What is Dragon boating?
Dragon boating is a traditional water sport with roots in ancient China, dating back over 2,000 years. It originated as a ritual to honor the life and death of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and statesman, whose followers paddled boats to retrieve his body from the river and to ward off fish and evil spirits.
The sport involves teams paddling in 42’ long, narrow boats decorated like dragons, with a drummer at the front. Dragon boating spread beyond China in the 20th century, especially after the 1976 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races sparked global interest. Today, dragon boating is a popular competitive sport practiced worldwide, with clubs, festivals, and races held across many countries. It is recognized for fostering teamwork, endurance, camaraderie and competitiveness.
Do I need to know how to swim? NO, we stay in the boat!
(but we will provide proper personal flotation devices (PFDs) in the very unlikely event that we tip)
What should I wear/bring to practice?
- Weather appropriate comfortable workout clothes. Choose quick drying materials when possible as you may get splashed. (ex: tee shirts, tank tops, shorts, track pants, bike shorts, etc…)
- Footwear should be stable with a good grip (ex: water shoes, sandals with a heel strap, old running shoes). Avoid flip flops since they will not provide stability
- Hats, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Water/hydration (no glass)
- Positive attitude
What to expect at your first practice:
- Introduction and Safety Briefing: The coach or team captain will start with a safety briefing, covering basic paddling techniques & safety procedures.
- Quick warm-up on land to get blood flowing.
- Paddling Technique. The coach will demonstrate the proper paddling technique, including how to hold the paddle, the correct body posture, and stroke basics.
- On-Water Practice: You’ll get into the boat and practice paddling on the water. Expect to focus on synchronization with your teammates.
Tips for entering the boat:
- Wait for the boat to be stable and follow instructions from your coach.
- Ask for assistance if needed (we all have different methods for getting in the boat)
- Do NOT step on the seats as they can be very slippery
Positions in the boat:
- Strokers – responsible for timing, setting & keeping pace (row 1-2)
- Engine Room – provide consistent power throughout race (rows 3-7)
- Turbo – provide additional power through turbulent fast water from engine room (rows 8-10)
- Drummer – relays steersperson’s commands, keeps team motivated, calm and in sync
- Steersperson – steers the boat keeping everyone safe, the boat straight & upright
Common Coach/Steers Commands for Practices:
Paddles Up – Get ready to start paddling. Put your body & your paddle in the ready position
Take it Away – Begin paddling
Let it Run – Stop paddling and let the boat glide
Hold the Boat – Stop or keep the boat in plane by placing paddle vertically deep into water and holding it in place. This is an “act quick” command as its often called when a fast stop is required.
Back Paddle – paddle backwards
Steady the Boat – Extend paddle to outside of the boat & place paddle blade flat on top water