Living Root is a Boston-based dragon boat team that has been churning up the Charles since 2005. We practice aboard our two sleek dragon boats several times per week and we race around the country and in Canada. We hold practice year-round, which includes indoor practice during the winter months.
We provide extensive technical training to refine paddling technique and elevate race performance. Paddlers receive one-on-one outrigger canoe training sessions designed to improve form and endurance. Practices are tough workouts designed to build strength and endurance. We race to win, and have fun along the way.
And Meet Your Living Root Coaches…
Sandy Parker
Sandy Parker has been paddling with Living Root since 2006 and has been its President since 2008. An ex-rower with an inability to be away from the water for too long, Sandy drums for races and coaches paddlers of all levels. An avid athlete who is always trying to work on her own paddling, drumming and coaching technique, Sandy loves the challenge of getting 20 paddlers to perfect their form and put massive amounts of power in the water, all while having just a little bit of fun.
Dave Parker
Dave Parker is Living Root’s team captain. He started paddling in 2006 and has been hooked ever since. No stranger to boats, he began sailing at 12, spent several years driving ships in the Navy, and now draws on his maritime experience to lead the team. An expert in paddling technique, Captain Parker excels at identifying problems and teaching solutions. Years of experience have taught him that truly anyone can become an amazing paddler with just a little training.
Chris Abramo
Chris Abramo was one of Living Root’s original members and then took a 4 year hiatus and re-joined in 2009. Never to be outdone in anything, he serves as Living Root’s unofficial race-day chef, and one of the most motivational people you may ever meet in your life. He coached one local community team of mostly new paddlers to C Division victory at the 2011 Boston Dragon Boat Race. Chris loves tearing up the Charles and scaring duck boat drivers and sailors alike while steering and he prides himself on being a positive voice for all of his teammates.
Amy Gilman
Amy Gilman is Living Root’s Strength and Conditioning Coach and Sports Nutritionist. She has held her personal training certification for ten years and is also a Registered Dietitian. Amy specializes in functional training, weight management, corrective exercise, Pilates and other disciplines. Her job is to take you and make you a paddling machine! Pairing her expertise in training with nutrition she is a valuable resource and fine tunes the Living Root athletes. Amy has competed in Ballroom Dance, Martial Arts, Fitness competitions, and now, of course she is competing in Dragon Boat for Living Root.
Scott Gilman
Scott Gilman is loud. Promoted to Living Root Dragon Boat Coach in 2011, he can be heard bellowing his encouraging commands up and down the Charles River all week long. Scott is a firm believer in core stability, strength and endurance training and focuses on conditioning his athletes to be the best. A decade ago Scott was obese and now uses Living Root Dragon Boat as a method to maintain his health and fitness levels. He can often be heard mumbling about technique when he’s sleeping.
