Dragon boat team in Dubai with a cause: more than the competition is service

“Together we stand, divided we fall.”

This is the group’s most favorite line. According to them, there are many dragon boat teams in Dubai, UAE mixed with foreign and Filipino members. Also, some are built for competitions and strength building. But for this group, competition is just another term. Teamwork, camaraderie, hobby, and service to Mother Nature are the keywords to define the Filipino dragon boat group.

St. George Paddle training also known as the “Dragon Slayers” started in 2015 to create a dragon boat team available to everyone.

“After purchasing boats from Oman and delivered to Dubai, we lend these boats for paddling. It was unplanned until many people got interested in this sport,” Jose Andre Estillore, head coach of St. George Paddle training dragon slayers dragon boat team and one of the Filipino pioneers of dragon boat group in the UAE.

According to HIM, the experience is not a prerequisite to join. If anyone has the motivation to become strong or destress from the toxins of work, the dragon boat team solidifies Filipino people anywhere with the goal of becoming strong and intends to become a holistic person.

In 2015, we’re only a few. We created the team “dragon slayers,” so as people could have an outlet away from the hustle and bustle of work. This can be a happy hobby to every member, and to those who want to join,” Coach Estillore explained.

Play with a “say”

St. George “Dragon Slayers” aims to be a Fitness organization for people interested in experiencing the sport of Dragon Boat. It also intends to increase awareness of dragon boating as a recreational activity and promote the sport’s tradition in the Middle Eastern culture.

“We also promote awareness of cancer and other similar diseases, while providing survivors and persons of determination with the rehabilitation, camaraderie, and recreational exercise of dragon boat paddling,”

The team also aims to become a role model and be responsible caretakers of natural resources. Contribute through recycling campaigns and environmental cleanup drives are their main actions.

Newbie diaries

For two years working in Dubai, Christian Emmanuel Santos, 31 couldn’t even imagine that he’s now part of the dragon boat team.

He wished before becoming a member of any prestigious dragon boat team in the Philippines. And so, when he learned he could join the dragon boat team here in the UAE, he did not have a second thought.

“As an active person, I really want to push myself to my limits and to try different things especially when it comes to sports,” Christian explained.

When I saw a post of my friend doing dragon boat I immediately message and ask him if I can join the team,” he added.

“It’s fun, exciting, not the usual court-based exercise and it’s challenging…Every time you load on the boat it is never the same situation as the previous one and you have to be ready. Another thing I love in this sport is the camaraderie that it offers you. No one will be left behind. As the saying goes, “ Together we stand, divided we fall,” Christian said.

“It will push you till the last drop of your energy. You’ll feel you want to stop because you’re tired but when you see others paddling, you’ll feel motivated again,” Christian shared.

Self-discipline is the value that Christian earn most in this activity. “Here, it teaches me to be mentally tougher and have the patience that overcoming fatigue and exhaustion will have a great reward in the end. It’s the will of the mind that pushes you to continue and to not give up easily,” he expressed.

Challenges and achievements

Of course, financial constraint is the common problem of any group, especially when it comes to sustainability. It also includes lack of manpower especially when there are fewer recruits or fewer attendees. But this should not be an issue.

For the group, the most challenging is competing for a race with a lack of paddlers. But still winning in different competitions is the greatest of all. These competitions turn into service as pay for Mother Nature for giving members enough strength and courage.

“We have cleanup drive every first week, and then we do exercises fitness training every week just to improve the team. This is our way of consistent service to nature,” the coach said.

“Not only to compete with each other but also to support each other as a group, this is our goal” he added.

The 38 current members of the group meet every Tuesday evening, Friday, and Saturday at the Parking Area, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Baniyas Road opposite side of Deira City Center. They are still recruiting others who want to join the St. George Paddle training “Dragon Slayers” dragon boat team.

“As long as you are willing to be trained, you’re welcome here,” the coach said.

Photos: courtesy of George Paddle training dragon slayers dragon boat team