The Ringallee outdoor pool will be transformed into the venue for an extraordinary dragon boat competition on 7 June. The teams will compete against each other in the large swimming pool - for a special kind of tug-of-war. If you want to paddle for victory, you and your team can register now.
When drumbeats echo through the air and paddles stir up the water to the same beat, an exciting sporting competition is guaranteed. Dragon boat races have become real spectator magnets - not least the annual competition during the Giessen City Festival, where often only a few centimetres decide between victory and defeat. This year, the people of Giessen and all visitors to the State Garden Show can look forward to another dragon boat highlight, the first Outdoor Pool Cup at the Ringallee swimming centre.
The teams will compete against each other during the Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) water adventure day on 7 June and paddle for victory in the large swimming pool of the Ringallee outdoor pool.
Competition with a special mode
"On this day, the outdoor pool will be transformed into a competition arena with a special atmosphere. Anyone who wants to cheer on the Dragon Boat Cup or take part themselves is cordially invited," explains Michael Rösner, team leader of the SWG dragon boat team "Rohrleger" and Head of Sales for private and commercial customers at Stadtwerke Gießen.
The competition venue in itself would certainly be incentive enough to compete with rivals. In addition, there is the special mode in which the teams compete against each other. This is because the winner is not determined in an ordinary head-to-head race. "The swimming pool is too short for a normal competition. That's why two boat crews have to put their strength and stamina to the test in a special version of the tug-of-war," reveals Michael Rösner. With the help of a rope that runs over a pulley at the edge of the pool, the dragon boats are connected at the stern. After the start signal, both teams paddle off and try to get out of the water. If one of the boats moves in the direction of travel, the opposing boat is automatically pulled backwards. Whoever is ahead after 45 seconds wins the race and receives two points in the preliminary round. Michael Rösner is certain: "The modified format requires slightly different tactics and we're bound to have a surprise or two."
Register and take part
Experienced crews and newcomers can now register for the Dragon Boat Outdoor Pool Cup at the Ringallee swimming centre. A team should consist of at least ten paddlers and a pacemaker. Coxswain, boat, paddles and safety equipment are provided and are included in the entry fee of 120 euros per team. Please note: At least three women must be on board each boat for each race. The minimum age for team members is 14 years. As the number of starting places is limited, interested parties should register as soon as possible - but by 28 May at the latest.
For further information on the Dragon Boat Cup during the SWG Water Adventure Day, registration and the organisation of the event, please contact Michael Rösner on 0641 708-1490 or e-mail mroesner@stadtwerke-giessen.de.
05.05.2014