Team name: Gorging Dragons Senior D
Founded: 2024
Team type/Race division: Senior D (Ages 69+) training for men and women
Practice Days: Currently practices take place in Victoria and the Comox Valley
About the team: A growing number of veteran VI Paddling members have reached the 69+ age milestone, but aren’t ready to hang up their paddles.
As Coach Tom Arnold says, “Dragon boating provides a pathway where, as an older athlete, I can strive to be the best in the country within my age class. Whether I make it or not is irrelevant – the pursuit brings so many benefits in terms of sense of purpose in pursuing a goal, building skills and fitness as well as connecting with other like-minded, driven athletes my age.”
Whether you are new to the sport or a veteran, as Dragon Boat paddlers we can continue to find ways to grow and challenge ourselves. VIP is looking people who are excited about the idea of being challenged and aren’t ready to stop learning and working hard.
What do Senior D Paddlers say about the experience?
- Senior D paddling offers the three F’s – Fitness, Fun and wonderful Friends. Andy W.
- “… socializing is a need for lots of seniors to ward off loneliness. Travelling to other places is a special thing! Senior D paddler Wendy S.
- There are so many reasons to join a Senior D dragon boat team! Here are three: 1) Being a part of a team gives you a sense of family and community – and let’s be honest, dragons tend to be high-quality individuals! You are who you surround yourself with so being part of a dragon pack is a win-win. 2) Getting fit while having a blast, and 3) Spending time outside with nature, which heals and rejuvenates you. Claudia G.
Coaches: Tom Arnold and the VIP Coaching Team
Festivals attendance: During the summer paddling season there are races up and down Vancouver Island as well as potential races in Vancouver and elsewhere in BC.
Contact information: info@vipaddling.com – You can also find out more about the Gorging Dragons team on our Facebook page here.
Sponsors: If you’re interested in sponsoring our team, please reach out to Tom Arnold.
Recruiting? Yes – VIP is recruiting both men and women ages 69+ as we are growing this division. We look forward to sending another team to the Canadian Nationals in 2027. No paddling experience required, but comfort around boats and the water encouraged plus a drive to improve and work hard.
