Duane Hicks
The Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Club wants the public’s help to name its team mascot.
As reported last month, the club adopted a 10-metre long, fiery orange, red, gold, and purple “dragon” made of fabric and other materials special from Beijing, China.
Now it is asking the public to submit their suggestions for a name for the dragon, along with their contact information, to dragonboatff@gmail.com
The winner will receive one of the new club team jerseys.
The plan is to bring the mascot to the fourth-annual Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival, which will run here Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina.
It also will be brought to parades, dragon boat races, trade shows, or any other events where the dragon boat club and festival will be promoted.
In related news, the Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Club held its first team meeting Sunday night and is excited to start training and choosing dragon boat festivals to compete in, said club member Annely Armstrong-Thorstad.
“We would like to have a team of 20 paddlers,” she noted.
“We are at 14 right now so those who are interested can still join.
“No previous experience necessary,” Armstrong-Thorstad added.
“We are just looking for those who are interested in having a fun and rigorous workout on the water.”
The club is looking for men and women aged 18 and up, and of all skill levels, to step forward to be part of the club’s official dragon boat team.
The cost to join is $25/year, which covers various insurances, as well $30 to buy a jersey.
Those interested can e-mail dragonboatff@gmail.com
Meanwhile, the team is hoping to start practices this
Thursday at 6 p.m.—weather permitting.
“We will be starting with basic instruction for everyone so it is a great time to join,” said Armstrong-Thorstad.
Barb Owen-Boerger will be on hand to do a yoga-based warm-up and cool down, she added.
Those not wanting to join the team, but who just may be looking for a more rigorous workout, are encouraged to join in, too, said Armstrong-Thorstad.
Team practices will be held each Thursday at 6 p.m.
Organizers also will be running community paddles throughout the summer on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. starting next week (May 19).
“Everyone aged 14 and up are welcome to come join us,” said Armstrong-Thorstad.
“Simply meet us at our trailer at the Sorting Gap Marina.”
Armstrong-Thorstad said she, Greg Thorstad, and Erika Kozar went out for a paddle on Sunday.
Even though it was chilly, they made it happen, noted Armstrong-Thorstad, adding it is much easier to take dragon boats in and out of the water with the team’s new trailer.
“It only took three of us about 20 minutes from arrival to finish,” she remarked.
“That’s a far cry from all the people needed to lift the boats and move them manually before.”
Meanwhile, organizers are looking for more teams and individuals to sign up for the festival here on June 27.
Teams of 15 (14 paddlers plus a drummer) are being sought, but any individuals who want to sign up also are welcome (they will be placed on a team).
The cost is $35 per paddler, which includes participation, use of equipment, and community paddles throughout the summer.
To sign up, visit www.boundarywatersdragonboat.com
