A trained steers person is the most important person in a dragon boat, according to group who produces and consults on dragon boat festivals. http://www.facilitymarketing.com/steeringtips.htm .
A good steer should have knowledge of the boat commands, effects of wind and water conditions, and know where to go during practice sessions. The crew’s safety is in their hands.
Last year a clinic was run to train new people to be steers people. Having a steers person who is not the coach allows the coach more time to concentrate on things like paddling technique and race procedures.
The four steers people in these pictures were part of the clinic last summer and now steer at the morning practices. They do an incredible job. We cross the wake of power boats, navigate dead-heads in low water and never hit the dock nor capsize. Awesome job!
As a paddler,I would like to thank all the coaches and the steers people for their dedication, patience and training. Oh almost forgot…also thanks for the fantastic start to my day.