WHAT IS DRAGON BOAT RACING?
Dragon Boat Racing for women has grown immensely over the last decade or two. There are thousands of teams world wide! It’s great exercise, confidence builder, and a great social environment for women. Not to mention, you spend a lot of time out doors, and around water ways. There are several age categories ranging from University Teams, up to senior women’s, with some of the ladies being 60+. Teams range from recreational beginner teams, right up to National level competitors. It is a very high energy, endurance sport that has races or “heats” that range from 200 meters to 2000 meters. These races are full out, “give it everything” very similar to that of a sprint!
We wanted give an honorable mention, that there are many women’s teams today, that are teams made up of Breast Cancer Survivors. They proudly have team names like; Knot a Beast, Rowbust, Busting with Energy, or Wonder-broads!
A dragon boat team consists of 20 paddlers sitting two abreast, plus a Steers person who steers the dragon boat from the rear and a drummer who sits at the front. The team of paddlers work in unison to propel the boat forwards from a standing start, the aim being to reach the finish line in the fastest time. Generally a race consists of between 4 and 6 boats. Teams can be all men, all women, or mixed crews with equal numbers of both men and women. Timing, strength and endurance are 3 key elements of a successful team, the fourth and most critical is teamwork. It is for this reason that the sport has achieved such a high profile around the world.
The first video demonstrates the intensity and power these women have. And having fun at the same time!
The second video, is a little on technique, and will give you a little better idea how they paddle.
