The Woodlands Swim Team, a north Houston suburb (think: home to the Conroe Natatorium that hosted last year’s NCAA Division III National Championship meet, and produced swimmers like Michael McBroom) participated in the high school division of the 15th annual Dragon Boat Races this past weekend.
This fun cross-training and team-building opportunity was a fundraiser for YMCA Outreach Programs. The event involves head-to-head races in several different events, including an obstacle course, a dodge ball tournament, dragon boat polo, and of course a straight race. The team with the highest score across the events is crowned the champion.
These boats are shipped in annually from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The Woodlands Swim Team took the top three spots in the 2013 edition of this event for the high school bracket. Assistant coach Mike Nordmann shared these pictures with us from the Woodlands’ weekend dominance.
Swimmers make the best dragon boat paddlers! I’ve been in the sport for 18 years and know a lot of swimmers who cross train in dragon boats. The stroke uses many of the same muscle groups. Done properly its a full body work out with emphasis on core. These races are a lot like big meets. Teams set up tents, bring food and hang out most of the day. If you want to find a dragon boat club or race near you I’m happy to help! jeff at doublefifth dot com.