FAQ - Paddler Commands & Calls

Sources of Instruction

You may receive instructions from one of three sources while in the boat, it is important that you listen, understand and act on them at all times.

Sweep (the person at the rear of the boat steering),
Starter (Race Official present during Regattas),
Boat Captain (Nominated individual during racing, or coach during training.

Sweep Calls

While in the boat the sweep who steers the boat is the one who controls the boat, and it is important to listen and obey their calls.

Calls from the Sweep (person who steers the boat):

*Change Sides* or Swap Over	Starting from the front of the boat, one seat a time, paddlers change sides as instructed by the Sweep. The paddler sitting to the right of each pair, stands up and starts to move to the left, while the left paddler slides to the right, each balancing the other out until the standng paddler is able to sit. The paddlers should avoid sudden movements and transfer their weight uniformly to maintain the boat balance. Starting from the front the swap should be executed one row at a time. The row behind shouldn’t start changing until the row in front has completely finished swapping.
*Paddles Back*	Paddles are placed in a backward position for paddling backwards, awaiting the sweeps call “GO” to initiate reversing by pushing the blade forward in time with the crew mate in front of you.
Paddles Up	Move paddle to the start position (paddles up). Paddles are placed forward with arms stretched out, but paddles are not placed in the water as yet, but are ready to take the first stroke.
Paddles Flat	Paddlers press the blade of the paddle flat on the water to stabilise the dragon boat (also known as “Bracing” the boat)
Hold Water	This is when paddlers hold their paddles still in the water to halt the dragon boat forward (or backward) motion and to keep the boat stationary.
Hold Water Side Drift	Similar to 'hold water', but paddles are rotated to be perpendicular with the boat in order to minimise stop sideways drift.
Brake the boat or *Stop the boat*	Paddlers stop the dragon boat quickly by holding the paddle behind them with the blade in the water and the handle resting on the side of the boat, with downward pressure on the blade.
Get Set (Not commonly used as much now)	Crew members lean forward with arms straight, resting on the gunwales and with the paddle at a 90 degree angle, nearly touching the paddler in front of them.
GO	Start paddling
Let it Run	Paddles come out of the water and allow the dragon boat to glides to a stop
*Draw front* left or right	Is used by the nominated seats to pull the front of the dragon boat in line. The paddle is approximately perpendicular with the boat, and the paddle is pulled through the water towards the side of the boat, to move the front of the boat sideways. The opposite side should hold their paddles flat. Some seats may be directed to hold water to minimise drift.
Draw back left or right	similar to Draw front, but for the back of the boat. Is used by the nominated seats to pull the back of the dragon boat in line. The opposite side should hold their paddles flat. Some seats may be directed to hold water to minimise drift.

Starter Calls in a race

When racing it is important to know and understand the calls that you will hear from the Starter

Calls from the Starter (Race Official):

All Boats Hold	The crew moves their paddles to the start position with the paddle fully immersed. If the crew is not ready the drummer must immediately raise a hand above head height. The drummer is forbidden to take such action prior to this call. All movement of paddles to align the boat must stop.
Attention	The command to GO or the starting signal is imminent, and in any case shall not exceed 5 seconds. The crew should ready themselves to take the first stroke.
GO Alternatives: Gun shot Electronic start signal Other distinct sound as specified.	Commence Racing.
STOP STOP STOP Alternatives: Repeating the start signal Using the alternative start signal as specified.	There has been a false start. Boats are to return to the start line.

Boat Captain Calls in a race

A Boat Captain is assigned for each team event. After race commencment they will likely make calls relating to lifts, length, power, reach etc. You will have become familiar to there usage during normal training sessions, and the Captain will usually explain what is to be expected in the pre-race team briefing.