HISTORY OF DRAGON BOATING

 

Dragon Boat Racing

 

Dragon Boat racing originated in Southern China over 2,500 years ago and started gaining popularity in North America in the 1970s. Today, it is the fastest growing water sport in the world. Each boat holds 20 paddlers, 1 steer person, and one drummer (who sits on the front of the boat facing the crew and keeps the beat).

 

The challenge of dragon boat racing lies in the synchronization of the paddlers strokes, not in the paddlers’ strength. All 20 paddlers, regardless of experience or skill level, paddle together for the dragon boat to gain momentum and glide through the water. It is for this reason that dragon boat racing has become increasingly popular as a corporate team building sport and as a fundraiser.