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Paddling the elite into top condition, one row at a time

When Canadian paddlers want to get an early jump on training for the national team, they head to Tarpon Springs - to him.

By ROBIN STEIN
Published March 26, 2006

TARPON SPRINGS - Along with throngs of college students and cascades of pollen, the dragon boats are a sure sign that spring has arrived in this city.

Since 2002, Peter Buday has run a training camp for Canadian dragon boat paddlers who want to get a jump on the competition for a slot on the Canadian national team.

This year 20 trainees - men and women from 25 to 55 - are in town.

Dragon boats are long, slender, scull-like crafts with bows frequently adorned by elaborate dragon heads. They are propelled by 20 paddlers, 10 on each side. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, dragon boat races feature sophisticated, lightweight, fiberglass shells and draw international teams.

Buday, the 27-year-old coach of the performance training camp, has a world-class paddling pedigree.

Born in Hungary, Buday moved to Canada when his father was recruited to coach the country's canoeing team for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. His two older brothers are Olympic canoeists.

Buday said that to avoid the competition and expand the family repertoire, he picked kayaking, and he competes in international sprint races.

About a decade ago, though, Buday said he was asked to try out for the national dragon boat team. Ever since, he has been drifting toward the big boats.

"When you're in an individual sport, it's really hard to stay motivated when you get into a slump," he said. "When you have an off day, it's great to be able to depend on your friends and know that they are depending on you."

For years, Canadian national canoeing teams have migrated to different cities along Florida's east coast for winter training.

Buday came to Tarpon Springs at the suggestion of longtime paddling colleague and Tarpon Signs owner Karl Vogel. The first year, Buday towed a dragon boat down, but Vogel introduced him to an alternative training vessel, the outrigger.

Outriggers are wispy Hawaiian canoes, which have bamboo floatation devices that prevent them from capsizing in ocean waters. The canoes vary in length and carry anywhere from one to six paddlers.

Buday is using outriggers to train the Canadian athletes.

Buday said he likes single-person boats to train because they force dragon boaters to focus on personal improvement rather than leaning on others.

Yet team competition and the big boats are what Buday said he finds most exhilarating, especially since August, Toronto will host the world championship.

[Last modified March 26, 2006, 00:25:14]