Steering a dragon boat is one of the most rewarding roles in the sport, and becoming an accredited Sweep is your path to leading a crew to victory! Our 5-stage recognition pathway is designed to help you grow your skills and knowledge, all while earning your Level 3 Sweep accreditation.
As a Sweep, you’ll be in charge of guiding your team through the water and adjusting for wind and currents. But don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of support as you develop - plus, the reward of watching your crew thrive under your leadership!
All Sweeps must abide by the NZDBA Sweep Accreditation rules
Level 0 to 1: Entry-Level Sweep
You’ll start by learning the ropes under the direct supervision of a Level 3 Sweep mentor. They’ll guide you through each step until you’ve shown you’re ready to take the wheel!
Level 1 to 2: Indirect Supervision
Once you’ve passed both the written and practical assessments, you’ll advance to “Indirect Supervision,” where your mentor will stay in audible contact, offering tips and feedback while you steer.
Level 2 to 3: Independent Sweeping
To achieve full Level 3 accreditation, you’ll need to complete three successful, incident-free races as a Sweep (one must be Auckland Regionals), or be assessed by the Auckland Sweep Cordinator. Multi-day events count as separate races—so, keep your game sharp!
For more details or to book your practical test, contact Chris, our Sweep Coordinator: https://www.adba.co.nz/contact/