10 Person NBP Military Veterans Dragon Boat Race
(NBP in Green Boat #2)
20 Person NBP Dragon Boat #2 Race
20 Person Boarding Boats for Dragon Boat Race
Thank You to Timothy J. Priest for his videos and his support to our team throughout the day.
10 Person NBP Military Veterans Dragon Boat Race
(NBP in Green Boat #2)
20 Person NBP Dragon Boat #2 Race
20 Person Boarding Boats for Dragon Boat Race
Thank You to Timothy J. Priest for his videos and his support to our team throughout the day.
My Question Answered Through Microsoft's AI Copilot "What is the Stroke in Dragon Boating?"
(Full Disclosure: “I drafted and refined this post with help from Microsoft Copilot, which I use for brainstorming and editing.”)
"Perfect — let’s build this out in a way that actually helps you feel the boat before you’re even back on the water. I’ll give you both options, starting with the full seat‑by‑seat breakdown, then the “how to follow the stroke pair” guide. You can use either one depending on what you want to focus on during your next session at Nathan Benderson Park.
🚣♂️ How Every Seat in a Dragon Boat Works
Think of the boat as a living chain. Each pair has a job, and when you understand the flow, you instantly become a smarter, calmer, more effective paddler.
1. Stroke Pair (Row 1) — The Rhythm Setters
• Set the rate, length, and technique
• Must be calm, consistent, and clean
• Everyone behind them follows their timing
• Drummer watches them and beats to their rhythm
Your job if you’re behind them: match their timing, not their power.
2. Rows 2–3 — The “Translators”
These paddlers take the stroke pair’s rhythm and stabilize it for the rest of the boat.
• Smooth out any wobble in timing
• Reinforce clean catches and exits
• Provide early power without disrupting rhythm
If you sit here: you’re the bridge between rhythm and power.
3. Rows 4–6 — The Engine Room
This is where the boat’s horsepower lives.
• Big, strong paddlers
• Drive the boat forward with consistent, heavy power
• Must follow timing perfectly — power means nothing if it’s off‑beat
If you sit here: your job is power with discipline.
4. Rows 7–9 — The Stabilizers
These paddlers help keep the boat balanced and steady.
• Provide consistent mid‑boat power
• Help correct any timing drift from the front
• Keep the boat running straight and smooth
If you sit here: you’re the “glue” that keeps the boat unified.
5. Row 10 (The Back Pair) — The Anchors
The back of the boat is more unstable, so these paddlers must be:
• Technically clean
• Strong enough to finish the stroke fully
• Calm under turbulence
If you sit here: you finish the stroke the longest and help keep the boat level.
Steersperson — The Pilot
• Controls direction
• Calls adjustments
• Keeps the boat safe and straight
Drummer — The Communicator
• Watches the stroke pair
• Beats the rhythm
• Motivates the crew
• Helps keep timing tight
🎯 How to Follow the Stroke Pair More Effectively
This is the part that will change your paddling immediately.
1. Watch Their Top Hand
Not the blade.
Not the water.
Not their body.
The top hand is the metronome.
It tells you exactly when the catch begins.
2. Match the Catch, Not the Recovery
Most beginners try to match the exit or the recovery.
That’s backwards.
The boat moves on the catch — the moment the blade hits the water.
If you match that, you’re in sync.
3. Don’t Copy Their Reach
You’re not trying to look like them.
You’re trying to time with them.
Your reach will be different based on:
• flexibility
• torso length
• seat position
• side of the boat
Timing > aesthetics.
4. Feel the Boat, Not Just the Paddlers
When the stroke pair is clean, the boat has a rhythm you can feel through:
• the hull
• the seat
• the water flow
• the acceleration
Let the boat tell you the timing.
5. Relax Your Shoulders
Tension kills timing.
Relaxed paddlers follow rhythm better.
6. Don’t Chase the Stroke
If you fall behind, don’t speed up.
Reset on the next stroke.
Chasing breaks timing for the whole boat.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you want, Microsoft's AI Co-Pilot can build:
• A seat‑by‑seat cheat sheet you can print and bring to practice
• A “how to follow timing” drill set you can practice on land
• A mental script for your next practice so you know exactly what to focus on
• A breakdown of which seat YOU are best suited for based on your technique and goals"

Friends keep asking me, “Why dragon boating? What is it? And why on earth are you doing it?”
The answer begins with a chance encounter at Nathan Benderson Park (NBP) in Sarasota, Florida.
I had just finished a rowing scull race when a man in a military cap approached me.
“Ever try dragon boat paddling?” he asked.
“Only on TV,” I told him.
His name was Rick, a fellow veteran. We shook hands, exchanged thanks for our service, and within minutes he had given me a quick introduction to the sport — along with an invitation to join the Dragon Boat team at NBP. It was one of those moments when a door opens unexpectedly - and you feel you should at least peek inside.
That philosophy nudged me forward. When a new adventure presents itself, why not explore it?
At the time, I was already active with the Sarasota County Rowing Club (SCRC), the Lake Sunapee Rowing Club (LSRC) in New Hampshire, and the Outdoor Recreation for Seniors Club (ORFS) in New London, NH. I’d logged plenty of miles in kayaks and canoes, including 100‑mile wilderness trips. So the idea of learning yet another paddling discipline didn’t feel far‑fetched. It felt like a natural extension of the life I already live.
In my books, articles, and presentations, I often paraphrase Henry David Thoreau: “Never say, ‘I wish I had…’” That philosophy nudged me forward. If a new adventure presents itself, why not explore it?
Before I share more of my own journey, here’s a quick look at what dragon boating actually is.
🐲 What is Dragon Boat Paddling?
Dragon boat paddling is a team‑based water sport where 10 or 20 paddlers (depending on boat size), a drummer, and a steer person work in perfect rhythm to move a long, narrow boat forward using powerful, synchronized strokes. It blends technique, timing, and teamwork—far more about rhythm and body mechanics than brute strength.
Key features of the sport:
• A sprint paddling discipline with roots in ancient Chinese festivals
• Crews sit in pairs, paddling on one side only
• Boats accelerate through synchronization strokes, not individual power.
• Race distances typically range from 200m to 2000m.
🚣 A Rookie’s First Month
After just one month on the water, I’m sharing a short video from a practice session at Nathan Benderson Park. Coach Tim captured it so I could study my form — and so you can see a rookie in action. I slowed the footage down to analyze my stroke, timing, and posture. More photos and videos will follow as OutdoorSteve continues learning the stroke, rhythm and camaraderie that make dragon boating such a compelling new chapter.
See if you can spot the rookie in the boat—yes, that’s me. I slowed the footage down so my coaches and I can study my form carefully and understand exactly where I need to improve.
-------
After eight weeks on the water, I’m sharing another short video from a recent practice session at Nathan Benderson Park. Head Coach Angela captured it so I could again study my form, and again analyze and adjust my stroke, timing, and posture. Can you spot OutdoorSteve? More photos and videos will follow as OutdoorSteve continues learning the rhythm and camaraderie that make dragon boating such a compelling new chapter in his life.
Am I ready to be a teammate in a competitive race in front of an audience and my peers? March 28, 2026, City of Inverness, 212 Main St., Inverness, FL 34450 will be my first Dragon Boat race. That’s when I’ll find out whether this rookie has earned a seat in the boat.

A Book Review: “Free Ride:
Noraly Schoenmaker’s Adventures Through an Author’s Eyes”
Introduction
Outdoor
adventures often spark inspiration from unexpected places. For me, it was my
son Timothy who opened the door to Itchy Boots, a YouTube channel chronicling
Noraly Schoenmaker’s solo motorcycle journeys. What began as family evenings
watching her rides soon grew into a deeper appreciation for storytelling,
exploration, and the courage to share one’s experiences with the world.
---------
Thank you to
my son Timothy, whose enthusiasm first introduced me to the YouTube channel
Itchy Boots. Cathy, Tim, and I made a ritual of watching
Noraly Schoenmaker’s adventures whenever Tim visited us in Sunapee, NH. Over
the past two years, our evenings often included two to four of Itch Boots half‑hour episodes—each one a
window into the thrill of solo motorcycle travel.
Curious to
learn more, I picked up Noraly’s book Free Ride, a 270‑page account of her journeys. I finished it in less than a
week, captivated by her vivid storytelling. As a fellow author, I admired her
style. Critics of my own ten books have sometimes noted that I skim over
details—whether describing Tim and me
paddling over Long Lake Dam or the sensation of paddling the five mile Allagash’s
Chase Rapid. Noraly, by contrast, paints her experiences with rich detail that
pulls the reader right alongside her.
Interestingly,
Noraly shared in an interview that she drafted Free Ride in her native Danish,
uncertain of her English writing skills. The manuscript was later translated
into English, yet the result is seamless and engaging.
After
immersing myself in both her videos and her book, I found myself wishing she
had written more about the behind‑the‑scenes
challenges—like learning to master drones that
captured sweeping shots above and beside her motorcycle … all the while riding
her motorcycle. Equally impressive is her ability to film, edit, and publish Itchy
Boots video episodes within days of riding through remote landscapes.
Noraly has
also completed a ride from Argentina to Alaska, a journey I hope will be the
focus of her next book.
So thank
you, Noraly, for sharing your adventures. And thank you, Tim and Cathy, for
making Itchy Boots part of our family evenings.
Closing
Adventure is
never just about the miles traveled—it’s about the people who inspire us, the
stories that fuel our imagination, and the communities we build along the way.
As I continue sharing my own journeys with my OutdoorSteve Blog and books, I
carry with me the spirit of Noraly’s rides, the joy of evenings with Tim and
Cathy, and the reminder that every trail, paddle, or ride becomes richer when
shared.
Click To Order Your Own Copy of FREE RIDE By Norlay Schoenmaker
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• Ice expansion & pressure: As the pond freezes, ice expands and shifts. That pressure can crack boards, split joints, and warp the dock frame.
• Movement & heaving: Ice sheets don’t just sit still—they rise and fall with water levels, grinding against the dock and pulling at its supports.
• Moisture damage: Even treated wood absorbs water. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles cause swelling, splitting, and rot.
• Hardware stress: Bolts, brackets, and fasteners can bend or shear off under the strain of shifting ice.
That’s why most waterfront owners in northern climates remove or lift docks before the pond freezes. My seasonal dock is designed for easy removal with two or three strong family members or neighbors. As neighbors help each other we often make dock dremoval a community affair.
Since I have had firsthand experience with damage, my proactive approach of removing the dock is the best way to preserve it for many more summers of use.
This 4 minute video shows my son Tim and neighbor Paul, removing the dock, and further as the dock is stored, it is position for easy return in the early sping unpon decclation of ice out.

Two weeks ago, I received an invitation from Sunapee High
School for a Veterans Day Breakfast Appreciation Event on November 13, 2025
8:30 am. My wife was shy about going, saying this event was only for
veterans. I told her it indeed included her.
Good morning, everyone. My
name is Steve Priest, and my wife and I live on Perkins Pond.
--------------------------
When I was in the U.S. Army,
Catherine and I were stationed in Germany.
I worked at a small Army base, Miesau Army Depot, repairing radar systems for the HAWK missile — part of our air defense.
--------------------------------------
While I was fixing circuit
boards, she was receiving wounded, sick, and injured soldiers flown in from
Vietnam and other conflict zones.
--------------------------------------
If you want to understand the
kind of injuries she saw, just turn on the news today.
------------------
So when Catherine says she
wasn’t in the military, I respectfully disagree.
Here is the half-hour film submitted to the Film Festival:
Trails | Start | End Total Trip Hrs:Min | Hours Miles | Comments |
Roaring Brook Campground to Chimney Pond Campground | Start 6:45 am | 9:30 am | 2 ¾ hrs 3.3 miles | Chimney Pond Trail easy hike. 4 of us used Tracking Poles. Some nice side trail views. |
Chimney Pond Campground to Pamola Peak via Dudley Trail | 10 am | 1 pm | 3 hrs 1.4 miles | After a snack and rest at Chimney Pond Campground, we tied our tracking poles to our packs. The Dudley Trail is a 2,000 elevation gain and a relentless massive granite boulder laden trail nearly straight up requiring our hands for pulling, grabbing rocks and hand holds, our legs for pushing, our arms for lifting our bodies, our feet for pushing and toe holds, and our butts to sliding up and holding our bodies at times. All of us were exhausted. Indeed it was a very trying physical test of our mettle. |
Pamola Peak to Chimney Peak/Knife Edge | 1:20 pm | 2:12 pm | ¾ hr | Our descent down the 40 foot drop from Pamola Peak was technical “rock climbing” . We held indentations in the rocks while reaching for footholds. Indeed for this descent we used using hands, arms, body and butt. |
Knife Edge to South Peak | 2:12 | 3:00 pm | 1 hr .8 miles | A 1.1 mile balancing act along the ridge of the Knife Edge Trail. Prior to this trip I had visions of panicking because of the elevation and 1000 foot drop offs and extremely narrow trail. Truthfully, I had no fear as I crossed this very unique trail. |
South Peak to Baxter Peak | 3:00 | 3:50 pm | 1 hr .3 miles | This ridge trail went up and down. Just when we got to the top of the trail, it would drop and we would start another descent. Then an ascent followed by another descent. We were close to 7 hours since we left Roaring Brook campground and were tired. At each high ledge we could see Baxter Peak, but could not differentiate the rolling ridge. |
Baxter Peak via Hunt Trail through Table Land | 4:00 pm | 5:15 pm | 1 ¼ hr 1.0 miles | Tableland was like a country hike. It was flat and a welcome hike. We passed the famous Henry David Thorough Spring. We had been hiking for near ten hours. |
Hunt Trail after TableLand to Katahdin Stream Campground | 5:15 pm | 10:00 pm | 4.5 hrs 4.2 miles | We were now headed down and home, BUT still had 4.2 miles according to the trail sign. The first two miles were a steep down and over rough granite. We did have some technical areas. One section had steel handles in the granite to make the descent from huge ledges a bit easier. Took us two hours just to get below the tree line. At 8:30 pm we put on our headlamps. We used our trekking poles to give us stability through the downward rock strewn path. At 10 pm we reached the ranger check-in station where we signed-on the register that six of us were back. We also met the Park Ranger who had been told by two people who passed us earlier in the dark with headlamps and that we were fine and on our way |
TOTAL HOURS | 6:45 am | 10:00 pm | 11 miles 15 hrs! | What a Journey!!! |
