paddlers are typically divided into two groups; those with good timing and those with power. Paddlers with great timing are usually seated toward the front of the boat. Timing is such a critical element that many teams like to keep the people with the best timing up front [so] the rest of the team can see them. Power paddlers, [also known as the “engine room-] are usually seated toward the back of the boat. The water is faster in the back and it takes a little more effort to add to the power of the boat.

Helm/Steersperson - The steersperson is 100% responsible for the safety of the crew. The steersperson has the best view of any obstructions upon the water and must make the required commands to the crew to maneuver the boat. In race situations, the steersperson must also be able to read wind and be knowledgeable of how the boat reacts in certain conditions. It is not good enough that the steersperson can just keep the boat straight, he or she must be able to bring the boat to the line in whatever wind conditions and make the maneuvers or commands to hold the boat on the line. The steersperson works with the caller during a race by echoing the calls so that the whole team hears the commands. The steersperson is a critical part of the crew and plays an important role in practice and races. It takes a whole team to win, but the only single person who can cost a team a race is the steersperson. If it was not for the steersperson, you would not leave the dock.

Captain - Each team needs to have someone in charge for the races. The captain is usually selected by the team to represent them for the races. The captain attends all meetings and passes on the important information. In the event of a dispute, the captain (and ONLY the captain) approaches the race officials to get a resolution. The captain is a member of the crew.

Coach - Although not a required position, the coach sets the workout for the practice, sets the race strategy and motivates the crew. The coach should be well organized and respected by the crew. Some coaches are paddlers on their own teams while other coaches only go out with the team during practice.

[Committee - Also not required, but all teams should have a group of representatives from the team organizing necessary actions to maintain structure in the team. The committee organizes the team activities, such as taking care of the finances/budgeting, arranging equipment/gear orders, seating arrangements on the boat, makes the important decisions for the team, etc.]

[It is important to emphasize that each and every single member on the boat plays an important role, regardless of where they are seated and the positions they represent. This is a truly a team sport. Without any one of the members, there is no team, and ultimately, no Dragon Boating.]

Seating Schematic:

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