Riverside students are learning all about teamwork as their brand-new dragon boat team gets set to paddle to history in the upcoming Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival between June 19 and 21 in False Creek.
This is the first year the Port Coquitlam school has fielded a dragon boat team and with experienced coach and math teacher Erica McArthur leading the way, the students are sure to make a big splash.
"This will be our first year competing after just 10 practices," said McArthur as her 26-student dragon boat team, the Riverside Rapids, prepared for practice at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody.
Grade 11 student Natalie Maslowski took an interest in dragon boat racing last year and got two dozen of her peers to sign up.
She's most excited about the race and thrilled at the support the students are getting from the Coquitlam's over-50 Nothin' Dragon team, which is supplying the boat, the life jackets and the paddles, as well as mentoring for the students.
"I like the teamwork we've had," Maslowski said. "I love being out on the water."
Nothin' Dragon captain Dan Strain said he's impressed at how well the students are doing already, having competed successfully at a junior regatta in early May.
"It's satisfying to see them improve from week to week," Strain said.
