What is a DRAGON BOAT?
a 40 foot "canoe", with 20 paddlers sitting side by side ten rows deep, a drummer at the front facing the paddlers keeping a rhythm and shouting encouragement, and a steerer in the back. There is also a large colorful carved wooden head on the front, and a wooden tail attached to the back of the boat- very visual!
WHAT IS A DRAGON BOAT RACE?
(Besides FUN)- a Dragon Boat race is usually 500 meters long (barely over a quarter of a mile) on a body of water with 4-6 boats at a time, with an average finishing time of between 2-4 minutes, usually lasting enough time for the teams to have a couple of races per day, and spectators to see a good variety of action.
WHO CAN ACTUALLY PARTICIPATE?
anyone over the age of 14 who wants to smile and laugh and get a little exercise (check with your doctor before performing any new physical activity, that is just common sense).
EVERY PARTICIPANT WEARS A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE. That is an absolute rule- so if you are not sure about your swimming ability- 1) The boats are 4 feet wide, 40 feet long, thick sides, sturdy, they do not tip over under normal conditions. 2) a motor launch follows and monitors every lane of the race course; there is help and rescue immediately next to the racers.
You must be older than 14. (Parent or guardian permission required if under 18).
Otherwise- no limits! Let's face it, most of us have never paddled an actual Dragon Boat before- the entire field of teams is probably inexperienced- there will be a practice session the week before the race, so you get a chance to have a coach and veteran experienced person give you a few instructions- but basically just dip your single-blade paddle in the water next to your side of the boat, keep in time and synchronized with the other paddlers, and listen to the drummer or the steerer when they give commands. The technique of paddling with the single blade paddle (supplied by the organizer, you do not need ANY equipment of your own) is simple for a beginner, and strength is NOT the key- timing and rhythm IS. YOU DON"T HAVE TO BE STRONG!!
I WANT TO DO THIS!
Can 20 of us from work (or our gym, or bar, or firehouse, or school) form a TEAM?
Teams can be ANYONE- Mixed Men and Women (minimum of 8 women) kids over 14, Breast Cancer Survivors, 60 and older, a Corporate team entirely from one business or company, women only, men only- find your friends or your neighbors- represent your favorite charity, find your bowling buddies.....everybody has fun, and anyone can participate!
HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?
Watch this Blog page for updates, and leave a comment on this posting, and I will get back to you.
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