"It's all about character" or truths I've learned from paddling

The motto of the Collingwood Dragon Boat and Canoe Club is, "it's all about character." There are truths to be learned by spending hours on the water training for a race that takes less than two and a half minutes.

1. The boat only moves forward if everyone paddles at the same time. This means you have to watch what your team mates are doing and match your pace to their's. If you are too slow your paddle will get hit from behind. If you are too fast you will hit someone else's paddle.

2. Learning the stroke is easy. Mastering it takes years.

3. You can only focus on one thing at a time when paddling. Just paddle the boat. Whatever is going on in your life on shore stays on shore.

4. You need a strong core to be a strong paddler. Paddling may look like a sport that involves the arms. In fact it involves every muscle in the body from the feet up. The most important muscles are the big core muscles (everything from the thighs to the chest). If they aren't strong you won't have the stamina and strength for a race. In fact, you will probably get injured.

5. Getting stronger hurts. Muscles have to be ripped apart (gently) to grow stronger.

6. Once you can do the long distances the short ones are easy. That's why practices are an hour long and we do six minute pieces at 70 plus per cent power. To make the two minute race seem easy.

7. Every position in the boat is important and has a role.

8. If you don't practise you won't be able to race. You can't just show up on race day and expect to join the team if you haven't put in the preparation. You won't be familiar with the team, or the race plan.

9. It's not the result it's the journey that counts. Races are fun. They are the reward for weeks and months of training. However, just being out on the water on a calm morning as the sun is coming up and the only other marine traffic are the geese and ducks makes is truly magical. It makes the experience worth while.

10. When the waves get big, and the wind gets strong keep paddling strong. If you stop the boat could swamp. You have to keep the strokes long and strong. However, a good coach will also know when the wind and waves are too strong and it's time to head for the dock.

11. There are no stars in a dragon boat. Because everyone is seated and paddling together against resistance, no one person's strength stands out. This means even junior paddlers can paddle with experienced paddlers and still be part of the team.

12. With hard work you can do more than you thought you could. I've never been into competitive sports as a kid. In my 30's I've been able to win medals, and compete with some very good athletes.

13. Teamwork makes frienships. I've not just discovered a new sport, I've made new friends. They also help me to get down to the dock at 6 a.m.