Officials, steers persons and team members use a unique set of terms to specific to the sport of dragon boating. Here they are:
POSITIONS:
POSITIONS:
- STEERS PERSON - The person responsible the team's safety and the direction of the boat. The steersperson stands at the stern, gives commands and steers the boat. Steerspersons for the Oshkosh Dragonboat Race & Festival are provided for each team.
- DRUMMER - The person who sets a crew’s timing by pounding a drum. Each team designates a drummer who sits in the bow. This person is usually lightweight.
- PADDLERS - The team members paddling the boat. In a dragon boat, paddlers are seated in one of the following areas: Front 6, Middle 8 "Engine Room" or the Back 6. <Learn more about boat positions>
- PADDLES UP– Paddles above the water ready to take a stroke. Commonly used for starting the movement of the boat in a non-race situation.
- HOLD THE BOAT – Command issued by steers person to bring the boat to a complete stop using paddles. Paddles are driven down vertically into the water and held firm.
- READY, READY – Used by steers person to prepare the team for the start. Paddles are readied for the first stroke (most often in the water).
- ATTENTION - Command given by the race starter to prepare crews for departure. The start gun will follow in approximately 3-5 seconds.
- GO! - Paddle immediately.
- UP! Command used by steers person to tell the paddlers to increase the speed/tempo of the stroke.
- TAKE IT AWAY – command to start paddling.
- LET IT RUN/LET IT RIDE - command to stop paddling (paddles out of the water) and allow the to boat coasts to coast.