Berkeley Racing Canoe Center
Team Practice and Special Event Schedule

Practice schedule for fall 2012 and winter 2013:

DragonMax team practice:

Saturday morning 9:00-10:30 and 10:30-12:00
(No 10:30 practice on Saturday January 12: It's the BRCC Annual Membershp Meeting at Berkeley Yacht Club. All members and member prospects welcome.)

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings 6:00-7:00

It's best to arrive 10 minutes early if you are paddling with BRCC for the first time.
If you miss the boat at M-Dock, you can often flag us down from the Berkeley Yacht Club guest dock a few minutes later.

San Leandro High School team (guests from other schools welcome):

Wednesday evenings 6:00-7:00 and Saturday mornings 10:30-12:00

Special Events for the 2012 Holiday Season and beyond:

Thanksgiving Midnight Moonlight, Thursday November 22, 11:00-Midnight
Paddle under a full moon at midnight. The usual 6-7 pm Thursday evening practice is cancelled.

Ashby Shoal Bonfire and Clam Bake, Thursday December 13, 5:30-7:30 pm
Party with the Cal Sailing Club and Bay Area Sea Kayakers on a secret sand bar 1/2 mile from shore that only becomes an island at extremely low tides.

Carol by Paddle, Thursday December 20, 6-7 pm
Serenade the live-aboard yachts and houseboats in the Berkeley Marina, until they make us stop by inviting us aboard for warm drinks. Wear a Santa Claus hat and dress warm.

Christmas Midnight Moonlight, Tuesday December 25, 11:00-Midnight
Paddle under a full moon at midnight. The usual 6-7 pm practice sessions on 12/24 and 12/25 are probably cancelled.

Saturday Morning Dim Sum, date to be determined, probably a Saturday in January or February
Paddle to Emeryville for Dim Sum at Hong Kong East Ocean.

Ashby Shoal Breakfast, Sunday May 26, 7:00-9:00 am
Another trip to Ashby shoal at extreme low tide for a pot-luck breakfast with Cal Sailing Club and Bay Area Sea Kayakers.

Early Sunday morning recreational excursions can be arranged for educational and environmental advocacy groups.

Most summer practices are inside the Berkeley Marina, where there is 600 meters of clear water along the long east-west axis and 500 meters along the north-south axis. (Most local dragon boat races are 500 meters long, so this is adequate for a full race course practice.)

In the winter, conditions are often mild enough for extended practice runs and recreational paddling outside the marina.

Practice is cancelled in the event of heavy rain or high wind. Check this website for latest information if conditions are marginal.

Guests, passengers and team prospects are invited to try out dragon boat paddling at almost any scheduled practice session. No experience is necessary, and BRCC supplies lifejackets and paddles. Dogs and small children are usually welcome, but it's best to ask first. See the membership page for more details.

Are you on the wrong side of the Bay? The Bay Area Dragons are in Foster City, and invite team prospects to their free practice on Saturday mornings.

The Bay Area Dragons also offer rides at major events in Foster City, such as the Art and Wine Festival in June.

DragonMax team website

The DragonMax technique video on YouTube
(This is "last year's stroke," but still a very good introduction.)

Safety Guide for Guests