What is Dragon Boat Racing?
Origin of the Dragon Boat Festival:
Dragon boat racing has been dated to the Warring States Period (402-221 BC) in China when a patriotic poet, Qu Yaun, drowned himself in the Milou River out of sorrow when a corrupt king had destroyed his court. Beloved by his people, they raced their boats in search of his body in an attempt to save him. In order to commemorate Qu Yuan, this practice continues today and traditionally occurs on the 5th day of the 5th Lunar Month.
Dragon Boat Racing is now one of the fastest growing watersports in North America and is an internationally recognized sport. It is currently practiced in more than 50 countries and there are an estimated 50 million active dragon boat paddlers in the world. Become one of them!
- Standard Crew consists of 22 team members:
- Drummer: (1)
- Pulsation of the beat of the drum is considered the “heartbeat” of the dragon
- Engages synchronization of all of the paddlers strokes
- Issues commands to the crew through hand signals or voice
- Paddlers: (20)
- 10 Pairs sit facing forward in the direction of boat movement
- Pacers (first pair) set the pace for the team
- Steerer: (1)
- Controls the direction of the boat’s movement
- Stands in the back of the boat
- Person who calls the demands for paddlers to better their placement and time
- Drummer: (1)
This is not a measure of strength, but rather a measure of teamwork and true grit. Teams are encouraged incorporate both genders, in fact there is a small time penalty for an all male team.
Contact: Christopher LaPoint, clapoint@clarkson.edu, 315.268.7618
The proceeds of the Inaugural Raquette River Dragon Boat Festival will support mission trips, health initiatives, community service outreach and health education within St. Lawrence County.
Special thank you to Barstow Motors, Northern Tier Contracting, Leeward Physical Therapy and DeFelsko for partnering with the Dragon Boat Festival!
