We got together in December of 2020 and came up with our first ever gift guide and had so much fun sharing our favorite things with each other that we did it again in 2021. Everyone needs a tip or two for just the right gift for your favorite dragon boater. Here are a few ideas shared by club members. All of these are things we want or use; none of us receive any benefit from sharing these links with you all.
Club member Cindy T. went all-out this year and got herself a Dragon Saddle with the MNDBC logo on it, so now they have our artwork! Consider getting a good dragon boat seat pad to make long practices more comfortable. We recommend the clipless ones to avoid wear and tear on the seats.
http://www.thedragonsaddle.com/
Protect your favorite dragon boater’s phone, key fobs, and other electronic gear on and around the water with a waterproof, floating case from Ugoware. In 2021, many of us were excited to add these to our kits, but if you don’t have one yet, or have friends on the water, pick up one of these!
Maybe you have more gear than just a phone and key fob. How about a good dry bag? We like these from REI.
https://www.rei.com/c/dry-bags
Need some fresh workout gear and want to support some of our paddle-buddies? Our friends at Go Pink! DC have a great store with dragon boating-themed clothes.
For sure your dragon boater needs a nice big water bottle, preferably one with a cover to keep the spout out of the water that inevitably makes its way into the dragon boat. Maybe this pair from Zulu Athletic?
https://www.zuluathletic.com/shop-all/studio-32oz-tritan-water-bottle-2-pack
Or, for a water bottle that can literally slip into a pocket in a lifejacket when you’re done with the water (GREAT for when you’re waiting in a hot marshalling area getting ready to race), try these collapsible bottles from Vapur.
Out for a long training paddle in the dragon boat, kayak, or OC? We suggest Clif Bloks energy chews for those needed carbohydrates and electrolytes. Good for gift baskets and stocking stuffers.
Watersports can mean a lot of time with sun exposure, on the lake or river. Dragon boating means lots of time outside at festivals, and you want to be prepared for the elements.
Burt’s Bee’s lip balm with sunscreen, always welcome in Minnesota for all-season sun exposure, on the water or on the skis and snowshoes, returns to our 2021 list as a must-have item.
https://www.burtsbees.com/product/all-weather-spf-15-moisturizing-lip-balm/792850902695.html
A long day hanging around the festival venue requires a robust sunscreen. Neutrogena Sport is water-resistant and PABA-free.
Protect your body with clothes designed to screen the sun and retain breathability.
Your favorite dragon boater probably always has a towel or two in their kit. How about improving their beach-side towel game with a towel from Chawel that doubles as a personal changing room.
Or how about the Shower Toga for cleaning off after a long day at the race site?
For post-practice, post-event relaxation, you’re going to want some tools to help with stretching and mobility. Club member David H. recommends a Theragun for this.
In Minnesota, we often say there’s no bad weather, just bad clothes. Dragon boating can mean paddling in some cold weather in Minnesota. Club member Susan S. recommends Kokatat’s dry jackets for warmth during cold paddling days.
Heat Holders socks and gloves make our list again this year. Club member Ginny H. swears by the fleecy tights for winter wear.
When it’s nicer out, or as a great lightweight underlayer, consider a Minnesota Dragon Boat Club T-shirt! Blue heather Bella+Canvas short sleeve t-shirt, with the MNDBC logo in white on the left check. Email us for yours!
Staying active off the water is as important as on the water. Maybe this is the year you get your own rowing machine. Members Jen C. and Susan S. love theirs! Maybe one from Concept 2?
Eating well is critical to fuel your workouts, but finding time to shop and prep in the middle of a busy dragon boat season can be tricky. Hello Fresh (family friendly), Green Chef (vegetarian, keto, and paleo options), and Purple Carrot (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options) have all been tried by club members. Maybe give one of these meal boxes a try this year.
As always, consider gifting a one year membership to the Minnesota Dragon Boat Club or other local dragon boat club for folks not in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
We hope this gives you some good ideas for making your favorite dragon boater’s day. Here’s to a great 2022!
Comments by Ginny Moran