History and Legend of Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boating got its start in China about 2,400 years ago. Traditionally communities would host a number of teams as they came together to celebrate the end of the planting season. In the fourth century, so the legend goes, a popular poet and scholar threw
himself into the Mi Lo River to protest political corruption. Attempting to save the man,
local fishermen paddled fiercely but failed to reach him in time. In honor of his death and
the rescue effort, Chinese citizens annually reenacted the event, giving birth to dragon
boat racing.

Dragon boat racing today

So the ancient sport of Dragon Boat racing can be traced back 2000 years to China. In the United States, however, it started in the 1980s. There are races in many cities throughout
the US. The races usually are held in a festival setting with tents, flags and banners. Numerous teams compete with many spectators cheering them on. The races are
intense head-to-head sprints.

Teams consist of 16 to 20 paddlers plus a caller or drummer and a tiller. The paddlers
sit on benches, two to a bench, paddling on one side only. Though always a sprint, races vary in length from 250 meters to 1000 meters. During some races the boats are
dressed in colorful dragon-heads and tails, which add to the festive spirit of the dragon
boat events. It is not clear how the actual dragon-head and tail came into being – it is thought that during the evolution of the races, the fierce-looking dragon-head and tail
were added to ward off evil spirits of the water.

One of the fastest growing water sports in the world, dragon boating has gained popularity
in 46 countries. With the 2008 summer Olympic games headed to Beijing, China,
there’s a strong chance the sport will make a bid for Olympic status. Dragon boating
attracts young and old alike. It doesn’t take youth or athletic prowess to power a dragon
boat. The main criteria is a willingness to work with others. In dragon boating, there
are no stars – there are 20 paddlers who are trying to paddle as one. This concept
fosters the team spirit and enthusiasm of dragon boating across the world.