Frequently asked questions
What is included in the registration fee?
Our club is run by volunteers and we operate on a cost-recovery basis. The registration fee for a team covers the cost of the practice site, equipment, coaching and regattas. In 2024, the registration fee will also cover your OPS dragon boat t-shirt.
I can't attend one or more of the team's regattas. Can I still join the team?
Dragon Boat is a team sport and its important that there are no empty seats on the boat on race day. We ask that paddlers confirm they can attend all regattas before registering. Our teams attend different regattas throughout the season – we encourage paddlers to sign up for a team that fits their schedule.
Can I pay a reduced registration fee if I can't attend the regatta or some of the practices?
The registration fee for a team covers the cost of the practice site, equipment, coaching and regattas. The club will pay these costs regardless of whether or not you are in the boat that day. We cannot offer a discount on the registration fee.
My circumstances have changed and I can no longer keep paddling this season. Can I get my registration fee refunded?
Refund requests must be submitted in writing. For requests submitted no later than 7 days before the first practice of the program, the Club will issue full refunds (less a $50.00 administration fee). For requests submitted up to the day of the first practice, 50% refunds (less a $50.00 administration fee) will be issued. There are no refunds after the first practice of every program.
In situations where a member must resign from the team for extenuating circumstances (for example, serious injury), a pro-rated reimbursement less a $50.00 administration fee may be issued, subject to approval by the Club Executive.
Do I have to know how to swim to join the team?
Swimming ability is not a requirement. You will be required to wear a Personal Flotation Device at all times on the boat and docks and it is unlikely you will ever find yourself in the water.
I've never dragon boated before. Are your teams open to beginners?
Yes! We recommend first starting with our 6-week beginner season.
Why are there 22 paddlers on my team? I didn't pay to sit!
As teammates may miss practices or even regattas due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, illness or injury), to ensure sufficient paddlers our teams are budgeted to register 22 people. If your team has perfect attendance, approximately once per season you may be asked to observe half a practice (or a race) from the drum seat or the dock. (And once you have done so, you will not be asked to do so again until all teammates have observed once.) A small discount is built into the fees to account for the possible observation half-practice.
What is the difference between the various teams?
The teams have different practice schedules and attend different regattas. For more information, visit the Our Teams page.
Do I have to try-out for the team I want to join?
There are no try-outs for our teams. Anyone can join regardless of experience level.
I've never dragon boated before. Can I try the sport before committing to a team?
No, paddlers must register and pay for a team before the first practice. The Club has held one-night “Try Dragon Boat” events in the past to give new paddlers an introduction to the sport, but these happen after the start of the season. Please keep checking our website details of upcoming events.
I don't drive. How will I get to an out-of-town regatta?
Your team captain(s) will coordinate car pool options closer to the regatta date.
How do I get to Sunnyside Paddling Club?
There are directions and a map here. There is also information about parking and transit routes.
When does registration open for the various teams?
Registration generally begins in March. Teams will start practicing in May/June (or July/August for second-half teams). Please keep watching the website for more details.
Did we miss anything?
If you have any questions that was not answered by the above FAQ's, please email us and we'd be happy to assist you.
