The Nothin’ Dragon Masters dragon boat team is on the water, preparing for its annual spring regatta to be held April 29 at Rocky Point Park.
The event is expected to attract more than two dozen women’s and mixed teams of 20 paddlers from as far away as Harrison Hot Springs. They’ll be giving it their all in 200m qualifying heats, semi-final and final races that begin at 8:15 a.m. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m.
In between, the paddlers —and visitors — will be able to relax in the beer garden and vendor village, enjoy live music and refuel at one of several food trucks. They can also limber up with massages and Dragon yoga.
Nothin’ Dragon is comprised of more than 60 senior athletes. They’ve been training since late March, carrying their long boats into the cold waters of Burrard Inlet twice a week to hone their paddling technique and synchronicity under the guidance of coach Denise Nelson.
This year’s regatta is particularly special as it’s the team’s 25th anniversary, said Nothin’ Dragons president, Brian Kenny. “That’s how long organized dragon boating has been enjoyed on the Burrard Inlet.”
