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What is a Dragon Boat?
Dragon boats are 41 feet long, 45 inches wide and weigh 550 lbs. For competition they are decorated with dragon heads and tails.
A team consists of 20 paddlers, 1 drummer and 1 steersperson.
Races are typically 500m long (2-3 minutes) with 4-6 boats competing against each other.
Dragon Boat History & Facts
Dragon Boating is an ancient sport, rich in culture and tradition; it originated in China over 2000 years ago. It began when the famous and much loved Chinese poet, Chu Yuan, threw himself into the Miluo River to protest against government corruption. When the people of his village saw this they jumped into their boats and paddled furiously to try and rescue him while beating drums to fend off evil spirits. Unfortunately they could not save him, but every year thereafter the people would commemorate this day by gathering in their boats and race in his memory. Today, dragon boating is the national sport of China. There are reportedly over 30 million dragon boaters who take part in races every year.
Dragon Boating in North America and Quebec
Dragon Boating was first raced in North America in Vancouver during the mid 1980’s. Since this time it has seen an explosion in popularity unparalleled in any other sport and has been dubbed "the fastest growing sport in the world." It first arrived in Quebec, Canada in 1996 with the Montreal Dragon Boat Festival. In 2003 over 50,000 people took part in 70 festivals nationwide. The activity is only beginning to emerge in Quebec with events held in Lachine, Kahnawake, Sherbrooke, Quebec City and Montreal.
Why so popular?
Why has dragon boating become such a popular activity? Simple, it is easy to learn, the boats are extremely stable and once a paddler is in stroke, it doesn’t matter how big, small, old or young he or she is, they’re contributing to the team. It is an activity where 80 percent of teams feature men and women competing together in mixed crews. This aspect has made it a favorite among corporations and organizations who use it as a team building activity. Finally, it is visually spectacular to see and a great venue to showcase the different cultural aspects of a community. There is something for the whole family.
CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING PROGRAM
Corporate dragon boat events are an exciting way of motivating and integrating staff from all areas of a company. Dragon boat racing is a group activity that:
- Requires an exceptional level of teamwork to maximize the speed and efficiency of the boat.
- Creates an inclusive environment for paddlers of all ages, shapes, sizes, flexibility and physical conditioning.
- Emphasizes unity, teamwork, timing, focus, discipline, positive communication and mutual respect.
- Renews energy, enthusiasm and motivation as well as dedication to a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness.
- Encourages leaders to move to the fore-front.
- Develops a sense of pride and accomplishment among participants that complete a race or training session.
- Fosters camaraderie and cohesiveness — Twenty paddlers, 1 drummer and 1 steersperson working in one boat collaborating, communicating and coordinating.
Corporate Dragon Boat Teams also promote your corporate image at Peekskill Celebration 2008, which attracts approximately 30,000 spectators.
“For an entire year everybody in town talks about beating Ultimate Collision at Chamber of Commerce Meetings, Rotary Meetings...What an economical way to promote our business!”
Bill Honovich Ultimate Collision, Dragon Boat Winners, Business Class, 2005 & 2006
 To view a short video on dragon boating please click here.
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DRAGONS ON THE HUDSON CANCER AWARENESS RACE
We are extending an open invitation to Cancer Survivors, their friends, families and supporters to participate on a Dragon Boat Team.
DRAGONS ON THE HUDSON 2008 WILL INCLUDE:
A CANCER SURVIVOR CHALLENGE
And
A CANCER SURVIVORS ROSE CEREMONY
Dragon Boating has a lot to offer Cancer Survivors including:
- Improved immune system
- Aerobic and bone-building benefits to fight increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.
- Long-lasting Friendships
- Rebuilding areas affected by cancer and surgery
- Renewing energy, enthusiasm and motivation as well as dedication to physical fitness
Experience is definitely not needed Only the desire to learn and have fun.
Paddlers of all ages, shapes, sizes, flexibility and physical conditioning can participate.
Through Dragon Boating you have the opportunity of meeting other survivors, as well as many other people. Dragon Boat Racing is an international sport, which enables travel to places such as Germany, Canada, England, France, etc.
Most Cancer Survivor Teams imagine themselves racing in a ritual battle against the dragon of cancer when competing. They envision an imaginary lane with the dragon racing against them side by side.
If you are a cancer survivor, a family member, friend or supporter or know of one and would like to participate in this great program, please contact Peekskill Celebration.
Here are a few of the 50+ Breast Cancer Survivor Teams in the US and Canada:
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