USDBF TEAM USA Women's National Teams
2023 Senior A (40+) and Senior B (50+)
2023 Senior A (40+) and Senior B (50+)
Q: How do I get a scheduled for a time trial with the Premier Mixed Senior A Mixed or Senior B Mixed teams?
ALL MIXED TEAM HEAD COACHES have access to our time trial results. THEY will reach out to our gals based on results.
Best way to "show your interest" to the mixed team coach, is to post a top 5 time of your age group on your side. Mixed coaches for Premier and Senior B will likely start their time trials in April/May concluding by Early June. Coach Marc will reach out to his Senior A Mixed candidates sometime in the summer for 2023.
Message: Care for your women's time. If you are fast enough, mixed coaches will come calling.
Q: In defining "fastest time", will wind/current conditions be incorporated?
A: YES. "Fastest time" is defined as one's performance. Coach will look at the wind and current conditions in determining the best performers. Times posted under extreme weather conditions will likely not be considered.
Q: Will my time posted at another TEAM USA time trial like Premier or Senior C be considered for A or B?
A: YES. just let us know the time, site and model of OC.
Q: 8 hours/week average for paddling. Does Off season ERG work count?
A: The 8 hours is a guideline to help candidates understand the level of commitment required. water or gym...No, NOT going to ask folks to record their hours. If you can put in an honest 8 hours a week, every week of the year...you will have a shot to be among those selected. There are never guarantees.
Q: Do you have a strength training and weight program?
A: Everyone's physique is little different - I'm hesitant to offer training. Have your trainer work back from the OC-1 and develop a proper training program for you based on your workout and body build. Building the foundation are always important with any physical activity. This includes: heavy work on core, cardio and strength training.
Bottom line: 90% or more of the selection will be based on the OC-1 time trial. That is it! There is no secret, no short cut. Get your time in on the OC-1. Get stronger in the weight room, but it is more important to pile on the hours on the OC-1 so you can build understanding of moving on the water and your confidence. Supplement this OC-1 time with time on the dragon boat.
I will not be tracking nor recording anyone's training. Getting stronger is very important, getting water time is more important.
Try to spend cap your gym work at 45 minutes/day.
Feel free to contact our assistant coaches for a fitness, training program.
Q: How often may I take time trial?
A: As often as you want. This gives everyone an opportunity to improve their times through the year.
A: We will schedule at least 2 at each region around the country between May 2022 and May 2023 and more as needed. We should be able to accommodate everyone's efforts to post their best effort. For those who test often, we will take their best time in standard conditions.
A: you may test on your other side on the same day if everyone got in their 1st timed run.
Q: Are there differences in selection criteria between teams?
A: TEAM USA coaches operate independently based on how they interpret the rules and guidelines given to them by USDBF. Expect differing criteria between coaches about their training, testing and selection process. Description of these for each coach will be posted on www.usdbf.org under TEAM USA.
Here's a listing of selection criteria for each TEAM USA Head Coach
Q: May I attend more than 1 camp?
A: Yes!
A: All camps are optional. We may have week long camps in May/June. And we'll try to setup at least 1 regional weekend mini camp at each region of the country.
Q: What do you need from me as a steerer or drummer candidate?
A: Send a video or link of a video of you in these roles during a race.
Candidates for the Senior Women's A&B teams, need to attend one of camps and/or tune up race.
Q: How are you selecting your paddlers to fill the seats in Senior A and B?
A: Senior A standard boat = anyone 40+ who are among 10 fastest left performers and 10 fastest right performers
A: Senior A short boat = anyone 40-49 who are next 5 fastest left performers and 5 next fastest right performers who aren't already on Senior A standard boat roster
A: Senior B standard boat = anyone 50+ who are among next 10 fastest left performers and next 10 fastest right performers who aren't already on Senior A standard boat roster
A: Senior B short boat = anyone 50+ who among the next 5 fastest left performers and next 5 fastest right performers who aren't already on Senior A standard or Senior B standard boat rosters.
Alternates for all rosters TBD
Q: How many candidates are trying our for Senior A or Senior B?
A: For the 2021 cycle, nearly 200 individuals posted a time trial (over 500 times recorded). Of which 160s=40+, 260s=50+, 40s=60+.