Mission
To continue a highly competitive Senior B Dragon Boat paddling program for local, national and international competitions; to support and provide consistent training to allow paddlers to move seamlessly through all racing age classes. Such excellence requires commitment to immediate and long term athlete development.
The primary focus for this season will be to train and develop the False Creek Masters (Senior B Women) Dragon Boat team towards a medal finish at the all of the 2024 competitions, with the potential to build Senior A and Mixed teams.
PROGRAM GOALS
- Ongoing development of a comprehensive paddling program that allows paddlers to perform their best in a fun and energetic environment
- Focused training towards competing at the 2024 races
- Continuation of the program beyond 2024 to provide additional competitive paddling opportunities as part of a comprehensive racing program at FCRCC
PADDLING FOR A COMPETITIVE TEAM
False Creek Masters is a competitive club team. Our expectation is that all program members will do their best to prepare themselves. All individuals need to be aware that excellence on a National and International stage is a multi-season process for all athletes and to reach our goals we have to structure selection as all competitive teams do, on performance. We aim to provide the coaching and the access to equipment that supports every paddler to improve and move closer to his or her goals. That being said, a dedication to teamwork and consistency underlies the success of every winning team.
Although paddlers are welcome to join at any time in the season, there is a caveat as late season additions may not be at the level to contribute to our goals at that time. To be considered for membership as we head into our racing season, any paddler joining after February 1, must come to the program with good technical blend, paddling ability and fitness. Each new potential member will be assessed by the coaching team and only those who meet the above criteria will be offered membership.
Being part of a competitive program does not guarantee that every member will have the opportunity to represent FCM at the National or International races we participate in. Whether selected for these crews or not, all program members will have access to the same training material and coaching resources throughout the training season. As we head into dedicated race preparation training, it may be necessary to focus coaching on the crews that will represent FCM at the next regatta. Paddlers not selected for the next racing crew are encouraged to continue practicing with the crews even during race prep; however, they may be in separate dragon boats serving as training partners or outrigger canoes.