Otepoti Dragons assistant coach and sweep Ray Cooper said the Dunedin club formed two years ago was able to field a competitive crew, but entering its third season had yet to field a men’s team.
A "give it a go" day on Saturday was partly aimed at getting men into the 20-person boats.
Ideally, eight to 10 male paddlers would allow a mixed crew to compete this year, Cooper said.
However, even if four or five male paddlers committed to the season, starting in October, Dunedin could launch a small boat (10 paddlers) mixed crew.
"It would be cool for us."
It was not entirely clear why Dunedin men were slow to take up the traditional Chinese sport.
Perhaps they were put off by the fact women were so much better represented, Cooper said.
Or maybe men found it difficult to fit it in around other sporting commitments, such as rugby, he said.
Or perhaps they were simply put off by the cold, he said.
Several men turned out on Saturday to try the traditional Chinese sport, but as yet there was only one permanent male paddler on the team.
Otepoti Dragons are part of the Tu Meke Sports Club in Christchurch, which is affiliated with the Aoraki Dragon Boating Association.
Staff Reporter
