BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT DRAGON BOATING

People always seem to be looking for new ways to build their endurance, tone muscles and challenge themselves. It's easy to find different classes, concepts and bootcamps to try, but even they can grow tiresome after a while.

For something completely different, many exercise enthusiasts are turning to the water to try dragon boating. Being part of a dragon boat crew encourages teamwork, and gives you a workout you'll never forget.

What Is It?A dragon boat is a long, narrow vessel that carries twenty paddlers, seated two abreast. There is also one team member at the rear to steer the boat and one seated at the front.

The goal is for the paddlers to paddle in unison, propelling the boat forward. Dragon boating is a competitive sport, and the teams race against one another to a finish line.

OriginsDragon boating may be a newer sport in North America, but its origins date back to China over 2,000 years ago. When it began, the boats were raced due to superstitious beliefs that doing so would result in healthy and bountiful crops.

Dragon boat celebrations were typically conducted when natural disasters and disease were more prevalent. The dragon boat tradition was cemented into the culture further when beloved poet and minister Chu Yuan was exiled from the Kingdom of Chu around the 4th century, BC.

Origins cont…

Chu Yuan fell into despair over his exile and the state of the Kingdom and subsequently committed suicide by throwing himself into the Mi Lo River.

The people mourned his death and went so far as to row their fishing boats around the spot he jumped in to scare the fish and water dragons away.

It is said that the people would throw rice wrapped in leaves into the river so Chu Yuan wouldn't go hungry. In some places, rice cakes are still eaten today during dragon boat celebrations.

Dragon Boat CrewThe dragon boat crew must be a team in the truest sense of the word, and have the ability to push themselves beyond their normal physical boundaries. Each crew has a maximum of 20 paddlers, with a cox at the rear to steer the boat and a drummer at the front.

For events that use mixed crews, there must be at least eight female paddlers in the boat for each team.

Keys to Success

Some of the keys to success for a dragon boat team include:

• Teamwork - this is the main factor, as a team that is synchronized in its movements will usually end up on top. • Strength and Fitness - the team must be able to physically endure and continue on until the finish line.• The Coach - a good coach will teach the team the basics and get the most out of them in practice.

What to Wear

Teams may have uniforms that each member should wear during competition, but for general dragon boating, you should wear:

• Comfortable clothing that isn't too baggy.• Footwear you don't mind getting wet, like water sandals.• Shorts work best for the lower body.

It's also wise to bring a change of clothes, because you will get wet.

Dragon Boat Events

Dragon boating has become a common corporate activity, and dragon boat events are on many corporate calendars every year. Taking part in a dragon boat event is a nice alternative to golfing or the standard company picnic.

A dragon boating event helps to promote team building and camaraderie, as well as physical activity and healthy lifestyle.

References

http://www.gwndragonboat.com:80/Default.asp?id=64&l=1GWN Dragon Boat

http://www.mountsinai.on.ca/staff/sinai-lightning/what-is-dragon-boat-racingMount Sinai Hospital