News (as of March 1st): Details for the full program are listed below, but note that we are offering a mini-version of the 16-week program, whose fee is $145 and runs for 7 weeks, Saturdays, March 11 to April 29 (except April 8 long weekend). Register using the same button below, but just pay $145 instead of $295.
The Rusty Dragons are offering club members (and others) an indoor winter training program at the premier indoor paddle pool at Afterburn Fitness. The program includes 16 weeks of training on Saturday afternoons, from Jan 7 to Apr 29. The program runs from 1:10 to 2:10 PM in the paddle pool followed by 2:15 to 3:10 PM in the adjacent gym. The cost of the program is $295 for the 16 weeks / 32 hours of instruction. This is a great program for new and experienced paddlers alike as the coach can work beside you, and there are mirrors so you can look at yourself and how you are doing. Join any time and we'll pro-rate your fees.
Video is also taken every practice and shared with members only. Video is an invaluable tool for paddlers to see themselves individually and as a team. We can also slow it down and analyze it precisely. The gym hour is flexible for people of all abilities, in a positive and supportive environment that is fully supervised.
Safety protocols are in place throughout the facility. Members are encouraged to be fully vaccinated to join this program and facility, and as per usual COVID protocols members should not attend a session if they are feeling unwell. Cleaning supplies are located throughout the facility, and high volume air filters are in use.
See maps below, as well as the registration button that opens a Survey Monkey form. Registered members are also listed below. Participants are not limited to our Rusty Dragons teams. More information will be sent to registered members in advance of the first session on Saturday January 7th.
If you have any questions, please contact Tim at 647-971-7332 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Note: If these Saturday sessions don't work for your schedule, contact Tim as you may be able to join the Wednesday (Afterburn general) or Thursday (Barracudas competitive team) evening programs already in progress.
Use the blue button below to register. Participants will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis to a limit of 24 members. Payment is separate from registration and can be made to via online banking email transfer to "This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.". A payment plan of $195 now (by Jan 1) and $100 later (by Feb 15) is offered.
Members of the Program:
1. Ashwati Michael (Liberty Waves)
2. Darryl Gershater (We Will Rock You)
3. Jack Leong (Library of Conquest)
4. Chantal Marier (Barracudas)
5. Lisa Bertoncini (Liberty Waves)
6. Simi Junior (Liberty Waves)
7. Kevin Donovan (We Will Rock You)
8. Anwesha Sen (Guns n Roses)
9. Deb Yu (Liberty Waves)
10. Rachelle Ashcroft (Liberty Waves)
11. Susan Nguyen (Barracudas)
12. Ayesha Obed (Guns n Roses)
13. Lenore Juan (new)
14. Janelle Rose (TBD)
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17. << Drop-in paddlers from other programs
18. are welcome to join us - $20 drop-in fee>>
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Pool Paddling FAQs:
Q: Why do we use smaller "pool paddles" for indoor pool paddling?
A: Pool paddles better simulate being in a real dragon boat. The higher resistance in stagnant pool water is balanced by the reduced resistance of a slightly slimmer paddle (less surface area). Otherwise, the resistance of paddling can be too high and you'll get tired faster and can't move the paddle through the water as fast as on a dragon boat at a higher speed. It also minimizes the chance of injury from repetitive paddling under larger-than-normal resistance. Speed work is key to the sport of dragon boat (VS heavy resistance training). If you use a regular paddle in the pool, it's like paddling in a real dragon boat but your coach has added a resister (PFDs underwater at the bow or umbrella-like drag devices at the back - like dragging an anchor). You can paddle that way for a bit, but not very long. Pool paddles have about 22-25% smaller surface area as compared to regular paddle. And you can imagine that the water in a pool facility is not traveling at even a 10 km/hr dragon boat cruising speed.
