Travel-checklist

Suggested TEAM USA Dragon Boat Equipment Check list

(6/19/13, updated 10/1/17).

CLIMATE:

• • Prepare for hot humid AND cool weather.

RACE CLOTHING:

• • TEAM Uniform: racing jersey, navy shorts

  • cool max stuff (long or short sleeve) for practices

  • gloves (just in case the water is cooler)

  • rain gear/jacket/pants (to stay warm in between races)

  • slippers (for between race rests)

  • bathing suit

  • water shoes

  • You typical race day munchies/energy bars/drinks/gels...etc. Bring whatever you can from home, to make your away race experience - "just like at home"

EQUIPMENT:

• • paddles - bring 2, one a little longer than you normally race with

  • extra padded stuff, butt pads

  • life jacket - optional

  • sun block, sun glasses

  • resting mat/towel

  • plastic bags, beach towel, set of race day dry clothes, camelback-like hydration system.

  • small locks to close your gear bag on race days

  • navy pants/shorts (for opening ceremonies)

  • leggings

  • long sleeve shirts

  • hats/headband

IMPORTANT STUFF TO PACK:

• • travel directions

  • passport

  • personal medication (aspirin, advil...etc)

  • a listing of your medical requirements

  • a photo copy of your "Banned Substance" form

  • a photo copy of your passport's photo page (Black and white only, apparently color copies are illegal)

  • Be very careful of the cough/cold medications you bring...make sure they do NOT include anything listed on the banned substance list.

OTHER STUFF:

• • ear plugs for your snoring roomie

  • wrap your paddle blade with 15 x 10 1/2 envelopes lined with bubble wrap

  • cell phone with charger (with international adaptor)

  • ATM card, credit card

  • PASSPORT! Although not required for entry into most countries, it IS required to reenter USA

  • extra batteries for your camera

  • binoculars

  • copies of your airline ticket(s), passport identification page, credit cards, driver's license, and other documents you plan to carry with you. Store these records in a separate place from the originals to expedite the replacement process

  • CARRY ON:

    • Bring on board plenty of gatorade (i guess you bring the powered form and then mix with water into a drink) to help keep you hydrated on the long flight and keep electrolytes up.

    • carry on stuff you can't afford to lose (racing uniform, paddle)...check the rest.

    • Wear team USA gear so it's easier to find teammates at the airport

    • Long haul flight: ear plugs, eye cover, compression sleeves (legs), pillow.

    • I bring cough drops to help keep my throat deal with the dry state of the airplane.

TO DOs:

• • Suggested travel wear: TEAM USA Polo and navy pants

  • PACK your required team uniforms in Carry ON...so when your luggage is lost, you can still race

  • Look for message from your captain or TEAM USA rep on some lobby bulletin board

  • If you miss team shuttles, TAKE A CAB! Otherwise, always be 15 min EARLY!

  • travel aware and with common sense

  • To minimize effect of high altitude (headaches)...hydrate hydrate and hydrate before and during our stay,

    • It has been suggested to load up on B12. But only do this if you know you are OK with B12.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON RACE DAY:

• • You will compete in 2-3 races within 2.5 hours on race day. So plan your clothing accordingly, as in ponchos, towels to stay warm between races.

  • Hang around the coach/captain/drummer as racing rosters are being fine tuned and racing numbers handed out

  • Lots of cool down between races

• NO frills event: no vendors, no festivities, just racing, some spectators...but no different than at home

  • Lots of team flags, pins, giveaways, team usa trading shirts, and national spirit