Welcome to our third Meet the Dragonflies blog post! A couple of weeks ago, we spoke with Karin Maddox, one of our co-captains, about her dragon boating experiences. We also spoke with Heather Goode, who is wrapping up her fourth season with us. This week, we chat with Ben Thomas, who is co-captaining his first season (but also paddling his fourth), and ask him a few questions about paddling for the HKA Dragonflies... How long have you been paddling for the HKA Dragonflies, and why did you start? Four years. I started in my first year at Hong Kong Academy. Training was really tough back then because it was a totally different form of exercise to what I was used to. There were so many things to think about in terms of the timing, reach, twist, pace and keeping that inside arm as straight as possible. The first few months of paddling in my first season were challenging. | Ben (right) with fellow Dragonfly Mike (left) between races in Sai Kung |
What is your role within the HKA community?
I’m a Grade 5 teacher. Back in the UK, I worked for many years in Year 6 and that’s the same age group as Grade 5 so it’s what I’m used to and the age of kids that I prefer teaching.
I’m a Grade 5 teacher. Back in the UK, I worked for many years in Year 6 and that’s the same age group as Grade 5 so it’s what I’m used to and the age of kids that I prefer teaching.
What sorts of exercise do you like to do outside of dragon boating?
I like swimming and paddle boarding. SUP is a great workout and compliments the time you spend on a dragon boat. I’m a ‘righty’ on the boat so SUP gives me the opportunity to train the other side too. I also like working out in the gym but that gets a bit boring and doesn’t quite match time spent on the water.
I like swimming and paddle boarding. SUP is a great workout and compliments the time you spend on a dragon boat. I’m a ‘righty’ on the boat so SUP gives me the opportunity to train the other side too. I also like working out in the gym but that gets a bit boring and doesn’t quite match time spent on the water.
Ben with his G5 class at HKA
What are the challenges you've faced whilst dragon boating?
Well, as I said, the technique at the beginning was tough but after a few months of regular paddling, you get used to it. Even now, people on the boat are still refining their technique. We all have something to focus on but we help each other and provide regular feedback so that those improvements can be made. This season, I had to have a two month hiatus after surgery. That was hard! Not being able to paddle was horrible. But I still coached the team from the front of the boat and took a lot of video. It was great to analyse the video footage and offer advice and reinforcement to the team. I think having someone watching the boat for an entire session has a big impact on the team’s mindset - you can’t get away with anything for a start. Another challenge this year is time. We train twice a week after school. Wednesday sessions finish at 7pm and that can be tough sometimes, especially when you have work to do for the next day. The workload at school can be quite heavy but being on the boat after a difficult day refreshes the body and mind. A cold beer on the pier with friends after training is always something to look forward to.
Well, as I said, the technique at the beginning was tough but after a few months of regular paddling, you get used to it. Even now, people on the boat are still refining their technique. We all have something to focus on but we help each other and provide regular feedback so that those improvements can be made. This season, I had to have a two month hiatus after surgery. That was hard! Not being able to paddle was horrible. But I still coached the team from the front of the boat and took a lot of video. It was great to analyse the video footage and offer advice and reinforcement to the team. I think having someone watching the boat for an entire session has a big impact on the team’s mindset - you can’t get away with anything for a start. Another challenge this year is time. We train twice a week after school. Wednesday sessions finish at 7pm and that can be tough sometimes, especially when you have work to do for the next day. The workload at school can be quite heavy but being on the boat after a difficult day refreshes the body and mind. A cold beer on the pier with friends after training is always something to look forward to.
Taking both our short boat teams to the Gold Cup finals in the SK races | What do you enjoy most about paddling? A lot of things: the fitness, camaraderie, swim breaks, competing in races, being part of a team. All of this is part and parcel of being a HKA Dragonfly. But I also enjoy the improvements we make each season. I like to see people being competitive and giving it their all on the boat. That makes me very proud and it’s great to see everyone’s fitness and core strength improve. We all start the season a little out of shape after the summer break (well I certainly do) but after a few months, you notice a real difference. |
What tips would you give to someone considering taking up dragon boating?
We don’t have try outs with our team. If you want in, you’re in. It’s that simple. But we do appreciate a commitment. Regular attendance at training is vital. We do give newbies the opportunity at the start of the season to have a go on the boat and see if it’s for them. If it’s not, that’s fine. What I can say is that if you do decide to commit and be a part of the team, you’ll have a great time and make loads of new friends. The time-commitment is a big deal but if you can organise yourself and keep on top of the work throughout the year, it can be easily achieved. Another tip I would suggest is to experience both sides of the boat. Training both sides is really worthwhile not only for your body balance but also if we are one side heavy and need people to switch. I need to take my own advice and switch it up more. The last tip I would suggest is to stretch. Both before and after training! The legs and shoulders can cramp up easily and stretching is great for your flexibility and allows you to reach and twist better.
Stay tuned for the next Meet the Dragonflies post, coming soon!
We don’t have try outs with our team. If you want in, you’re in. It’s that simple. But we do appreciate a commitment. Regular attendance at training is vital. We do give newbies the opportunity at the start of the season to have a go on the boat and see if it’s for them. If it’s not, that’s fine. What I can say is that if you do decide to commit and be a part of the team, you’ll have a great time and make loads of new friends. The time-commitment is a big deal but if you can organise yourself and keep on top of the work throughout the year, it can be easily achieved. Another tip I would suggest is to experience both sides of the boat. Training both sides is really worthwhile not only for your body balance but also if we are one side heavy and need people to switch. I need to take my own advice and switch it up more. The last tip I would suggest is to stretch. Both before and after training! The legs and shoulders can cramp up easily and stretching is great for your flexibility and allows you to reach and twist better.
Stay tuned for the next Meet the Dragonflies post, coming soon!