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Eric on the Dragon Boat Racing event
On a beautiful July morning we summer students were fortunate enough to be introduced to the amazing sport of Dragon Boating. The event took place at the Olympic Basin in Parc Jean Drapeau. We weren’t very familiar with the sport, so we didn’t really know what to expect. It turns out that the concept is similar to many other rowing sports, the biggest difference being that the boat is much larger and fits many more people. After some warm-up exercises on land we were split into two different groups and were made aware of the fact that we would later be competing against one another. |
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It wasn’t very long into our individual team lessons on the water when it became clear why RSM Richter makes this an annual training event for summer students. A Dragon Boat will not go anywhere fast unless all of its members are working in sync while using the right technique. This is why it’s such a strong team building activity; it’s a reminder to work together as a unit in order to achieve a common goal. By race time both teams had shown significant improvement and were ready to go. The noise heard at the starting point and throughout the races was almost deafening, there were shouts and grunts of encouragement coming from both boats. In the end, each team managed to pull through and win one race, a very rewarding feeling. Dragon boating was definitely one of the best summer activities in terms of pure fun and team building.
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Alexandre on the Dragon Boat Racing event
Of all the events we participated in this summer, Dragon Boating was the most stimulating one. It was a nice break from our daily office routine; showing up in shorts or bathing suits, flip-flops, and t-shirts, but I think that none of us really knew how demanding this activity would be. We were told early in the summer that it is always sunny Dragon Boating day, and despite the uncertain weather forecasts, history repeated itself and we benefited from a beautiful, warm, and sunny day. |
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We all met that morning at the Olympic Basin in Park Jean-Drapeau, energetic and ready to go. After some light snacks, we were rounded up for a brief introduction and then split into teams to begin the activity. I was expecting this to be like canoeing on a lake, but with a friendly race in the process. The first thing we were told was “those of you who have canoeing experience, forget everything you know!” The paddling techniques are far different and much more physically demanding than canoeing. The success and failure of this activity relies entirely on teamwork. We were all seated in rows of two and about 15 per boat. Everyone has to follow the pace and speed of the person in front of them in order for the boat to advance properly. I was sitting in the first row, and, along with my partner, we were responsible for setting the pace for the entire boat. It didn’t matter if I became tired or my back began to hurt, I had to continue and shoulder my position on the boat. Awareness, teamwork, and cooperation became an inevitable factor of success for this activity.
For those of you who will choose to work here, at RSM Richter next summer, this will also be a great opportunity to stop, look back and reflect on your behavior and character within a team, and in a work environment. I personally learned to slow down and be more aware of my surroundings. Sitting at the front of the boat, my pace had to be synched with my colleague to the right. If I began to row faster, everyone behind did the same. It’s a good reflection for anyone, no matter where they are on the boat, because the change in their speed will directly affect the person behind them. I quickly realized how one person’s actions could impact many others, and that is as true on the boat as it is in the office, and in everyday life.
This was a great teambuilding and self-awareness activity, which ended with some of us going to a barbeque at a co-worker’s house, others going to the restaurant or to other activities. You will all certainly find something to do to end the day nicely as well.
