TO the uninitiated, dragon boat racing is an intense enough experience, which requires strength, coordination and discipline.
To the paddlers, however, dragon boat racing is all that and more. And for some of them, it is literally a life-changing experience.
In 2011, Mohd Amran Mohd Aminuddin was at his unhealthiest his whole life, weighing in at 100kg.
Seeking a way to change his life, the 32-year-old lawyer chanced upon dragon boat racing, specifically the KL Barbarians Dragon Boat team, via an email newsletter from the KL Bar.
“I wanted to lose weight, and I've always preferred outdoor activities. Joining a sport seemed like a good idea to me. I decided to give it a try and I’ve been hooked ever since,” said the Petaling Jaya resident.
That 100 kilos has since been converted into 79 kg of muscle, thanks to his thrice weekly training sessions with the team, mostly at the Marina Putrajaya.
Amran says its is the whole dynamics of the sport and the passion that goes in it which keeps him coming back.
“There are no key or star players in the sport, plus our coaches keep telling us that it’s just paddling; anyone at any fitness level can paddle, but what matters in this sport is the cohesiveness, the rhythm and togetherness of the team.”
Amran now plays the role of vice-captain for the team.
LAW, LAW LAW YOUR BOAT
Meanwhile, Lee Shih, who founded the KL Barbarians back in 2011, said the team name stemmed from the word 'bar', a term familiar to lawyers.
“The team's founding members were all lawyers, hence, the term 'bar' was incorporated.”
As for team captain Lesley Lim Ai Li, being voted by the team to helm the title is a privilege.
“Since its inception in 2011, I've been privileged to have met the founders like Lee Shih and learnt so much from them. Being a woman in this sport is not unusual, as the previous captain before me was also female," she noted.
She says everyone on the boat is as important as the next person.
“There's no room on the boat for superstars. Every single person on the boat has a role to play. Being a sportsperson, I've not come across any other sport which requires the whole team to be as in unison as dragon-boating.”
BARBARIANS AT THE STARTING GATE
The 30-year-old lawyer believed that her team is a unique bunch.
“Other teams don't look like us. We're all shapes, sizes and colours. Even our age and fitness levels vary. What we have in common is passion for dragon boat racing and a collective mindset to do well.
“Each one in this team realises that they are not here just for themselves, but also for the rest of the team. When you're not working as hard as the next guy, someone else will be carrying your weight. It then dawns on you that you want to do better, not just for yourself but for the team. That's the beauty of being part of the KL Barbarians.”
As for the team's plans for 2017, KL Barbarians have set their sights on the DBS Marina Regatta, a race held in Singapore. Deemed among the biggest races in the region, the event promises a festive feel, with lights, big screen TVs and fun family activities on the side.
“We've gone to Adelaide and Boracay but the DBS Race has many strong Singaporean teams participating so it will be a good benchmark for us to see how we measure against the others out there.”
The team recruits new members for every season. This year, the recruiting process begins on Sunday, Jan 15 via an introductory workshop.
Lim promises participants that when they get on the boat, they’ll have a great time once they start paddling.
She said those keen to challenge themselves can try their eight weeks beginners' program, which costs RM300. Those ambitious enough to try for a race can stay on for the rest of the season for RM80 a month.
“BUT...I DON’T KNOW HOW TO SWIM”
Cherian Kuruvila, was intrigued albeit a bit apprehensive when he joined the team. This was due to his age and the fact that he doesn't know how to swim.
“I got the email first then I heard Lee Shih talk about it on a BFM radio programme. I could feel his passion and excitement via the airwaves.”
“I've spent almost 30 years focused on nothing but work, and realised that I need to engage in any form of physical activity for my health. Since joining, I have been committed and very rarely miss any of the practice and drills.”
Cherian, who has since made a bid to learn how to swim, says the sport is relatively safe with life jackets on, but everyone is trained on what to do if the boat capsizes.
“This is the beauty of the sport. It forces you to pay attention to your teammates. In the unlikely event that the boat capsizes, your teammates will realise that you are in trouble and will immediately come to your aid.”
Cherian said the team has become his ‘second family’ and said the cohesion and togetherness of the sport compelled them to foster closer ties with each other.
"Well, that and the fact that we meet each other several times every week and communicate via Telegram, where we tease each other and keep updated.”
Cherian joined in 2012, with his first race being the Penang International Dragon Boat Competition.
“I was a junior member, and based on my body weight I was placed somewhere near the steerer. We didn't win, but we learnt a lot about what made us a team. From there on, we kept improving ourselves.”
Cherian, who turns 50 this year, said the emphasis on the sport for each individual is also fitness and well-being. "We hydrate ourselves while the coaches gives breaks in between. You can wear caps, sunblock but expect to sweat a lot, not just from paddling but also drills to improve our technique. Coaches will regularly give out tips, based on what the team members need as we vary in terms of age group.”
Lesley meanwhile interjected, joking that for their land drills, the team has created a hashtag to boost each others’ morale.
“Our hashtag is #BeLikeCherian; if he can do it, what's stopping the rest of us?”
BRIDGING THE WORLD, ONE PADDLE AT A TIME
As for Jason Chen, his love affair with dragon boating began when he was 15.
“I was a competitive athlete in Singapore for five years and got into coaching soon after. I discovered that I loved coaching and sharing about the sport with others.”
"I get goosebumps just talking about dragon boating," admitted Chen, who has been coaching for 10 years and is now an official attached to the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).
Dragon boat racing, he said, really brings the world together.
“In Malaysia there is a saying, 'Dragon boat race bridges the world', and it did. If you go to a race you'll see people exchanging jerseys and asking each other what do you like to eat and inviting fellow racers to come and paddle in their country,” said Chen, who enthused that Malaysia has many beautiful lakes and a great climate, making it conducive for the sport to grow.
Chen said, having the opportunity to meet with other officials from over 60 countries has helped him gain insight on the 2,000-year-old sport.
“In Kerala, they call it snake boat racing, with 110 people in a boat. These days, there's even dragon boat racing in Switzerland. In New Zealand they dub their boats ‘war boats'.”
He noted that many other countries have embraced dragon boating, including Ghana, Canada and South Africa.
“It is growing faster than we can cope, so I hope that in the future, certification for skills such as coaching and steering will be part of the sport.”
** Open to the public at only RM40 per session, the Introductory Workshop to Dragon Boating with the KL Barbarians will be held on Jan 15 (4pm - 7 pm), as well as Jan 21 and 22 (8am - 11am). Those interested can get in touch with the team at [email protected] or visit their website www.klbarbarians.com.
