Welcome to the web site of the 2010 PCC Zen Dragons, dragon boat, paddle racing team! We are students,
employees, and former students of Portland Community College. This club has been an integral part of the
Portland dragon boat community for 23 years and going strong. We are a recreational team dedicated to fitness
and having fun. In 2008, we have built strong friendships, paddled some great races, won 5 medals, and have
amazing memories. That season we were partnered with Portland State University (PSU) and after mentoring the
"PSU Rain Dragons" for the past 3 years, they are now an independent team with a new name.
Dragon boating is the fastest growing sport in the world and it is one of the oldest competitive sports in Human
history. Dragon boating originated in China and predates Christianity! Races are traditionally held as part of the
annual Duanwu Jie (double fifth) festival observance in mainland China and Taiwan. It is referred to as "double
fifth" because Duanwu is reckoned as the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which often falls in the month of June.
Competition has taken place annually for over 20 centuries however, it emerged in modern times as an
international sport in Hong Kong in 1976.
A typical dragon boat crew consists of around 22; comprising of 20 paddlers, 1 drummer or caller at the front of
the boat, and 1 tiller steering the boat at the rear. The caller is the "heart beat" of the boat and keeps the paddlers in
time. The tiller steers the boat which is extremely difficult and tillers must be very skilled. The front two paddlers
are the timers which keep the entire boat in time with the caller. Our club also have "mid timers" that sit in the
middle of the boat which guide and keep the back of the boat in time. A "mixed team" must have 8 women
paddling and there are also all men's and women's teams. Typically more competitive teams are in upper divisions
(e.g. division 1 and A).
We invite everyone to join our team! We are an extremely multicultural/ diverse club and our ages range from
15-68. There is no criteria for fitness, shape, age, or gender but we do ask that you join our commitment to
fitness. Dragon boating is an amazing core workout and it is great for toning muscles and cardiovascular fitness.
See you on the water!
Coach Fran
employees, and former students of Portland Community College. This club has been an integral part of the
Portland dragon boat community for 23 years and going strong. We are a recreational team dedicated to fitness
and having fun. In 2008, we have built strong friendships, paddled some great races, won 5 medals, and have
amazing memories. That season we were partnered with Portland State University (PSU) and after mentoring the
"PSU Rain Dragons" for the past 3 years, they are now an independent team with a new name.
Dragon boating is the fastest growing sport in the world and it is one of the oldest competitive sports in Human
history. Dragon boating originated in China and predates Christianity! Races are traditionally held as part of the
annual Duanwu Jie (double fifth) festival observance in mainland China and Taiwan. It is referred to as "double
fifth" because Duanwu is reckoned as the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which often falls in the month of June.
Competition has taken place annually for over 20 centuries however, it emerged in modern times as an
international sport in Hong Kong in 1976.
A typical dragon boat crew consists of around 22; comprising of 20 paddlers, 1 drummer or caller at the front of
the boat, and 1 tiller steering the boat at the rear. The caller is the "heart beat" of the boat and keeps the paddlers in
time. The tiller steers the boat which is extremely difficult and tillers must be very skilled. The front two paddlers
are the timers which keep the entire boat in time with the caller. Our club also have "mid timers" that sit in the
middle of the boat which guide and keep the back of the boat in time. A "mixed team" must have 8 women
paddling and there are also all men's and women's teams. Typically more competitive teams are in upper divisions
(e.g. division 1 and A).
We invite everyone to join our team! We are an extremely multicultural/ diverse club and our ages range from
15-68. There is no criteria for fitness, shape, age, or gender but we do ask that you join our commitment to
fitness. Dragon boating is an amazing core workout and it is great for toning muscles and cardiovascular fitness.
See you on the water!
Coach Fran
| pcc zen dragons |
| 2010 practice season schedule: Portland Marina Monday & Saturday 5 - 6pm Thursday 4:30pm |
You may contact the Zen dragons by e-mailing directly to
coach Patrick Riggs pjriggs@gmail.com
coach Franpalk@msn.com
carrie@carriemedina.com
team manager Kelaiah
team advisor Lennie Kesterson (lkesters@pcc.edu)
coach Patrick Riggs pjriggs@gmail.com
coach Franpalk@msn.com
carrie@carriemedina.com
team manager Kelaiah
team advisor Lennie Kesterson (lkesters@pcc.edu)