Dragon boat racing, an ancient Asian water sport that involves boats adorned with dragon heads, 10 pairs of paddlers and a drummer, is exploding across the United States. And Philadelphia, where American dragon boating got its start, remains at the crest of the sport.
But it is not for everyone.
Dragon boating is the world's fastest growing team water sport. It's a fun and adrenaline pumping activity in which teams of 20 paddlers (10 for small boats), one sweep (steer person) and one drummer compete to win races.
The team paddles in unison and in rhythm to race dragon boats which are rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails. The sport dates back 2000 years in China and began as a modern international sport in 1976.
Dragon boat racing is a celebration and a team-building activity for all ages, genders and abilities. It is a sport where synchronicity is more important than strength. A well-synchronized team can beat a stronger, but less coordinated team. The most exciting aspect is the feeling of flying through the water together as a high-performance TEAM! It's an experience that everyone should try.
Dragon boat racing is a team sport that requires all members to paddle in rhythm and synchronicity. The spirited activity builds team spirit and camaraderie, bringing a diverse group of people together who may not otherwise have the opportunity to work alongside each other in a spirited environment. It’s not uncommon for the CEO and a mail room clerk to paddle side-by-side on the same boat.
The team is powered by a 40-foot canoe-like vessel outfitted with a dragon head and tail, per Chinese tradition. It holds 20 paddlers, 10 on each side, plus a drummer, a steersperson and a coach.
The sport is a bit pricey, requiring membership fees, equipment costs and registration fees for races. Fortunately, many teams solicit corporate sponsors and raise money year-round to help lower the cost for their members. Some teams even make themselves a nonprofit organization, which can also be a great tax deduction. The perks of this sport are numerous, including a full-body workout that fires up your quadriceps, hamstrings and core.
We recommend wearing comfortable, quick-dry clothing that you don’t mind getting wet! Wearing a hat or sunglasses is also a good idea.
Most dragon boat clubs will supply paddles, personal flotation devices and life jackets. You will be asked to sign a waiver and attend a safety orientation session prior to joining the team.
Once your team is formed, you will begin to practice together. Each session starts with a warm-up of stretching exercises and then a coach/steerer will teach you the cadence of paddling, proper body position and how to paddle correctly. Paddlers are expected to be quiet in the boat so they can hear the steerer’s commands.
Fundraising is typically done year-round and provides an opportunity for members to flex their creativity muscles! Bake sales, raffles, carnival games and 50/50 draws are a few examples of how teams can raise money.
Dragon boating is the fastest growing team water sport in the world. It is a great way to get in shape, meet people and have fun! It is a great activity for women, men, and mixed teams.
The pulsation of drum beats signals the frequency and synchronization of the crew's strokes. The drummer also instructs the crew through a combination of hand and voice commands, generally exhorting them to reach their peak performance.
Traditional Chinese dragon boat racing occurs during the Duanwu Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (which varies in the Gregorian calendar). The festival marks the death of poet Qu Yuan who committed suicide in the Miluo River to protest government corruption and urged his followers to race their boats around his body to keep fish from eating it.
The international governing body for the sport is the International Dragon Boat Federation, founded in 1991. It is not an Olympic sports federation, but is recognised by SportAccord. The IDBF accepts a fixed paddle specification that features a fixed blade surface area and distinctive paddle shape based on the design of those used in the Pearl River Delta region of southern China.