By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos By: 502 Dragon Boat
502 Dragon Boat Executive Director Eryn Kelleher always enjoyed spending time around the water. As a Florida native, she says she “basically learned how to swim as [she] learned how to walk.” Below, Kelleher shares her journey to her role on the river with VOICE-TRIBUNE, including how it came full circle, and how her passion turned into sharing this sport that benefits team building, and social and mental health, in addition to physical fitness. Tell us how you got into rowing or other related sports that led to this passion.
“My first official job was being a lifeguard, and I was on a swimming and diving team from ages 4-to-13. As I’ve matured, grown my career, and become a mom, life's responsibilities did not keep me waterside! It was definitely one of those things that I didn’t realize how much I missed, until it all came rushing back in a new form of dragon boating.”
“I started with Dragon Boat in 2014 — 10 years ago, which blows my mind! I came on board by chance, when I volunteered my services to help promote and organize a dragon boat festival here in Louisville. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into, but was very intrigued by this unique ancient sport. When I finally got to experience the rush and exhilarating adventure of being on the water, working together with 20 other people, it was truly a life changing event!”
“At the time I started with Dragon Boat, I was also a new mom to sweet baby twin boys! There’s nothing I love more in this life than being their mom, but it was definitely a ‘challenging’ time trying to figure out how to manage nurturing them, every other part of my life, and myself. I found it nearly impossible to carve out any ‘me time’ to care for myself in a way that didn’t seem urgent or necessary, because everything else was! Dragon Boat really helped me through this transformative time, and made way to a very happy and healthier path for myself and others.”
“Since dragon boat was ‘work’...I had to be there. Luckily, I felt very blessed that I really wanted to be there too! I’ve had the amazing opportunity to meet so many kind and inspiring people in our weekly community practices. It was work, and a workout that didn’t feel like it! When I go to Dragon Boat I feel like I’m meeting up with an awesome group of friends for an adventure every weekend!”
“I’ll always be grateful for Dragon Boat and the way it helped me physically, mentally, socially, and deeply in my soul.”
When did you decide you would turn your love for rowing into a full-time business?
“This is my passion project, and always will be. I decided from that first year, I will always want to work in organizing and promoting dragon boat communities and events. There are just so many benefits that it provides to individuals and communities at large! My favorite parts are that, first, anyone can do it! Dragon boating is a sport that is practiced from youth leagues to the very thriving and exciting international senior groups. All fitness levels can participate and enjoy being on the boat. You can join a team, and make it whatever you want — Social and fun, or traveling with competitive crews.”“Secondly, It is all about the teamwork! That really is what does it for me. I love time spent together, in these serene moments on the water, and it is all about unity. It doesn’t matter how many muscles you have, or how fast you can paddle, unless you work TOGETHER. Which is a little harder than it sounds, but I always like to tell people during intro sessions ‘as long as your paddle is hitting the water at the same time as everyone else, you’re doing a great job!’”
At what point did you make the decision to create your business as a nonprofit?
“502 Dragon Boat Community was formed in 2020 by avid dragon boat enthusiasts, and supporters that wanted to take our vision to the next level. Beyond events, we wanted to provide community services with weekly sessions, training programs, and healthy activities.”
Describe your approach toward team building and healthy initiatives.
“Team building truly is the core of this sport. I’ve worked with groups from high school sports teams to corporate and doctor’s offices who come out to try dragon boating. I love to see, for example, all roles of the office finding new ways to communicate and cooperate to propel this giant 40-ft.-long watercraft. It’s so rewarding to witness, everytime, on so many levels.”
“Dragon Boat is obviously oriented towards physical health. It is an excellent full body workout, not just your arms! Paddlers use their core mostly, plus their arms, even their legs in their best form.”
“Dragon Boat also is also really great for social and mental health. Spending time on the water with friends is such a treat that I wish for everyone to enjoy!”
Share with our readers the experience of a first-time session.
“If people want to give Dragon Boat a try we offer weekly open to the public introductory sessions for anyone ages 12+. They are held every Saturday, and we host as many as we can! If sessions fill up, we add more.”
“These sessions are designed for beginners, and all fitness levels are welcome! We provide all the equipment we have: the boat, lifejackets, paddles, and water. Quick dry materials, and water shoes are recommended but not required. Just wear whatever you feel comfortable working out in and would not mind getting wet! No, that doesn’t mean we’ll be going in the water, but you may get splashed.”
“Our intro sessions are held on a nice, calm channel that is off of the main part of the Ohio River. It is a ‘no wake zone.’ which means motorized boats have to go super slow, and we have land near us on both sides of the inlet. As far as locations go, this is a very safe spot to try getting on the water! We share the channel with the Community Boathouse, UofL Rowing, and LMPD station.”
“The first session is usually for people to get comfortable being in the boat and on the water. It’s a very beautiful and exciting outing that many people enjoy with their family and especially teenagers during the summer. Very family friendly and effortless activity to plan!”
Tell us about the competitive side of your organization.
“If paddlers do want to take it up a notch though, we definitely go there! We also offer weekly advanced training on Thursday evenings, and have a very strong and dedicated group of paddlers that form our competitive travel team — 502 Dragon Envy. They competed in KY, and Nashville last year. Some of our members even traveled with other teams to places like Florida, and Canada. The world really is your oyster with Dragon Boat! You can truly take it as far as you want, for the span of your life; It’s such a wonderful worldwide community that I’ll be forever grateful to be a part of eternally.”