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