We want you in the boat. Yes, YOU!
The Peace Dragon Warriors Paddling Club is Salem's premier dragon boat racing club - presently with a mixed (co-ed) team. A full boat is 20 paddlers, one caller (like the coxswain) and one helm or steersperson.
Most folks find that it only takes one time out on the water to discover that dragon boating is fun, exciting, and the sport (and team) for them! We provide a paddle and life jacket. Meet us at the Salem Riverfront Park dock (at least) 15 minutes before launch time. Bring a bottle of water, a completed waiver and paddle with us.
What does it take to be a Peace Warrior?
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A desire to have fun!
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Enjoy physical activity - work and play
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Interest in teamwork (play well with others)
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Enjoy healthy competition
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Don’t mind getting wet (it is a water sport, after all)
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Commitment - to practices, and to team activities
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One-time membership fee, plus monthly dues
Our suggestion? Join Peace Dragon Warriors, make sure your passport is current, have a bag packed ready to head off for practice or a race event, and be ready to bring home the bling!
We generally enter between 3 and 6 race competitions in the Pacific NW and Canada each year bringing home more medals to our glory wall. It is our goal to compete internationally someday – and we invite you to help us get there!
Membership Fees:
Prospective members are offered three free practices before joining ($40 1-time only joining fee) and becoming a dues-paying member of PDWPC. A full year's dues is $200, discounted to $180 if paid by the end of January. Dues are also pro-rated if join other than at the first of the year. (Click here to open a spreadsheet that shows our dues schedule)
Membership Documents Required:
What to Wear:
Recommended gear for cold weather practice is layers, preferably wicking material to keep you dry from the inside out, and breathable raingear to keep you dry from the outside in. A bill cap type hat for rainy days is a good idea, too, along with wool socks. When it's warm weather, it's best to wear water sandals, shorts or crop pants and a shirt that are "quick-dry"--though cotton is fine too, you will get a little wet and cotton takes longer to dry. Jeans and cotton sweats should not be worn.
Prior to attending your first practice, we strongly encourage you to watch these videos:
Practice Hours:
We practices three times a week, 50 weeks a year, and compete in 3 to 6 race events during the April – October race season.
March through mid-October:
- Monday and Wednesday: 6:15PM - 7:15PM
- Saturday: 8:15AM - 9:15AM
mid-October through November:
- Wednesday: 6:00PM - 7:00PM
- Saturday: 9:15AM - 10:15AM
December through February:
- We take a break until the off-season practice schedule is resumed.
Questions:
Where we practice
Our boat is moored next to the
Willamette Queen Sternwheeler
- Launching from Salem's Riverfront Park dock on the east bank of the Willamette River the paddlers gather down the boat ramp on the dock 15 minutes prior to launch for quick warm-ups and bench assignments.
- Parking at the north end of the park is the most convenient.
- The club provides loaner life jackets and paddles.
- We also have the pool at the Capital Manor available to us, and will utilize it for side-of-the-pool paddle practice on occasion.