It is empowering to be associated with the Dragon… a creature that can fly and breathe fire and is very powerful and intelligent. As a Dragon, I develop a sense of flight from everyday life, and with my Dragon team, I can breathe fire through the passion of working for and with others. We draw on our intelligence to perfect the unit of the Dragon Boat, working together as we slide our paddles into the water to create a powerful force.

Becoming a Dragon has connected me to a new world with new possibilities, taking me to new places with new people. It has urged me to explore my physical boundaries, to explore and grow in my daily activities. Being a Dragon does not limit me to the knowledge I already possess, because I am part of a team of Dragons who have unique ideas and together we foster loyalty and friendship. It is like having thirty two eyes and ears, and sixteen brains, along with hundreds of years experience.

When people ask how I am, I answer, ‘I’m great, thank you, I am a Dragon now!’. I love my new identity; my grown family loves the fact their mother is a Dragon, and my grandchildren tell their friends, ‘My Granny is a Dragon.’ My husband loves being married to a Dragon, and my friends spread the word, ‘She is a Dragon now,’ and some wish to join me and become a Dragon too.

They love to hear my Dragon stories describing how I spend time building my strength and endurance to make a valid contribution to the Dragon Team. They love the narrative, explaining how we depend on each other while out on the water, showing dragon patience while learning, and supporting and encouraging all dragons to work to their best ability, no more, no less. I have learned to think like a Dragon, feel the strength of a Dragon, and simply be a Dragon.

I LOVE BEING A DRAGON !
My experience of paddling on the river. All my winter training has paid off as I dip my paddle into the water. Perfection of technique,
synchronisation with other dragon paddles and the boat begins to glide. I love nature, but being on the water is as close to nature as possible. Getting out and experiencing nature with my paddle keeps me seeing the world through a positive lens. The deeper my paddle, the higher my self-esteem and happiness.

PADDLES UP….. and the feeling of excitement ripples through my body. My hip pressed to the side of the boat, using the strength in my legs and rotating my upper body. At the same time, my arms are straight, pushing the paddle forward, into the water, back and out of the water, again and again, and again. My eyes are looking forward ensuring I am on the same page as my fellow Dragons. As we glide across the water, the silence, movement, and togetherness produce a feelgood factor that lasts several days. There is something incredibly surreal about working as a silent motor and moving with speed. As we glide across the water, the world’s troubles melt away. The escapism and sense of freedom have me hooked.

The beauty of the river makes me want to stay on it longer as I begin to feel at home with nature. We pass swans, and I respect we are in their territory as we silently glide by, paddle in, paddle out, paddle in, paddle out. Eyes, ears, and paddle technique are all I need to be a part of this
superb team of Dragons. The paddle is my tool, friend, and part of my Dragon identity.

Anne-Marie Clarke