Coach Weisha Mize calls out commands during a Peace Dragon Warriors practice on the Willamette River on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Rain or shine, you can find the Peace Dragon Warriors dragon boat racing team out on the Willamette River.
The 44-foot-long boats are filled with 22 people trying to get the vessel to move in unison. Races are typically 500 meters long.
The team can be seen on Saturday mornings and on Monday and Wednesday evenings practicing for three upcoming races this summer, including the World Beat Festival in June.
The group’s website describes dragonboating as the world’s fastest growing, popular team sport, “and right here in Salem, the dragon has bitten our paddlers.”
Coach Weisha Mize said, “It should always be fun, if it’s not fun you’re doing something wrong.”
Team members, who don’t need any experience to start, can range in age from 14 years or older. The oldest member is in their 80’s. Depending on the experience level of paddlers, practice will often include a lesson to start.
The dragon boat operates out of the dock in Riverfront Park, sharing a secured area with the Willamette Queen sternwheeler.
Interested paddlers can email [email protected] or check out http://www.peacedragonwarriors.org/ for more information.
Ivan Gall prepares to step into the boat for his first Peace Dragon Warriors practice on Saturday, March 5, 2022. The boat is operated from the dock in Riverfront Park, next to the Willamette Queen sternwheeler. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
First time participant Susan Watkins holds her paddle during a lesson on different commands at a Peace Dragon Warriors practice at Riverfront Park on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Depending on the skill level of paddlers, the practice often includes a lesson. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Helmsman Brenda Long steers the dragon boat from the rear of the boat during a Peace Dragon Warriors practice on the Willamette River on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Paddlers walk up the ramp to Riverfront Park following a Peace Dragon Warriors drqgon boat practice on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Coach Weisha Mize helps set up the boat before a Peace Dragon Warriors practice from the dock in Riverfront Park on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Paddlers load onto the dragon boat for a Peace Dragon Warriors lesson and practice at Riverfront Park on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Peace Dragon Warriors team members prep for a practice from the dock in Riverfront Park on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Peace Dragon Warriors paddlers practice near the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
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