Courtesy Photo

Over 15 people came out to Castaic Lake Sunday morning to participate in dragon boating, a paddle sport that uses canoes to race across open water.

10 or 20 people are paired side-by-side in the boats to paddle them. The boats also keep a drummer in the front to keep pace, plus a steerer in the back to turn the boat, according to Coach Gary Furukawa.

The group in Santa Clarita is looking to form it’s first team soon to bring others to the sport in the northern Los Angeles County, according to Furukawa.

Some teams have already formed in the northern L.A. County, like the corporate team, Boston Scientific, according to Furukawa.

“(The Long Beach teams) decided to throw some boats up here to get people interested in dragon boating,” Furukawa said.  “(And maybe get) more teams besides Boston Scientific.”

Paul Lin, the captain of the team, was on a team over 12 years ago, “I missed it so much that (when) I heard they brought the two boats, so I decided (to start) a team.”

The group practices in the Lower Lagoon of Castaic Lake at Paradise Cove twice a week, Wednesday and Sunday.

After stretching, the group paddles across Castaic Lake multiple times for approximately two hours.

The practice on Wednesday is free and goes from 5 – 6 p.m., according to Lin.

“For now it’s all free, Friends of Castaic Lake is sponsoring our competition coming in October,” said Lin.

The group is small and welcomes in veterans and newcomers to the sport.

Newcomers are excited to continue the sport, like Frank Sitler.

“The sport is fun. I’m going to do it again,” said Silter, an attendee of Sunday’s practice. “I just like the camaraderie, just getting out, I like being outdoors.”
Dragon boating is good workout for many and is a good way to meet new people, especially at competitions, according to Furukawa.