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The History of Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boat racing began over 2,300 years ago on the banks of the life-sustaining rivers in the valleys of Southern China as a fertility rite performed to ensure bountiful crops. The race was held to avert misfortune and to encourage the rains needed for prosperity; it was also an occasion of sacrifice to the water deity, the Dragon.

Over the centuries a second story was integrated to give the celebration a dual meaning. Chinese history describes the fourth century B.C. as the Warring States Period; it was a time of shifting alliances and much treachery. In a kingdom called "Chu," there lived a great patriot and poet by the name of Qu Yuan who was beloved by the people. He championed political reform and truth and was therefore banished from the kingdom by the king who had fallen under the influence of the corrupt ministries. Wandering the countryside, Qu Yuan composed some of China’s greatest poetry expressing his fervent love for his country and his deep concern for her future. When the Chu kingdom was overtaken and ruined at the hands of a rival kingdom, Qu Yuan leaped into the Mi Lo River holding a big rock in a display of his heartfelt sorrow. Upon learning of Qu Yuan's death, the people raced to the river in their fish boats in a vain attempt to save him. They beat on drums and splashed their oars in the water trying to keep the fish away from his body. The re-enactment of the villagers racing out to save Qu Yuan is dragon boat racing today.

Dragon boat racing is fast becoming a global phenomenon. It is an annual event held in over 45 countries around the world. Traditionally it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, but today most races are held between May and October. Today, dragon boat racing clubs and associations can be found in such countries as China, the Philippines, Australia, Germany, Canada, Holland, New Zealand, and England. In North America, there are over a hundred dragon boat clubs and associations. The global dragon boat community is currently working to become an exhibition sport in the Olympics.

Since 1999, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island have hosted the Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival. The Rhode Island Dragon Boat Race and Taiwan Day Festival are modeled after the world-famous Dragon Boat Festivals held around the world.

The Boat

Roles and Responsibilities

Paddler - The Paddlers are the engine. With their paddles, they move the boat. It's important to listen to the Steers Person at all times. Each paddler has a different role depending on where they sit in the boat (see below). Main goal - stay in time!
Steers Person - The Steers Person has many roles. They steer the boat. They’re in charge of the safety and well being of everyone on the boat. Let's repeat the sentence from above - It's important to listen to the Steers Person at all times.
Drummer - The drummer is not only our cheerleader, but responsible for keeping an eye on things. They communicate to the entire boat, while focusing that communication on the pacers. If it looks like the team is breaking up, they’ll tell the pacers to settle the pace.

Seats in the Boat

Pacers or Strokes - First 3 rows. They set the speed of the boat. They’re moving stagnant water in the front. They don’t have to dig their paddles as deep to move the boat.
Engine Room - The next 4 rows. These paddlers tend to be considered “the muscle”. They typically have the power to launch the boat forward.
Rocket - The last 3 rows. The water moves fast in the back. They’re right behind the engine room. They have to dig their paddles down deep, below that fast water to make an impact.

Commands You’ll Often Hear

Sit Ready

Paddler sits upright, leaning forward, weight on feet, paddle blade angled forward, handle back towards lap, ready to roll paddle out into the water or over the water.

Ready

Paddler from the “Sit Ready” position, in a controlled manner, rolls the paddle blade over the side of the boat about 1-2” above the water, twisting and lifting the handle up, paddle above the catch position, not fully extended to their normal catch, ready for the start of the race.

Ready-Ready

Paddler from the “Sit Ready” position, in a controlled manner, rolls the paddle blade over the side of the boat into the water, twisting and lifting the handle up, paddle in the catch position, not fully extended to their normal catch, ready for the start of the race.

Go

Paddler begins paddling. If in a race, initiate the start piece.

Lengthen

Paddler refocuses on timing, lengthening out the stroke, using leg drive, twisting, and reaching with lats.

Finish

50-100m to go in the race.

Paddles Up

Sit in position 1 with paddle blade about 1-2" inches above the water, ready to stroke.

Take it Away

Follow your pacers. Paddle and keep your timing with them.

Weigh Enough

Command to stop paddling, or whatever you are doing, and let the boat glide.

Hold

Bury your paddle straight down in the water, paddle blade perpendicular to the side of the boat, to stop the boat's forward or backward motion.

Rudder

Bury your paddle blade straight down in the water, paddle blade parallel to the side of the boat, to stop the boat from moving sideways.

Paddle Back

Sit in the Exit position with paddle blade behind you, prepared to paddle in the opposite direction. Motion used to move the boat backward using a backstroke. Always stay in time.

Draw

Command given to move the boat sideways. Extend your paddle out straight over the side of the boat and pull the water downward under the boat and your seat. Always stay in time.

Brace

Extend your paddle over the side of the boat, over water with the blade flat on top of the water, using the paddle's weight to rest on the surface of the water firmly. Command given to stabilize the boat from rocking due to rough water or people switching seats in the boat.

Hips to the gunwale

Move your body so your hip is up against the side of the boat (gunwale).

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