That was the order of the day as Sudden Impact Dragon Boat Club hosted its first free open paddle on Saturday, Feb. 19 at Cultus Lake in Chilliwack. Folks of all ages were welcome to come out and give the dragon boat a try, and despite the cold and windy day, many hearty souls took to the water.

The dragon boat team consists of 20 paddlers plus a steerperson who guides the boat from the back and a drummer, who encourages the team and sits in the front. On this day, paddlers learned the proper technique of paddling in unison.

Sudden Impact has three teams; Black, Blue Impact and a youth team, Liquid Silver. Most of its members hail from Chilliwack and Abbotsford. All three teams compete in regattas against other clubs throughout the summer.

There’s a reason why dragon boating is the second fastest-growing team sport in the world. It’s a whole lot of fun and great exercise to boot.

There will be two more free open paddles coming up; on Sunday, March 6 at Mill Lake in Abbotsford and Sunday, March 13 at Cultus Lake in Chilliwack. Both begin at noon.

People of all ages, fitness levels and experience can give it a try. Life jackets and paddles are provided by the club.

For more information, go to www.suddenimpactpaddlingclub.com