http://www.vikingboatraces.com/faq.html#Festival5

They say they have 70 teams already. I can't wait to read the vikingboat rankings forum.

However it is a little scary for us, with DBC having the strength of a fly, and the CCA not really growing, how soon till rowing clubs start holding these events and we die. They are taking much the same approach that Dragon Boat did in the early years..come out have fun and promoting the cultural aspect. Rowing is much better organized then we are. there will probably be a world class Viking boat race in canada before we get a world class Dragon Boat Race.

At $135 + GST per rower, and a total of 19 are required (14 rowers, 4 subs, 1 cox) that's about $2745 per person. Even if the Captain gets in free, thats still excessive by dragonboat terms. Until it's $800 a festival (average in Ontario this year) than you won't see a hugh surge in vikingboat. And a total of 70 teams already entered? I'll believe it when I see it.

Bayside Rowing Club.
That's all that needs to be said.

All you have to do is ask yourself where the money is going.

The money is going towards helping kids with disabilities learn how to row and grow their confidence. The club is doing good things with these kids and this is not the place to slag them.

It's a tremendous idea and something I would consider doing for fun.

Its the rowing equivalent of a dragonboat. All the best to them!

For the average being $800 that is also outrageaous. Event quality is going down in many events, plus getting tired of the three race event thing. Kudo's to events that hold more races. Nothing worse then sitting around for 3-4 hours between races picking your nose. Considering at most events the first race is usually a no brainer you are actually only really competing twice.

You get eight practices and coaching with that entry fee.

Dragon boats are slow, but these are pigs. This will never be a threat to DB.

This is hilarious!

Any cool team names yet???

Igor's Rowers
The Wonderbars
Nice hats
Too Horny to row
Vikings in a blanket

Any others??

There are already political rumblings among the top teams (PVBC Elite, Imperial Vikings, GTVBC and Olafs Vikingslayers, to name a few) about the new 4 PV (premier viking) rulings handed down by the VBC.

Indeed, many cries for blood vengence were heard at last year's VBC AGM in L'Anse Aux Meadows, Nfld.

When I go to the worlds, I can say "hey, that's Gruchevski in the Polish Boat! I used to race her back at the Henley in '95!". Viking Boating provides me with an opportunity to remain competitive beyond my years on the Olympic Team.

Seat 5, Silken, nice satire.

Seriously I think this would be a fun change from dragon boat racing. Those of us who also like to erg might find this an ineteresting way to try a little rowing, without having to cross over to the dark side.

But expensive! $130 x 18 = $2340 for one regatta and 4 practices. Ouch!

I gave Viking Boat a try this Summer. They had a regatta at Center Island the week before TIDBRF. I didn't count the teams back then but it was probably in the ball park of 25 teams? Normally when you row you sit on a seat that slides. On these viking boat behemoths the seat doesn't slide rather you have to slide back and forth on the seat. That's OK for awhile until the constant friction almost erupts your precious booty into flames! I recommend a pair of padded shorts.

The Viking boat regatta lacked the polish, level of organization, and competition that most big dragon boat races have but for a first time regatta I was impressed.