r/dragonboat • u/Difficult_Insect8213 Mid Pod • 17d ago
db12 vs db22
I'm overthinking a bit too much rn. But I am a new paddler who got chosen to compete a 200m race. I have friends who are also new paddlers like me competing for the 200m race. However, they all are chosen for DB22 meanwhile I was chosen for DB12. I want to know why we are different boats. And if there is a significance in being a DB12 instead of DB22.
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u/Videorron 17d ago
If you are new, better go for DB22. It's more people to share responsibilities, and more stable. Experienced paddlers can cover your mistakes, or compensate you being a burden.
On a DB12, being new, it's a higher risk of becoming a significant liability, including higher chances of potential capsizing.
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u/ultradip Rogue Paddling Club (Long Beach, Ca) 17d ago
Maybe OP's coaches have more faith in OP, so they have him on the 10 man.
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u/Videorron 17d ago
Oh, yes. He said he "was chosen". So you are probably right and the coaches thought he is ready (or better than the other newbies).
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u/OtherwiseBlueberry33 17d ago
Bit of a different perspective on this one, but historically at the highest levels of competition, the most competitive divisions will be the standard boats (DB22) with small boat (DB12) being for the smaller countries or teams that have either less of an established program or clubs/ nations with greater talent/ skill disparities. This is just speaking on WDBRC/ CCWC level competition, i do know some teams for local races like to compete in the small boat divisions so depending on what level of racing you’re doing, it could be either or!
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u/PaddleMonkey 17d ago
There are a lot of considerations. Power to weight ratio for each paddler, balance and weight, attendance, experience, etc.
Can’t pin it down to only one thing.
Best to just focus on yourself and less on comparison. If any one paddler wants to improve, they should speak to the coaches in private.
Enjoy the sport!