KUCHING: The Kuching Dragon Boat Club is gearing up for a stronger showing at this year’s Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (SIDBR), with daily training sessions testing the endurance and unity of its paddlers.
Club captain, Bryan Wee, said the team has intensified its preparations in recent weeks, hoping to deliver an improved performance after last year’s campaign.
“This year is a bit special because we have a lot of newbies, about half of the boats has just joined this year.
“So, we have a lot of excitement and also a lot of challenges trying to get everyone in sync, to get the technique right, and to unify our stroke sequence.
“But I would say that from what I see and what my coach sees, we are in good hands,” he said during a training session.
Founded in 2017, the club has grown steadily.
Today, its members include both seasoned competitors and newcomers, many of whom juggle full-time jobs alongside training.
“One of the main challenges we face is timing. Most of us are working, so it’s hard to align everyone’s schedule. But we do our best to fill the boat whenever possible and train together as much as we can,” Wee told Sarawak Tribune in an interview recently.
Typically, the team trains three times a week – every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday – but with the regatta approaching, sessions have increased to almost daily.
Fellow paddler, Elvina Chu, who joined the club this year after competing with other teams, said the mix of experience and new energy has strengthened the group’s bond.
“Our goal is to grow together and move as one. It’s about combining everyone’s strengths and uniting our rhythm, both in and out of the water,” she said.
Beyond training, Wee said the club fosters camaraderie through regular post-practice gatherings and social activities.
“We want everyone to feel at home, not pressured. When you have fun and trust each other, it shows in the boat,” he added.
The club will be fielding teams in six categories at this year’s SIDBR — Open 12, Open 20, Mix 12, Women 12, Master 12, and Battle of the Dragons (Tug of War) event held from Oct 24 to 26 at the Kuching Waterfront.
