And briefly...
Dragon boating is a team sport with 20 paddlers, a drummer and a sweep. It is a water sport of power, speed, synchronization and endurance.
Competitions have taken place for the past two centuries as part of folk ritual and it's now the fastest growing team water sport, both internationally and in Australia.
The appeal of dragon boating is that it's easy to learn the basics and it can accommodate a wide spectrum of skill levels ranging from novice to highly competitive.
At the novice and recreational level, teams are often more social than competitive, while still promoting fitness through exercise. Paddling at the Dragons Abreast Festival is a wonderful introduction to the sport.
The Origin Of Dragon Boating
Dragon boat racing is one of the earliest known forms of boat racing and is now celebrated at festivals and races throughout the world.
This ancient and revered Chinese tradition recently received recognition as a special historical and cultural celebration by being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The existence of dragon boats is traced back to over 5000 years ago when they were used in springtime ceremonies to please the highest being in Chinese mythology, the dragon. The ceremonies were held to entreat the dragon to bring about good fortune, strong health and a bountiful harvest.
Much later, during the Warring States period of Chinese history (475-221BC) Qu Yuan, a beloved poet and patriot was an advisor to the emperor of the Chu Kingdom. Dismayed that his country was controlled by evil and corrupt officials Qu Yuan protested by throwing himself into the Mi Lo River clutching a large stone. Local fishermen raced out in their boats to save him. They beat drums and pounded their paddles frantically on the river's waters and threw rice dumplings into the river to distract the water dragons and keep them from eating from Qu Yuan's body. His body was never found. Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth moon (or lunar month), this legendary celebration is a symbol of Chinese culture and spirit and is one of the three largest festivals in China.