Dragonboat with the Black Manta Paddlers

Seven years ago, I was introduced to the world of dragon boat and paddling. It was actually an event somewhere in Mactan to celebrate an opening of an al fresco restaurant and at the same time, to acknowledge a newly-formed dragon boat team in Cebu. I was able to join an orientation and tried paddling once. But after that, things got busy on my side that I wasn't able to continue the sport.

Dragon boat racing back then was so new. Not a lot of people were enthusiastic about it but its popularity rose sometime in 2015, a year after I first tried paddling.

Into the Terms

Before we paddled, the team and I had a series of warm-up drills. Personally, it was my first after how many months of being sedentary and preparing reports. The past months was a struggle for me between outdoor activities and work. But again, work prevails. I forgot the smell of the real outdoor adventure, and it was something so rare for me. I used to travel and do a lot of new adventures - from hiking, rock climbing, and down to deep-water diving but now, I only had the chance to see new places if my work brings me there. I never complained though. I value my work so much. But something is really missing - adventure!

"Warm-up exercise before paddling"

Going back, Sir Borj from Black Manta oriented my brother and me on what to do and what to expect during paddling. Although it was not my first time to paddle, the orientation on that day was a refresher for me. It also introduced me to new terms related to the sport (dragon boat racing) before we headed to the shore.

"I'd learn push-ups in the coming days"

I learned I am more into the Bow Side (left side) than the Stroke Side (right side) but I am trying to be an "ambi"as much as I can.

Timing is the KEY

Dragon boat racing is a team effort. It is all about synchronization and timing. In order to move and to move in great speed, all team members should paddle continuously in rhythm. The success of winning and even moving relies to the team's collective effort.

"Paddling is no joke!"

Being a newbie in this kind of sport, I sat at the back portion. In dragon boat racing, there are different designations such as the drummer, the paddlers, and the steerer. The drummer sets the rhythm of the team. He or she is responsible of the team's pulsation and synchronization. The paddlers are also designated in different areas with different responsibilities. The steerer is responsible of the boat's direction. Basically, each member is crucial to the rest of the team. 

In a personal note, I was not able to paddle continuously. The team truly gave off so much energy and speed that there were moments that I lose my timing and my arms just couldn't keep up with the strokes. It was alright though. In fact, I am willing to be back for more training. 

Something to Look Forward to

The team paddled from the 2nd Bridge to the the 1st Bridge then back. I could sense the lively spirit and their passion of the sport. Something that was lost in me due to my work schedule. But now, it was something I rekindled and welcomed once again.

"Cebu's Defending Champion, The Black Manta"

The chance to embrace paddling made me realize that my passion to adventure never died out. It is always there and now it re-awakened. This time, I am looking forward to more paddling and some other adventures in the coming months.

I must say my thanks to the Black Manta Paddlers for the opportunity to allow me to join one of their drills. It was truly a wonderful experience.

Here is my quick video of our Dragon boat paddling earlier:

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