What Is Dragon Boating?
What’s a Dragon Boat?
It’s (usually) a ten row boat that allows twenty paddlers to paddle, with room for a drummer at the front and a steersperson at the back. We also have some ten-person boats that have just five rows and allow us to take out a smaller crew. During races, a dragon head and tail are added to the boats for decoration. This is why they are called dragon boats.
Who does it?
Most countries in the world. From recreational paddlers or weekend warriors who turn up to practice twice a week and go to races to competitive athletes that paddle for the US national team, there is a whole spectrum of participants.
Dragon boating is popular throughout the US but especially on the west coast (San Diego to San Francisco to Portland and Vancouver) and east coast (like the Philadelphia team who contribute many paddlers to the national crew) and of course, right here in Tempe, Arizona.
Dragon boat is for everyone! Mixed teams, Men’s teams, Women’s teams, Youth to Adult (Leisure, Master, Senior Masters) as well as Adaptive, Cancer Survivors, College/University, Corporate, Veterans, and Special Olympics.
How did all this start?
Dragon boating started 2000 years ago in 278 BCE with Qu Yuan, a politician and poet born in Hubei, China, who after many years of service to the state of Chu tried to push through reforms. Unfortunately, the reforms failed and Qu Yuan was exiled to the state of Qin. When his beloved Chu was captured by the state of Qin, Qu Yuan was so overcome with sorrow that he threw himself into the Miluo river and ended his life. Local people paddled out in their boats and threw zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) into the water to keep the fish from eating his body. Every year afterwards, people paddled on the river to commemorate Qu Yuan. This was the start of what became dragon boat racing.
What is the AZDBA?
The Arizona Dragon Boat Association is the organization that runs dragon boating in Arizona. We are based at Tempe Town Lake, own all the dragon boats and have many clubs that paddle with us. We are members of the Pacific Dragon Boat Association (PDBA) which is a member of the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF) which in turn is a member of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).
ARIZONA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
When is it?
The Arizona Dragon Boat has been held the third or fourth weekend of March since 2004. Racing is on both Saturday and Sunday.
Who races?
Everyone is welcome! Each year, teams travel from California, Texas, Oregon, Washington State, and other US areas to compete. We also welcome international teams from Vancouver in Canada and occasionally special guests from Taiwan!
How many races are there?
Racing starts at 8am on Saturday and is non-stop throughout the day. It continues to mid-afternoon on Sunday. Sunday afternoon, the festival ends with the race awards and we get to hand out medals!
Is it free to watch?
Yes! There’s no charge to watch the races or enjoy the other entertainment we have on the main stage. There are food vendors and paddling as well as other shopping vendors to peruse!