DragonSports is happy to report that we have reached an agreement to continue housing our outrigger canoes at the current downtown location.

Due to the increase in marina moorage, our rental fees for the canoes will be
raised to $15 per 90 minute practice.

The increase in moorage rates is still quite significant, so DragonSports will be evaluating the sustainability of the program as well as potential alternate locations. The program still depends upon the canoes being used to continue to exist at this location, so start scheduling practices!

The new rates are effective 7/1.

The Q3 schedule will be available soon, please email outrigger@dragonsports.org if you would like to schedule any practice times.

We will be hosting a steering training class in July.

As there is a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight, we thought that now was an excellent time to remind everyone that the DragonSports Safety Rules and Guidelines state: If there is lightning forecasted or present in the immediate area, DSUSA dragon boats are not allowed to go out and boats that are on the river must return to the dock.

What the rules don't tell you is that a lot of the time, you will be on your own to make the call about whether it is safe to go out. There is a lot of technology available at your fingertips to help you make the call. We're recommending, if you have a smartphone, that you download an app that will alert you to lightning strikes in the area. The WeatherBug weather app with Spark™ lightning alerts looks like a good free option - if you know of others, please post them in the comments.

In the absence of technology, please use common sense. If you see any lightning (or hear any thunder), your team may not go out. If you are out and see lightning (or hear thunder), please return immediately to the dock or take shelter at the nearest safe docking spot. If the sky looks ominous, keep your practice close to the marina.

And, as always, if you have to cancel because of weather (even anticipatory canceling because you don't want to take chance of coming downtown, paying for parking and being disappointed), please let the DragonSports Scheduler know and we will issue your team a credit.

Be safe out there!

It is with great regret that we have to inform you that the Outrigger program will be put on hold at the end of the month. In April, DragonSports, was informed by the marina management that our moorage fees would be raised in May. We evaluated our options and determined that the required increase in rental fees to meet the increased moorage fees would be prohibitive to our members. We attempted to negotiate more manageable moorage fees with the marina management, but were unable to reach a cost point that would allow the Outrigger program to continue.

As a result, June will be the last month that our boats reside at the marina. DragonSports is actively looking into alternative locations to house our canoes and continue the program. Until a new location is found, the program will be on
hold.

It is important to note that this decision was made by the marina management, not the harbormaster. Please continue to treat the other marina residents and staff with the same respect and courtesy that you have shown them over the past years.

Take advantage of the warm weather and our last month at the marina and schedule some practices. Our Q2 schedule is up to date, so find a spot that you would like to use, email outrigger@dragonsports.org to schedule.

Speaking of warm water, water temperatures have been steadily over 60. For the rest of this month, wearing a PFD is optional. Remember, there must be a PFD on the boat for each paddler and optional PFDs are at the discretion of the steersperson.

If you have any questions or information regarding potential locations for our canoes, please contact outrigger@dragonsports.org.

The first boat washing volunteer opportunity of the year is coming up in a couple of weeks! Please sign up here if you would like to help out. Directions to the warehouse can be found here.

Those that show up will earn points for your team towards next year's scheduling.

The United Stated Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF) has posted a list of coaches, locations and dates for the Team USA time trials for the 2015 World Championships. The Premier Women and Senior A Women coaches are planning on holding time trials in Portland during the first weekend in August. If you are interested, you should fill out a paddler information form and send it to the coach. Please visit the USDBF website for forms and further information.