Dragon boat is deeply embedded in China’s Dragon culture. A dragon boat consists of ornately carved dragon’s head at the bow and a tail in the stern. The hull is painted with dragon’s scales, and the paddles symbolically represent the claws. In dragon boat racing there are 18 to 20 paddlers, a steer’s person, and a drummer, they all together form a team and compete with other team members. Races are held over distances from 200 to 2000 meters. To play the sport team members need strength, endurance, skills and a good teamwork.

Dragon boating today

In the 1970s, the Hong Kong tourist association decided to stage an International dragon boat festival to promote Hong Kong, after which in 1976 first Hong Kong international Good88 races took place. Later with the formation of international dragon boat federation (IDBF) in 1991, there formed other federations like European (EDBF) and Asian (ADBF), and these three federations today govern and conduct Dragon boating in 60 countries.

Since the formation of IDBF, the sport has rapidly spread throughout the world. Today with 50 Million participants in China, 3 lakh participants in UK, Europe, Poland, and Russia the water sport has worldwide become very popular.

Dragon boating is for all ages and abilities

Dragon boating is a team sport and a great fun too! It is also a high standard sport for elite standard athletes. It’s a sport and recreational activity that can be pursued by everyone and any age group people.