Broadwater Dragons Sweep Calls
Sweep commands in different States and Clubs vary. Here are Broadwater Dragons Sweep calls.
Attention in the boat – Used to get all paddlers’ undivided attention.
Number off - All in the boat number off from the left to account for how many are in the boat.
Paddles up - Paddlers hold paddles up so sweep can access balance of boat.
Set Position -. When paddlers hear this command it is the signal to get down on the gunnel and have paddles in set position.
Attention – The signal for paddlers to instantly assume the paddling position (paddles raised above the water or in water depending on start, bodies in position to paddle).They will hold this position until the next command is issued.
Go or a sound device, such as an air horn – This is the signal, issued with considerable gusto, to commence paddling. Should be preceded by instructions as to whether this is a racing start, a slow and easy effort to get the boat moving, or even just a given number of strokes for maneuvering purposes, for example, “five easy strokes forward.”
Let it run - The command to stop paddling immediately.
Slow the boat - The command to put paddles in the slow boat.
Jam Stop– The command to stop paddling immediately.
Left side draw – All paddlers on the left side of the boat lean out and paddle sideways, pulling water underneath the boat to move the boat to the left. The same command can be given to the right side of the boat to move it in the opposite direction. In either case, paddlers on the opposite side lean out slightly to balance the boat.
Left front draw – Paddlers in the front 2 or 3 seats on the left side draw water (side paddle) to move the bow of the boat to the left. Using the front paddlers on the right side will move the boat to the right.
Left Rear Draw – Paddlers in the rear 2 or 3 seats on the left side draw water (side paddle) to move the stern of the boat to the left. Using the rear paddlers on the right side with “right rear draw” will move the stern of the boat to the right.
Left Front/Right Rear Draw – Just like the command indicates, this method puts paddlers on opposite ends and sides of the boat into action resulting in the boat turning on its axis. Under calm conditions, a dragon boat can be turned 360-degrees this way. A variation would be “right front/left rear draw” rotate the boat in the opposite direction.
Back paddle – All paddlers stroke together in reverse to move the boat backwards. Stop the boat – Paddlers thrust blades vertically into water and dig in to bringing boat to a halt.
Hold water – Paddlers use variety of strokes (above) to maintain the position of the boat on the water despite wind, current etc. Typically used during pre-race positioning. Typically, each paddler will pick out two distant points on shore that are directly lined up with each other (A sailboat at a dock and a tree on a hill) and make sure there is no sideways movement between those points. When each paddler does this, the boat will remain at one point without drifting on the water.
Paddles Out or Paddles on the Water – Paddles horizontal with flat blades resting on top of the water to stabilize the boat.
Attention in the boat – Used to get all paddlers’ undivided attention.
Number off - All in the boat number off from the left to account for how many are in the boat.
Paddles up - Paddlers hold paddles up so sweep can access balance of boat.
Set Position -. When paddlers hear this command it is the signal to get down on the gunnel and have paddles in set position.
Attention – The signal for paddlers to instantly assume the paddling position (paddles raised above the water or in water depending on start, bodies in position to paddle).They will hold this position until the next command is issued.
Go or a sound device, such as an air horn – This is the signal, issued with considerable gusto, to commence paddling. Should be preceded by instructions as to whether this is a racing start, a slow and easy effort to get the boat moving, or even just a given number of strokes for maneuvering purposes, for example, “five easy strokes forward.”
Let it run - The command to stop paddling immediately.
Slow the boat - The command to put paddles in the slow boat.
Jam Stop– The command to stop paddling immediately.
Left side draw – All paddlers on the left side of the boat lean out and paddle sideways, pulling water underneath the boat to move the boat to the left. The same command can be given to the right side of the boat to move it in the opposite direction. In either case, paddlers on the opposite side lean out slightly to balance the boat.
Left front draw – Paddlers in the front 2 or 3 seats on the left side draw water (side paddle) to move the bow of the boat to the left. Using the front paddlers on the right side will move the boat to the right.
Left Rear Draw – Paddlers in the rear 2 or 3 seats on the left side draw water (side paddle) to move the stern of the boat to the left. Using the rear paddlers on the right side with “right rear draw” will move the stern of the boat to the right.
Left Front/Right Rear Draw – Just like the command indicates, this method puts paddlers on opposite ends and sides of the boat into action resulting in the boat turning on its axis. Under calm conditions, a dragon boat can be turned 360-degrees this way. A variation would be “right front/left rear draw” rotate the boat in the opposite direction.
Back paddle – All paddlers stroke together in reverse to move the boat backwards. Stop the boat – Paddlers thrust blades vertically into water and dig in to bringing boat to a halt.
Hold water – Paddlers use variety of strokes (above) to maintain the position of the boat on the water despite wind, current etc. Typically used during pre-race positioning. Typically, each paddler will pick out two distant points on shore that are directly lined up with each other (A sailboat at a dock and a tree on a hill) and make sure there is no sideways movement between those points. When each paddler does this, the boat will remain at one point without drifting on the water.
Paddles Out or Paddles on the Water – Paddles horizontal with flat blades resting on top of the water to stabilize the boat.
