DRAGON BOAT CLUB LOOKS TO WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Nottingham’s longest-running dragon boat club, Notts Anaconda, is inviting people with any amount of experience – or none at all – to come and try their hand at one of the country’s fastest-growing sports. The club is holding a free trial session on Sunday 11th April when anyone interested, with any level of sporting ability or experience, is welcome to go and have a taste of the dragon boating experience with the club’s prize-winning crew.
Ali Marsland, club secretary, has been with the club for eight years: “I first tried dragon boating when I saw an open day like this one advertised in my gym,” she said. “I had no idea what it was but thought I’d give it a try and found that I really enjoyed it.
“I love getting out on the water, I love the team spirit and camaraderie of the sport and there’s not a lot that can beat that feeling of anticipation and excitement sitting on the start line of a race, followed by the pounding of the drums as the boats head down the course, and then the sense of triumph when we win – even if it’s by less than half a second.”
Dragon boat racing originated in China over 2,000 years ago. The boats raced today are 40-feet long and are constructed from glass fibre, rather like large canoes. Wooden gunwales and seats help to retain a traditional look, and the boats are fitted with a colourful dragon’s head and tail, plus the drums for racing. A crew consists of between 16 and 20 paddlers sitting in pairs side-by-side, with a helm standing at the back to steer the boat, and a drummer beating time.
Notts Anaconda has grown from small beginnings in 1994 to a team to be reckoned with, now competing – and bringing home trophies – in national league events around the country.
One of the strengths of the club, and the sport, is the wide variety of people it brings together and Notts Anaconda includes people of both genders and all ages from many different backgrounds.
“I was one of the least sporty people around when I started,” added Ali, “but I’m definitely a lot fitter now. I’d encourage anyone to come and give it a try and find out for themselves what it’s all about.”
Notts Anaconda train on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings at Trent Bridge. The clubhouse is next to the Britannia rowing club adjacent to the Nottingham Forest Football ground. To find out more, turn up to the free session before 10am on Sunday 11th April at the clubhouse or call or email to join in any training session.
Contact Ali on 07954 424358 for more details or Gillian on 07841 831 667. There’s more details on the club website nottsanaconda.co.uk, or send an email to 
newpaddlers@nottsanaconda.co.uk