Introduction into the sport can happen in a number of ways. A festival or race or regatta might have introduced you to the sport, or frequently club teams are gateways to introduction. Or it might just be the case that someone saw the boat, and decided to try it. Whichever route is taken, the result is the same: love of dragon boating.

There are a wide variety of different manufacturers and different designs that you can chose from when it comes to purchasing a dragon boat, but the traditional dragon boat is strictly 41 feet in length, with 10 seats for twenty people. In the front of a boat is a drummer, typically the smallest and loudest person you know. In the back is the steersperson who controls the rudder. These twenty two individuals consist of the dragon boating team. The boat is moved like the images of Viking boats, as the drummer drums, the rowers row with the beats.

Those who participate in the sport tend to quickly develop a passion for some fairly obvious reasons. Every race imparts a level of thrill to the participants, giving them an adrenaline rush. Teamwork is quickly developed by those who participate in dragon boat races, along with sore backsides. It is fun exercise, and a bond develops that intertwines human connectivity, in a way that is without comparison. It doesn't take an athlete to be able to compete in a dragon boat.

One boating family already shares a connection. Every one on the boat is a cancer survivor, and boats like these are popping up everywhere thanks to Dr. Donald McKenzie. In 1996, he put 24 breast cancer survivors from 31 to 62 years of age in a dragon boat all together with one another. The hope was to improve strength, flexibility, and general health in the patients. It also developed emotional bonds and camaraderie which helped the survivors drastically.

Dragon boat festivals bring the entire community together in competition, along with culture and excitement. Many organizations have utilized such festivals to hold very successful fundraisers. An example is the Otago Museum, who holds annual dragon boat races on Waitangi day. Ten teams will face off, while street performers and other entertainment will be provided for those watching. The festival is intended to provide a fun time for the community, while promoting outreach efforts of the museum.

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Originally posted 2009-03-09 05:15:21. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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