The Kootenay Rhythm Dragons Team LOL competed last week in the Harrison Dragon Boat Festival at Harrison Hot Springs.
It was an intense one day festival with four races during the day. The day started with a 200m sprint qualifier, followed by a 500m heat. The times from the first two races were combined to place each team in a category. The third race was a semi-final followed by the final races for each category. The semi-final and final heats are also 500m each.
Team LOL did well, ending up competing in the Division B championship category. They honoured seven members as race virgins who had never been to a festival before. All members performed admirably especially considering all four races were completed in one day. Many festivals are held over two days with two races each day, giving more rest time between heats.
The weather was challenging too — thankfully the rain held off, but wind was definitely present. However, the wind was no problem for very capable steersperson Diane Tulloch who kept them in line.
Coach Jeanette McCarvell is extremely pleased with the team and is looking forward to the next festival in Penticton in September.