Clatsop Community College’s spring term is coming to a spirited and splash-filled close for students in Humanities 103: Maritime Culture, thanks to an unforgettable outing hosted by the North Coast Paddling Club.
Led by CCC faculty member Dr. Julie Brown, the Maritime Culture class of 26 students explored the rich global history and traditions of seafaring people studying topics like Vikings, pirates, sailors, and explorers, and engaging with hands-on experiences including sea shanties, knot tying, and museum visits. To cap off the term, Dr. Brown partnered with the North Coast Paddling Club for an immersive look into the maritime tradition of dragon boat racing.
After an engaging in-class presentation by paddle club members Dr. Sheila Roley and Kathy Peterson covering the sport’s cultural significance and history, students were invited to climb aboard the team’s dragon boat for a hands-on experience on Tuesday, May 27th. Students met members of the club at the John Day Recreation Area and boat launch, where the paddlers provided an on-the-water lesson in dragon boating.
Dr. Roley, who also serves as Vice Chair of the CCC Board of Education, and Sande Brown are credited with founding the local dragon boat team. Today, the North Coast Paddling Club has 63 members and two racing boats and is part of a global movement that includes more than 50 million paddlers worldwide.
Students learned the fundamentals of safety, paddle commands, communication, and teamwork before experiencing the synchronized thrill of dragon boat racing on the John Day River. The outing offered a connection of maritime culture in literature and history with the real-world experience of life on the water.
“We don’t just read about the water, we experience it,” said Dr. Brown. “This kind of learning is what makes teaching and learning at Clatsop so special.”
While the North Coast Paddling Club does race competitively, members emphasized that building community, teamwork, and camaraderie are at the core of their mission.
Clatsop Community College thanks the North Coast Paddling Club for their generosity and enthusiasm in making this unique student learning opportunity possible.
