DRAGON BOATING

What is Dragon Boating

Dragon boating is a watersport where in a number of watercrafts

called dragon boats race over a clearly defined unobstracted course
in the shortest time possible. Paddlers sit in twos side-by-side and
use a single-bladed paddle. There are two categories that compete
in discipline, 10 seater (small) boat and 20- seater (standard)
referring to the number of paddlers in the boat. A team also has a
drummer and a steerer, with everybody in the boat paddling to the
rhythm of the drum.
 History of Dragon Boat
Racing
Dragon boat racing is one of Hong Kong’s most colorful, competitive
summer events. This traditional Chinese watersport is held during the Tuen Ng
Festival, occurring annually around May or June on the Western calendar. A dragon
boat is long and narrow and narrow with a decorative Chinese dragon head, tail and
scales printed on the hull. During races, teams of paddlers paddle furiously to the
beat of a drum, providing spectators with a spectacularly exciting and colorful sight.
Dragon boat racing emerged as far back as 2,500 years ago, during the
Warring States Period (402-221 BC). Originating among fishing communities along
the Yangtze River in Southern-Central China, it was initially a folk ritual designed to
appease the rain gods, encourage rainfall and celebrate the summer rice planting.
Dragon Boating Equipment

The boat used paddling arrangement. There are

small boats in which 10 people can paddle and along with it
there are bigger boats where at a time 40 people can
accommodate.

- Dragon boat
- Paddles
- Drum
Dragon Boating Rules and
Regulation
All rules and regulations is governed by International
Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF)
1.Fees and Waivers
one of the most important in every dragon boat because this
money is used to protect the people playing this sport( insurance purpose).
Every participating person needs to sign a legal paper that they
are playing this sport with their will. Fees vary from hundred dollars to
thousands dollars per event.
2.Marshalling
Marshaling are is nearby the dock and a marshalling officer is
present over there each time. Only the team members who are going to
play the sport and their corresponding team manager are allowed in the
marshaling area. Counting of all the crew members is done at this place.
3.Boats
Boats are selected by the board members previously and the crew
members need to use the boat provided to them. Before leaving the dock,
any defects in the boat should be notified to the officials. Positions of
drums and steering should be checked properly. Boats are weighed in
advance to make that it is in accordance with performance level.
4. Etiquette
While paddling out the race course, try to maintain sufficient
distance from the race course. In case another race is going on at the
same time, wait for the other race to complete. It is not a good
sportsman spirit to comment on other boat members while passing by
them. In the eye of IBDF law, commenting on other crew is not tolerable.
Safety
 All participants must wear a certified PFD ( Personal Flotation
device). Personal PFD’s may be used so long as it is Coast Guard
Approved.
 All participants are strongly discouraged from taking any kind of
valuable or electronic device on board with them as there is a
possibility of these items getting wet from paddling or during
capsize.
 Unless absolutely necessary and under the control of the coach, it is
strictly forbidden for a paddler to stand up in the boat for risk of
capsizing ( especially at the finish of a race).
 Any participants injured or who become ill during the festival are to
medical staff immediately . If the condition is serious, medical staff
may restrict a participant from continuing in the festival, their
decision is final.