August 20th Update:
> We had a BIG weekend on August 9th with 6 crews racing (4 crews in Welland and 2 crews in Woodstock), with 4 of 6 coming away with gold medals. Thanks to all our coaches, captains, volunteers, and, of course, the paddlers for a great day of racing together. And coach Catherine was the race Starter for Woodstock.
> Many people are in Montreal from August 20th to 24th for the 2025 Canadian Dragon Boat Championships at the Olympic Basin. While Rusty doesn't have teams here, many current and former Rusties are here racing with other teams. As well, coaches Michael Teixeira and Tim MacFarlane are race officials there. There are 235 races in all, half standard and half small boats. There are 107 x 200m races, 105 x 500m races, and 23 x 2000m races. Fingers crossed for great weather!
> We are also getting ready for our final 3 race events for 6 of our teams: 2 teams at GWN Challenge on Sept 6-7, 2 teams at Stratford/Wildwood on Sept 13, and 2 teams at Christie Lake on Sept 20.
SUNDAY CREW! We started this timeslot in June, and now we've decided to run it all summer long. What is it? It's a combination of an Open House (new paddlers who want to try it once), a make-up practice (for anyone from any team or club who wants to make up for a missed practice or who wants an extra practice. The cost is $15 per session. Arrive by 10:30 AM, and we will be on the water from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. That's right - 2 hours for $15! Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. when possible to join a session (but you can just show up). You can also call/text/WhatsApp to 647-971-7332.
Beginners are most welcome at our club (it's our main focus). We start with the basics and build on that week by week until we are ready to race after several practices. Dragon boats are 40-foot-long stable boats, and the use of paddles and life jackets is included. Anyone is welcome to join the club.
The summer 2025 team practices are summarized as follows...
Sunday Crew (new!!) - Sundays in June, 10:30 AM. >> DROP-INS ($15)
Barracudas - Mon & Thurs at 7 PM. >> OPEN (3 spots)
Flying Dragons - Thursdays 7:10 PM. >> FULL
We Will Rock You - Tuesdays at 5:50 PM. >> FULL
Strokes of Luck - Saturdays 10:30 AM. >> FULL
Liberty Waves - Sundays 10:30 AM. >> FULL
City of Toronto (Staff) - Practice Tuesdays 5:45 PM at Ashbridges Bay in June. Then Sundays in August at 10:30 AM at Outer Harbour.
This is an independent team created by Rusty Dragons paddler Kathy Deschamps and supported by the Rusty Dragons.
Mixed Ability Dragons - Saturdays at noon. >> CLOSED as season is over
For paddlers of all abilities, skill levels, and experiences. Members include paddlers with Down Syndrome, autism spectrum, and people of any ability.
Want an extra regatta on the side this summer?
Motley Crew (racing at various events and open to anyone from any team or club, anywhere in the world).
