Throughout the season, we have made an active effort to film and share footage from training sessions. Why do we film? Here are a few reasons... 1. Feedback At the start of season, this was particularly important as the movement in dragon boat is so unlike any other sport. (Other ways of describing it have included, 'weird', 'unnatural', 'uncomfortable', etc... which we have ALL felt at some point or another.) Some of us find it easier to 'see' what we are doing than to 'feel' it , and having some self-feedback in the privacy of your own home in addition to the feedback you get on the boat in person is helpful sometimes! | Katherine leading her section during Pods this past week |
2. Fine-tuning technique
As we come up to races, the importance of capturing and reviewing this footage becomes even more important. As we all know, the most important element we maintain, no matter how frantic the race situation, is timing. The slightest split second can make all the difference and recovering from a slip in timing is crucial. Fine-tuning your own form as an individual paddler is important, but understanding how we fit into the team as a whole is just as important! (This is just as important for returning paddlers to work on as it is for those new to dragon boating, as our team is never the same!)
As we come up to races, the importance of capturing and reviewing this footage becomes even more important. As we all know, the most important element we maintain, no matter how frantic the race situation, is timing. The slightest split second can make all the difference and recovering from a slip in timing is crucial. Fine-tuning your own form as an individual paddler is important, but understanding how we fit into the team as a whole is just as important! (This is just as important for returning paddlers to work on as it is for those new to dragon boating, as our team is never the same!)
A full race filmed from the back of the boat! 3. Accountability This season for the HKA Dragonflies was quite unlike any other, as one of our co-captains was out of paddling action for around two months after surgery. The down sides to this are obvious, but having him coach from the front of the boat meant there was ZERO chance for us to slack off! We had to be accountable for our paddling -- and we are SO much stronger for it! Being filmed by the drummer is much the same -- it is always game time. And this doesn't stop with dragon boating. Try filming your workout or practice, or logging your runs, rows or bike rides. Be accountable for your progress! Happy workouts! | Stace leading her section during Pods this past week A full race filmed from the front of the boat |