Questions & Answers
Do you have questions you want answered? Submit a question via email and we'll post an answer on this page in one of three categories: Practices, Races, and Festival.
If you are using web-based email, send an email to this address: info@midwestdragonboatfestival.com.
Practices
When will the practices be held?
For the 2005 festival, the practices will be held in the 3-4 weeks prior to the festival on July 8-9. Information about practices will be distributed during the month of May.
What happens if it is raining on practice days?
We will practice in most rain conditions. Lightning, high winds, or very limited visibility could cause your practice to be delayed or rescheduled.
Will more than 2 hours of practice be available?
Yes, you can arrange for additional practice times for an additional fee. If you and your team want even more time on the water, then consider joining the Racine Dragon Boat Club.
Why do we need to be at the dock so early? A half hour before practice seems kind of long.
You don't. That was last year. This year you should arrive at your scheduled time. Practices are now an hour and a half long. We have arranged for the steerspeople to donate extra time so that a qualified person can be on land to help sort your team out, suggest weight distribution, answer questions, and work on technical things such as the proper holding of the paddles and the proper stroke during the first half hour. This allows you to spend a full fifty minutes on the water having FUN! It's better to learn these things on land because once you are in the boat, it may be harder to hear and see.
Can I bring beverages in the boat on practice days?
We strongly encourage you to bring along a PLASTIC bottle of water. You will be amazed at how fast you will get dehydrated, especially in your second practice when we increase the tempo a bit. Soft drinks are not recommended because if they spill, it's a sticky mess in the boat for your team and other teams.
Can we, or should we wear gloves to help with tender hands?
While you can wear gloves if you need to, we do not encourage it. Paddling and timing will depend on "feel" and anything that takes away from that will put you at a disadvantage. If you do feel the need, the neoprene types would be best.
Can we bring a cushion to sit on in the boat?
The small dense foam pads used as kneeling pads for gardening are allowed, and many people find that it reduces sliding around and helps them "stay put."
Do I need a life jacket?
No, you don't need one. The Great Midwest Dragon Boat Festival will be providing a proper PFD for each person involved.
Can I bring my own life jacket/vest?
You absolutely may bring your own vest, but we ask that it be a type III or better Coast Guard approved PFD. (It will say so somewhere on the garment, so if the letters are worn out, we will assume that it is no longer a proper PFD and you will need to use one of ours.)
Do I need a paddle?
No. The Great Midwest Dragon Boat Festival will provide all paddles.
Can I bring my own paddle?
The paddles for dragon boat racing are very different from canoe or kayak paddles. We suggest you use our paddles. If you insist on using your own paddle, it will have to reviewed by the committee and approved before a practice or race.
Races
What about parking for the races?
Parking will be at a premium around the viewing area (14th and Main St.). We suggest parking downtown at one of the ramps providing all day or extended parking. Then look for a shuttle bus stop (at many major downtown intersections) and ride the free shuttle to the viewing area.
Can teams designate a "spot" near the race for their belongings, perhaps using a canopy with friends to care for wter, food, personal items?
There are large green spaces to the west of the beer garden. We expect teams will use this space for this purpose.
On race day, what time are we supposed to be ready to go? For example, if our team is scheduled to race at 11:00 a.m., what time does the marshalling start for my team and where?
Teams shall report to the marshalling area at least 45 minutes prior to the estimated start time of their race. Each race will start as soon as possible following the race preceding it. Although the order of races shall remain constant, the start times shall be approximate. Each team must be prepared to race significantly before its estimated race time. Team Managers are responsible for monitoring the progression of the races and ensuring that their team is ready to race when called upon, regardless of the estimated start time. At its discretion, the Great Midwest Dragon Boat Festival shall not wait for teams which are not ready to start prior to their estimated race times.
What happens if it is raining on race day?
We will race in most rain conditions.
What conditions will cause the race to be cancelled?
Lightning, high winds, large waves, or limited visibility could cause the races to be delayed or cancelled.
I am wondering what to do with my personal belongings, glasses, etc., when I am out with my team for a race. Will there be a place to store personal belongings?
It is important for teams to arrange among themselves the safekeeping of personal belongings. We suggest one on-shore team member be responsible for this safekeeping task. A pillow case, or other collapsible bag may be a good way for this person to manage these belongings.
Festival
How do I get to the festival from I-94?
Exit at Highway 20 and continue west until you reach downtown Racine, approximately 6 miles. Find an all-day parking lot nd catch the shuttle to the race viewing area or festival area.
What about parking for the festival?
We will providing two shuttle buses which will run through downtown and the downtown parking ramps to the site and back.
Is there a fee to attend the festival?
No. The festival is free and open to the public.
