TRIBE FAQ

Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about paddling and running TRIBE.

• Q: Are sweeps and drummers used?
• A: In most environments yes a steerer is needed. Some exceptions may be made for smaller, easier to control environments such as an indoor pool. The sweep's role is minimal and only there to keep the boat straight if necessary.
  
  For the sake of boat balance a drummer is required but not in the traditional sense. In most case having a person sit on the front of the boat where the drummer usually sits without a drum or seat should suffice.
  
   
• Q: Is TRIBE age limited?
• A: No, TRIBE is an all age sport although we do have the SILVER TRIBE competition catered towards our masters paddlers (55+)
  
   
• Q: How are paddlers chosen? Are there any gender, skill, fitness or weight balance requirements?
• A: How crews are made up will vary event to event and can be determined at the discretion of the club and/or event holders.
  
  For the upcoming Region v Region Competition (28 Mar 2021) while the majority of racing has open crews, for Tribe it will be mixed 3 male, 3 female. There will be no balancing of sweeps v drummers and these roles will be filled by a sweep and drummer from other regional teams and not from either of the two crews competing.
   
• Q: Are bouts always sixty or forty-five seconds in duration? Are we only allowed to run a best of three rounds?
• A: Duration of bouts and rounds are entirely up to the event holders or clubs running the Tribe.
  Sixty seconds for regular tribe and forty-five seconds for Silver Tribe are our average recommendation but this can vary based on the fitness and skill level of your group.
  
   
• Q: Are we allowed to swap paddlers with reserves in between bouts?
  A: This will vary from event to event and allowed at the discretion of the club and/or event holders.
  At the upcoming Region v Region Competition (28 Mar 2021) swaps between bouts will be allowed. Sides will not be swapped however.
  
   
• Q: Is TRIBE really Dragon Boating?
• A: In our view as long as we have people on the water, in a dragon boat and having fun it's dragon boating!
  
   
• Q: In terms of running a TRIBE event what is needed?
• A: Refer to our CLUB INFO PACK for Tribe Logistics including set up requirements.

• Q: [REGION v REGION] How will the TRIBE be run at Regioin v Region? 
• A: Assuming each region is able to submit an A & B crew, crews will be randomly drawn from pools (A & B) to determine who versus who. With the draw A crews can only be matched with other A crews with the same for the B pool. This will prevent crews being drawn against the other crew from their region.

Have another question? Contact us here to ask.