Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown Burlington (see location)
Deadline to book: June 18
Click here to book.
The City is producing a full weekend of events surrounding the eclipse, and we’ve called it Obscura BTV! We have a broad City team working behind the scenes to make it all happen, but we need volunteers to help make Burlington shine. We are looking for assistance in merchandise selling, information stations, site and event work, and in event preparation activities. To view and sign up for volunteer work slots, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/iwSiu7DaXX
There is a mandatory training session on April 3rd at 5 pm in Contois Auditorium in City Hall (virtual option available, but in-person preferred).
Thank you for your help, and happy totality!”
We have an opportunity to buy 2024 dragon saddles at wholesale price. Linda Dyer has reached out to the Doug, the owner of Dragon Boat Saddles, and arranged an opportunity for us to make a bulk purchase of saddles at wholesale price $57 and no shipping charge. These are his top of the line model, retail price is $76. His website is very cluttered and confusing but this is style SS-11, just going into production.
Please contact Kevin at Dittuswise@hotmail.com by April 7th, if interested.
Linda’s message:
Here is the info on the new and beautiful dragon saddles for 2024 and how you can order yours. Douglass Bedgood is the brainchild behind these popular butt pads. Here is the latest version. You can order with Teflon or without. He also has many other colors and patterns.
Doug’s message:
This photo shows what I have this year for BCS teams. They have always asked me for hot pink and here it is in the newest design.
The width is IDBF max, 8″. The platform is flexible over the front of the bench for deep leg drive strokes. The gerth around the bench is 4″ wide Velcro with a fast pull tab. There is a 6.5mm removable insert. Teflon is available for those that need effortless rotation.
These 2024 Dragon Saddles are also in many other colors and patterns. Pattern options are located on the bottom right hand of his home page.
Note: There is a possibility to order a Bote Non-inflatable PFD at bulk pricing. Need to contact Judy Kinner by April 7th.
Some things to consider when purchasing a Personnel Flotation Device.
When choosing a PFD, we need to consider our intended activity, and how strong our water skills are. For the sport of Dragon Boat, it is best to choose a PFD that is designed for paddling. Today there are many to choose from. An individual’s comfort with water skills will determine the type or amount of flotation to choose. This letter includes a short discussion on types of flotation devices, links to further information, examples of a few models and an opportunity to receive a discount on certain models. The intent is to give a brief overview, and to help guide an individual in selecting a PFD that meets the needs of an each user.
In the past, it was easy, we had a special deal to purchase a single type for all members. The company no longer makes that style. The significant discounts we have been able to arrange also seem to be gone. We have decided that each paddler can purchase a PFD that best suits their individual needs. IDBF and USDBF, our Dragon Boat umbrella organizations, do not require matching team PFDs. If you would like both a new paddle and a PFD but don’t want to buy both this season, I would look at buying the paddle first.
Thoughts on buying a PFD
When choosing a PFD there are multiple options to consider. Is the PFD US Coast Guard approved. Type of activity. Your level of water skills and comfort in the water. Where you plan on paddling, type of water, how soon you expect help and how far from shore.
DHVT strongly supports purchasing only Coast Guard approved Type II or iso-12402. Some PFDs listed on Amazon and other sites are not US Coast Guard or ISO approved. To complicate matters, the US Coast Guard is changing their classification system. They’re going to an international standard (iso-12402-50 to 150). The standard is iso-12402 with varying levels of support and flotation, the last 2 to 3 digits denotes level of flotation. 50 for moderate to strong swimmers when rescue is close by, 70 equals old standard type II pfd. A comparison of old and new standard can be found at the link below.
https://www.nrs.com/learn/us-coast-guard-pfd-approval-system
There are two basic types of PFD’s inflatable and non-inflatable.
Inflatable PFD’s should only be used by people comfortable in the water during an emergency. The paddler needs to be comfortable with inflating then adjusting the PFD in an emergency situation, whereas non-inflatable PFDs are ready to go, working immediately. Inflatables contain a CO2 cartridge that will either automatically or manually inflate a bladder giving the PFD its flotation ability. If you decide to purchase an inflatable PFD, it is your responsibility to know how it works. This includes what shape the bladder is, do you need to place it around your head? A popular style is the fanny pack or belt style. The smallest inflates to a pillow shape that you hold in front, some inflate to a horseshoe that you put around your head. Another inflatable is a U shaped or vest PFD that sits around your neck and attached to a belt around your waist. They inflate, in place already in position around your neck. However, some people find that the non-inflated PFD irritates the neck when paddling. Inflatables are nice in the summer, for strong swimmers, calm waters and quick rescue options.
Non-inflatable PFDs are warmer, nice on colder days and useful for those that don’t want to worry about the extra steps needed with an inflatable. The club always has the red ones in the shed. I still use them on cold windy days. Now days, there are many styles of non-inflatable PFDs. DHVT recommends PFDs made specifically for paddling sports as they are lighter weight and cut low on the sides to facilitate paddling. Some have zippers in front, others go over the head. Some have pockets, while others have no added features that add bulk. Paddling PFD’s are mostly Type II PFDs. They do not turn an unconscious person upright in the water. PFD’s that turn a person upright in the water (type I) are usually too bulky to paddle in.
Most paddlers would love to talk about their equipment. So if someone is wearing a PFD you are interested in, ask them about it. They may even let you try it out
Listed below are some links to quality PFDs. This is not a comprehensive list, the intent is to show you some options to aid in your own investigation. When you find a brand and style you like, shop around, often there are multiple prices for the same PFD. Check sites such as Amazon, Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods etc. Prices for the same item can vary as much as 50%.
Note: There is a possibility to order a paddle at bulk pricing. Information is at the bottom…deadline April 7st.
Below are a few sources for Dragonboat paddles of varying quality and price.
Some things to consider when you decide to buy a paddle:
1. Be sure that the paddle has an IDBF seal of approval on the paddle blade, some paddles are not IDBF approved. If they are approved it is usually used as a selling point or they show a picture of it. You will not be allowed to use a non IDBF paddle in an IDBF sanctioned event.
2. Paddle material
3. In the last few years adjustable paddles have really improved and are a viable alternative. Advantages are that they can be adjusted when you change position in the boat, the crew or as you gain more experience. Different brands use different adjustment mechanisms. Some can be adjusted by moving a lever or clamp, others need an Allen wrench.
My recommendation to beginning paddlers is to try some teammates’ paddles (different brands and styles) or buy a cheaper adjustable carbon fiber paddle. Better to start with a less expensive paddle before dropping $300 plus on a paddle you might decide you don’t like.
Links to purchase paddles:
One last note, there are many dragon boat paddles in use. If you see a different model ask about it. Most paddlers like talking about their paddles.
If there is enough interest, Padlzone has offered us a discount (about 20%) in a bulk purchase of their Padlzone paddle shown in the above link. After discount, it would be approximately US $155.00. I usually place an order then pick up the paddles during our first Montreal Dragon Boat event, so no shipping. I need to know who is interested by April 7th. Please let me know by email Dittuswise@hotmail.com. I will let interested individuals know by April 8nd if we have enough people showing interest.
Kevin Wise
Are you signed up for an event you can no longer attend? Please remove your name from the sign-up list. Here’s how!!!
First, go to the calendar event. Here, I am signed up at the bottom as Testing, Michelle. Click on the “View Your RSVP” link.
Then on the RSVP screen, change your RSVP to “Not Going” and click Update RSVP.
Here’s where it can sometimes “go south.” When you click update, the system will update but it brings you right back to this screen. So it may not be obvious that it worked (especially since our calendar can be kinda slow). I usually see a brief “flash” of the screen. If it doesn’t seem like it worked, then give it 10-15 seconds, then click on the “View Event” link at the top and be sure your name has been removed.
You can still view your RSVP at the bottom of the Attendees list, and can change your RSVP back to “Going” unless the event capacity has been reached.
Email Michelle if you’re having trouble!
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New to Dragonheart Vermont and wondering how to get to the members page and calendar? Been a while since you logged in and can’t quite remember how to do it? Here are quick start instructions (with pictures) to help you get started.
Contact Michelle Miller if you are still having trouble.
Laptop/Desktop Computer Instructions here.
Smartphone or Tablet Instructions here.
Laptop and Smartphone-Tablet icons by Icons8
