> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hornetwatersports.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Dragon Boat Knowledge

> Expert dragon boat coaching, custom paddle design, and community case studies developed from selected Hornet Watersports blog articles and company records.

Our Dragon Boat Knowledge section turns selected material from the Hornet blog archive into structured, evergreen guides and case studies.

These pages are not word-for-word copies of the original posts. Each guide is reorganized for clearer answers, easier navigation, and long-term usefulness while preserving the original author, publication date, and source link.

<Note>
  Coaching terminology can vary between teams. The technique pages explain the named coach's framework and should be read in that context.
</Note>

## Expert Coaching

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Dragon Boat Stroke Technique: Pull or Push?" icon="person-running" href="/dragon-boat/knowledge/dragon-boat-stroke-pull-or-push">
    Review Pat Bradley's coaching framework for downward pressure at the catch, leg drive, body connection, and avoiding an arm-dominant pull.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dragon Boat Paddle Buying Guide" icon="water" href="/dragon-boat/dragon-boat-paddle-buying-guide">
    Compare paddle families, handle systems, IDBF approval, length ranges, and fit.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Design and Community Case Studies

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="How Hornet Creates Custom Paddle Designs" icon="paintbrush" href="/dragon-boat/knowledge/how-custom-dragon-boat-paddles-are-created">
    See how logos, team colors, artist collaborations, design proofs, and paddle platforms come together in a custom project.
  </Card>

  <Card title="SAG1 Team and Hornet Film Collaboration" icon="film" href="/dragon-boat/knowledge/sag1-dragon-boat-team-collaboration">
    Review how a 2018 paddle-design contest grew into a team relationship and a short film about the SAG1 Dragon Boat Team in the Philippines.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Selected Original Blog Articles

The Hornet blog remains the publication record for historical announcements, event reports, guest coaching articles, collaborations, and older product stories.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Pull or Push?" icon="newspaper" href="https://www.hornetwatersports.com/blogs/news/pull-or-push">
    Read Pat Bradley's original Coach's Corner article from June 13, 2024.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Custom Dragon Boat Paddles" icon="newspaper" href="https://www.hornetwatersports.com/blogs/news/23058497-custom-dragon-boat-paddles">
    View Hornet's May 4, 2015 custom-paddle announcement and early project examples.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Gareth W. Smith Artist Collaboration" icon="newspaper" href="https://www.hornetwatersports.com/blogs/news/introducing-new-paddle-artwork-in-partnership-with-gareth-w-smith">
    Review the 2017 artist partnership and documented Direct Carbon Printing process.
  </Card>

  <Card title="SAG1 Dragon Boat Short Film" icon="newspaper" href="https://www.hornetwatersports.com/blogs/news/hornet-watersports-collaborates-with-sag1-dragon-boat-team-philippines-january-2020">
    View the original 2020 collaboration story and short film.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Additional Coaching and Team Articles

These original blog articles remain in the Hornet archive and are linked here rather than duplicated.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Beginner's Guide to Dragon Boat Racing" icon="newspaper" href="https://www.hornetwatersports.com/blogs/news/beginners-guide-to-dragon-boat-racing">
    Review an introductory overview of dragon boat racing, teams, equipment, and getting started.
  </Card>

  <Card title="What's the Best Paddling Stroke?" icon="newspaper" href="https://www.hornetwatersports.com/blogs/news/40859713-what-s-the-best-paddling-stroke-you-ll-be-surprised-by-the-answer">
    Read Kristin Stickels' article about adapting to the stroke used by the team you are paddling with.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Training When You Are Off the Water" icon="newspaper" href="https://www.hornetwatersports.com/blogs/news/39837441-dragon-boat-training-ways-to-improve-your-paddling-when-you-aren-t-on-the-water">
    Review Kristin Stickels' guidance on consistency, fitness testing, and off-water preparation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Every Seat Counts" icon="newspaper" href="https://www.hornetwatersports.com/blogs/news/28810113-every-seat-counts-the-importance-of-your-position-in-a-dragon-boat">
    Explore how coaches consider balance, paddler strengths, and the needs of different areas of the boat.
  </Card>

  <Card title="The Importance of the Steerer and Drummer" icon="newspaper" href="https://www.hornetwatersports.com/blogs/news/27064577-great-head-and-tail-the-importance-of-your-steer-and-drummer">
    Review the leadership, communication, rhythm, and safety responsibilities at the front and back of the boat.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Editorial Approach

We use the blog and documentation for different purposes:

* The blog preserves original publication dates, announcements, event reports, and stories.
* The documentation provides current, structured explanations and connects related guides.
* Historical source links remain visible so readers can trace each page back to the original record.
* Only articles that add lasting educational or historical value are developed into this knowledge section.

<Card title="Browse the Hornet Blog Archive" icon="newspaper" href="https://www.hornetwatersports.com/blogs/news">
  View all Hornet Watersports blog articles and historical posts.
</Card>