Three teams had registered for the 2×1250 meter pylon-turn races, and a forth, comprised of eager volunteers, was added the morning of the event to balance the schedule.

VCKC is to be commended for staging dragon boat races covering more than the usual 500 meters. National and International dragon boat racing includes races of both 1,000 and 2,000 meters, and the fact that race organizers on Vancouver Island haven’t thought to organize similar events depresses me. In the end, excluding these distances simply denies sport-level experiences to Island paddlers, depriving them of the opportunity to qualify for national events; how any festival organization can justify this is beyond me. (I understand that a popular Island festival will probably be offering distance events in 2012. If so, it will be a positive breakthrough for Island paddlers.)

I’m hoping that VCKC’s Guts & Glory will grow to include not only 200 meter sprints, but 1,000 and 2,000 meter events as well. (It’s high time someone on Vancouver Island filled this vacuum!) I have long believed the lack of 1,000 and 2,000 meter events has had a negative influence on Vancouver Island teams, as has the lack of IDBF-certified racing boats – it’s difficult practice in an Edsel when you’re going to race in a Ferrari.

Congratulations to VCKC for taking the lead in providing IDBF-certified hulls and dragon boat competitions of both over and under 500 meter distances – it’s an action that’s long overdue!

The Champion 912 boats used during this event were acquired by Victoria’s Gorging Dragons, the club that announced their high performance training program for Vancouver Island paddlers on August 13th.  It’s wonderful to know that IDBF-certified boats are finally going to be available for high performance training here on the Island, and hope that Island teams take full advantage of the opportunity to take it to the next level.

 Nanaimo’s Aquaholics heading for the finish line…

My pick for “Story of the Day?” The amazing performance of Victoria’s MS Warriors, who showed us how to get the job done.

From my point of view, it wasn’t a great day for photography, as my camera seemed to change its modes almost on its own, resulting in zillions of under-exposed and blurred photographs. There are clearly times when simply having a nice camera just isn’t enough – you actually have to understand how to use it, and I confess I really don’t

Shooting on a perfectly bright, cloudless day ought to be easy, but I just couldn’t seem to find that synergy between camera and subjects needed to produce the results I wanted. I have a lot of homework to do!

The complete photo set is being uploaded to Flickr as I write this. Click here to see them!

On another note, I can’t help but comment on the paddlers who treated these IDBF rockets like the sort of training boats they were accustomed to. I have to confess to experiencing more than one heart-stopping moment on the dock while watching paddlers jump in and out of  these 350 pound rocket ships as if they were (forgive me) Milleniums. I watched two boats nearly swamped before they even left the dock as paddlers shifted their weight around without remembering that they were in a racing boat, rather than an overweight barge with training wheels.

The shreiks  made as careless paddlers tipped these lithe little rockets over to the gunwales through their own carelessness was enough to make this 70-year-old’s heart skip a beat – I really didn’t want to watch twelve enthusiastic dragon boaters dump themselves into the Gorge. Fortunately, God was on our side, and the boats managed to remain upright in spite of the paddlers who hadn’t yet learned to respect IDBF racing hulls.

The smiles on everyone’s faces at the end of the day told their own story, and it’s clear the Champion 912s were a hit.

VCKC has posted the results here.

 

The 2011 Canadian National Dragon Boat Championships winning times for 200 meter sprints were as follows:

Mixed University: 47.29, Mixed Senior A:  47.90, Mixed Under 23: 47.90, Women BCS: 55.92, Mixed Premier D Final: 48.60 and Mixed Premier C Final: 48.59.

VCKC Guts ‘n Glory Dragonboat Races (Sat. Aug 27th 2011)

2nd Annual Guts ‘n Glory Dragonboat Event
on Saturday 27th August 2011
On the Victoria Gorge Waterway

The Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club (VCKC) will hold their dragonboat races two weeks after the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival. There will be two separate events offered during the festival, and teams can register for either one, or both.

Event #1: Guts & Glory: Two 1250 meter races in VCKCs two 6-16s, with times being combined to determine the results.

Event #2: Vancouver Island’s first Champion Sprints. Teams of ten paddlers will participate in 200 meter sprints (drag races, really) in Champion 9 meter dragon boats.

Prizes will be awarded in both events.

Registration fee will be $10 per crew member, i.e. $220 for the Guts & Glory event, and $120 for the Champion Sprints. Paddlers will also get a special “Beer and Burger” deal you won’t see anywhere else, and there will be terrific live entertainment. You do NOT want to miss this groundbreaking event!

Full details will be posted on the VCKC website (http://vckc.ca/dragonboat)

Ken McVay’s Guts & Glory 2011 Squidoo page

Flickr Slide Show of the 2011 Guts & Glory event.

 

After a short time, she said, “I don’t know about you, but I’d never set foot in one of those Champions.”

Now, most folks know that I am the marketing dude for Nightstar Yacht Sales Ltd, the sole Canadian importer and distributor of Champion dragon boats, so I was a bit surprised to hear this.

I smiled politely and asked her why. Her response, given that she’d never been in a Champion, and had no plans to paddle in one any time soon, struck me as strange.

“They’re unsafe,” she said, “and tippy, too. Everybody knows that!” I asked how she, specifically, knew that, and she told me that, “one had rolled over right here in Nanaimo not long ago.”

I replied with what I thought was an obvious question, “So, if a dragon boat rolls over, that means it isn’t safe?” “That’s obvious,” she said, with a mildly patronizing smile, “nobody wants to be in a boat that rolls over.”

She was right about a Champ rolling over – I watched it happen in May of last year, right here in Newcastle Channel. She was wrong, however, in believing that (1) the event was unusual, or (2) that the incident was indicative of a flaw in the boat’s design.

Click here for the balance of this article, available on the Forum. (Registration is free.)

 

As the name and the image painted on Dragon Boats imply, the sport originated in China some 2000 years ago. It is said that during the 4th Century BC, when the country was immersed in political turmoil and upheaval, there lived a Chinese poet and patriot named, Qu Yuan.  Qu Yuan was a champion of political reform. Having caught the ire of the King, Qu Yuan was banished and was left to wander aimlessly around the countryside, where he penned emotionally stirring poems that spoke of his love and concern for his country.

During his exile, he learned about his town’s defeat at the hands of another kingdom. Overwrought with grief and disgust for the present regime, Qu Yuan leaped into the Mei Lo River and ended his life. Those who saw Qu Yuan go into the water attempted to save their beloved poet by jumping in their fishing boats and raced furiously towards where Qu Yuan met his fate. In an attempt to keep fish and water dragons from approaching Qu Yuan, they beat on drums and made an extra effort to splash the waters with their oars. Alas, their efforts were all in vain. To honor the poet, especially during the anniversary of his demise, the fishermen scattered rice dumplings (“Tsung Tze” or “Ma Chang”) into the water to ensure that, wherever Qu Yuan was, he will never go hungry.

One night, however, the spirit of Qu Yuan appeared and told his followers that the rice dumplings that were meant for him were being consumed by a river dragon. He then requested that, to ward off the dragon, succeeding offerings be wrapped in three-cornered silk packages and secured by five strings of different colors. This is still being practiced today, however, now, the dumplings are wrapped in leaves.

A less romantic but more realistic story about the history of dragon boat racing states that many townsfolk living in the valleys of Southern China believe that the fifth Chinese lunar month is one that is full of misfortune. To avert disease, death and famine, superstitious town members would hold boat races, in honor of the mighty dragon, on the fifth day of the said month. During this time, sacrifices were also made to appease the heavenly being. It is said that when one of the rowing members fell into the water, no one should offer him any assistance because by doing so, they are going against the will of the gods.

What are Dragon Boats?

Dragon Boats, despite the ferocious sounding name, are still, in basic principle, boats. These are usually made of wood and are wide enough for two people to sit side by side in. Dragon boats come in varying lengths. They can be short enough to accommodate only 20 rowers, or large enough to hold a pair of 40 strong paddlers.

These boats are decorated gaily with paint and festoons to resemble the scales, fins and tail of the mighty dragon. Originally, dragon boats were made of teak wood; however, modern innovations allow the use of lighter yet more durable material. One such material is fiberglass. The hulls of most manufactured Dragon Boats are made of fiberglass and the keelson and gunnels are further reinforced with high grade marine plywood.  To ensure buoyancy, the bulkheads are filled with closed-cell foam.

Other woods of varying colors are used to decorate or adorn Dragon Boats, and these are all finished with waterproof epoxies and marine varnish.

Dragon Boat Crew

A dragon boat team of any size is always composed of a drummer, a steerer or tiller, and several paddlers. There are instances when additional people, serving as flag wavers, hand clapper or leader joins the crew on board. These are not necessarily needed in a team. What is important is that the key positions are occupied.

Drummer

Often times called the caller, the person occupying this post may be considered the heart of the entire team. The speed, timing and cadence of the strokes of those holding the oars depend on the rhythmic beat of his drum (or his gong). In addition to maintaining the pace of the boat, the drummer may also issue commands or instructions to the paddlers through hand signals or verbal orders, all aimed to encourage the paddlers to work even harder. Although the drummer or caller may not be around during training, he has to be present during the actual event itself.

Drummers also need to be aware of the position of his dragon boat in relation to the others in the competition. He should know when, depending on wind speed, the current and nearness to the finish line, it’s time to increase or reduce the pace. Drummers must know the strength and weaknesses of his crew so he can position them in the boat accordingly.

Normally, one drummer per dragon boat is enough. The drummer is usually positioned at the head of the boat. For longer boats that hold up to 40 pairs of paddlers, it is not unusual to find the drummer located at the middle of the boat.

Paddlers

The paddlers, as the name implies, are those who handle the paddles of the dragon boat. Paddlers are usually seated together by pairs and of all paddlers; the two seated at the very front of the boat are designated as the “strokes” or “strokers”. They hold a valuable position as the pace of the entire team will depend, not only on the drum beats, but also on them. All the paddlers seated behind the stokers will synchronize strokes with theirs and not with the strokes of seated ahead of them.

Steerer

Seated at the rear of the boat is the steerer. Also called coxswain, helm, steersman, sweep, or tiller, this position is responsible for steering the boat. The Steerer controls the boat’s direction by means of a steering oar, which is mounted at the rear of the boat. The steerer together with the drummer may call out commands during a competition.

Flag Catcher

The position of Flag Catcher originated in Taiwan. This position is not imperative to complete a dragon boat team but it is slowly being incorporated into the team roster. The designated flag catcher is tasked to grab a lane flag when the boat crosses the finish line. Those who successfully get a flag finish the race, and those who miss are disqualified. Flag catchers are seated behind the drummer, but move towards the front as the boat approaches the finish line.

Rituals and Traditions

Having originated from a land steeped with rituals and traditions, it is expected that Dragon Boats, before they are raced, must undergo their share of unique ceremonies.

Prior to starting a race, Dragon Boats have to be blessed and “awakened” properly. Four days before the race, the boats, complete with the detachable dragon heads and tails, are brought out of their storage areas. These boats are then blessed and the benediction is done with much pomp and pageantry. After the boats have been blessed, paper bills, which are offerings to the gods, are burned in front of them. This strange ritual is supposed to ward off evil and make the vessels strong, swift and ripe for racing.

After the land-based blessing, the boats are then rowed out to sea and back three times, on a course that runs perpendicular to a nearby temple. It is only after the boats have returned can they be considered primed for the competition.

If there is a ritual before the race starts, there is also one that is done after the race has been completed. When the race is over and the last boat has crossed the finish line, the makeshift dragon head, tail and drum of each boat are removed and stored in the temple or in a place designated by the community and incense is burnt as a token of thanks to the gods. While this is happening, the body of the dragon is either covered with sand or placed on racks and covered with tin foil covers. After this is done, the dragons are considered “reposed”. They will remain asleep until it’s time to awaken them again the following year.

Newly-built dragon boats are given life by a Taoist priest a few days before it is raced. In this ceremony, the priest holds a bell and a sword into the “Fu Zhou”. While chanting, he first touches the head, tail and drum with the sword. The “Fu Zhou” (ritual money with words written on it) is then burnt and sand is sprinkled on the dragon’s head. The dragon’s eye, which will alter be drawn in red, is dotted initially by a community leader.

Festivals and Races

Dragon Boat Races, which are held during the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, started in China as a way to commemorate the death and recreate the attempts to save the life of poet Qu Yuan. In olden times, one paddler stands in the boat in search of the poet’s body. Dragon Boat became very popular during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD) and it was during this time that the event spread throughout the Yangtze River Valley and most of Southern China.

Dragon Boat Racing used to be a violent event that often resembled naval battles. Aside from racing towards a finish line, crew members threw stones and used sticks to hit the members of opposing teams. Onlookers were of no help as they would cheer wildly and offer gifts for their team; and hurl insults, and stones to the others. Participants used to look forward to a drowning, as a safe festival (where one does not die of drowning) is deemed “unlucky”.

Dragon Boat Festivals are no longer as violent as it was before. Festivals today are marked by camaraderie and friendship. Still held during the traditional dates, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the event is recognized not only in China, but in other parts of the world as well. In Chinese communities, aside from the traditional race, the event is celebrated by hanging herbs on front doors, drinking strange yet nutritious concoctions. Others attempt the impossible. If they can make an egg stand on one end and this is done at exactly 12 noon, the following year is sure to be a very prosperous one.

The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the governing body that organizes and monitors most of the international dragon boat races held today. The IDBF has split dragon boat activities into two distinct categories: sport racing and festival racing.

Festival races, more traditional yet informal events, are characterized by a standard 500 meter sprint. Other international races have longer distances and these not only test the boat’s speed, but the endurance of the paddlers too. An example of this festival race, called “Three Gorges Dam Rally” is held along the Yangtze River and covers a distance up to 100 kilometers

Sport Racing has more strict rules of racing. The distance covered by most sport races vary from 200m, 250m, 500m, 1000m and 2000m. Only members of the IDBF can join formal sport races. The IDBF organizes several Dragon Boat Racing Competitions every year. One such event is the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (WDBRC) which is held every two years. The WDBRC is open to representative national or territorial teams. In the interim, the IDBF holds the Club Crew World Championships (CCWC), an exclusive competition for the top club-based crews of the world.

To address the competitive spirit of crews that only join Festival Races, and the “weekend warriors”, those who row only during their free time, the IDBF, in 2005 introduced the Corporate and Community World Championships.

Dragon Boat versus Canoeing and Rowing

Many people mistakenly believe that Dragon Boat and Canoeing are the same, although in principle this is somewhat true, these two activities have more differences than similarities.

One such difference is that dragon boat members use short, hand-held paddles instead of the longer oars associated with a canoe or a row boat. Another difference lies in the way the paddlers or rowers sit when they are inside their vessels. Paddlers sit facing towards the prow (front) of the boat, whereas rowers sit facing the rear end of the ship.

Important Reminders

If you want to be part of a Dragon Boat crew, you have to get ready to get wet and to work hard. Unlike rowing where the movements are smooth and fluid, dragon boat paddlers beat the waters with short, furious strokes. Although being able to swim is not a requirement, it is better if you knew how to, at the very least, float.

If you lead a relatively sedentary life or are growing old in age, it is advised that, before embarking on any physical activity, you consult your doctor. When you are on the boat, be mindful of the instructions of the drummer and concentrate on synchronizing your movements with the main strokers.

Finally, no matter how confident you feel about your ability to paddle, do not, under any circumstance, row without your life jacket. Being a member or crew of a dragon boat team doesn’t mean you should meet the fate of the poet who is credited to have started this glorious tradition.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a paddle and start paddling!

 

Guest Article by Pinky McBanon

Dragon boat racing is a festival celebrated annually in Bedok Reservoir. This competition is participated by different boat racing clubs in the country. Dragon boat racing has become one of the attractions in the country. Undeniably this water sport game is becoming popular and a major competition in countries aside from Asia.

This sport has its roots in ancient China. It embodies a mystifying heritage. A dragon boat is a painted boat with a decorative dragon’s head and tail attached to it. Each team is composed of 22 able-bodied members who will row their way to success. It is composed of 20 paddlers, 1 coxswain at the helm of the boat and 1 drummer who sit in front of the boat. The drum beat sets the pace for the team and all rowers should do their action with synchronism.

Dragon boating is a popular team sports which is recreational and competitive. And with this sport come various organizations and clubs formed in order to compete and take part in this water-based competition. Aside from the private individuals who have come together to form their own dragon boat racing clubs, there are government agencies and corporate organizations who create their own group to take part in major race events in Singapore.

Aside from the locals who have formed their group, there are currently seven Boat teams within the expatriate community in Singapore. These clubs are the AustCham, German Dragons, Canadian, Okinawa, Kowloon and the Irish Dragon Boat team. These teams are sponsored by pubs or clubs in Singapore. Aside from sharing the same sport, the members enjoy their practice session and ending it by spending some time to bond and socialize with one another.

Each club has representatives who often get together and coordinate social events, fun races and other activities in order to encourage members to meet and be acquainted with the members of the other teams. Most of them organize private parties and social gatherings throughout the year. In contrast to the common notion that this sports is more on competition and hard rowing, many of the teams members are sociable and enjoy this lifestyle.

Joining a dragon boat team will not only get you hooked to this sport but a serious way to stay fit and healthy. You are free to join a competitive group and begin your training three times a week or become a social paddler and just train on Saturdays. Joining this team entails more physical activities, so get ready for some action and exposing your body under the scorching heat of the sun. It is expected the newbie will experience muscle pains all over the body. But in the end you will realize that its all the hard work is worth it.

Many are yet unaware that dragon boat racing is a sea sport practiced all over the world. It has spread beyond Asia and popularized in places like Europe, North America, Australia, Canada, Germany and even Africa. So if you happen to go to Singapore and witnessed the Dragon boat racing festival, you will surely agree that being one of the spectators of the contest is breathtaking and truly exciting.

About the Author

Her blogs and websites focuses on stay-at-home moms, dads and students who wants to work at home, build homebased business http://momsworkathomeideas.comVisit her Interesting Site on Asian Travels and Destinations. Discover Asia’s Culture and Great Food! at http://www.goingplacesinasia.com

 

Members of Vancouver's Dragon Zone© Paddling Club take delivery of a new Champion 1222

Members of Vancouver’s Dragon Zone© Paddling Club took delivery of a new Champion 1222 dragon boat on March 6th. The boat was provided by Nightstar Yacht Sales Ltd., exclusive Canadian distributor of Champion Dragon Boats, to support BC athletes as they prepare for championship competition.

The boat will be utilized by teams practicing for the 2011 IDBF World Championships in Tampa, Florida, which will be using Champion Dragon Boats during the competition.

The teams, including FCRCC Starbuck’s Waverunners, Riptide, Lifescan, Master of the d’zone & FCRCC High Performance, will also use the Champion to prepare for the 2012 World Club Crew Championship in Hong Kong.

The Champion 1222 will reside at Dragon Zone©, site of the 2011 Vancouver Rio Tinto Dragon Boat Race. Any teams or clubs wanting to put the boat through its paces are invited to visit the Dragon Zone© or contact Kerry Chow at 778-863-6018 (kerchow@hotmail.com).

• Members of Vancouver's Dragon Zone© Paddling Club take delivery of a new Champion 1222

   

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• Champion 1222 Dragon Boat in False Creek

   

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• Champion 1222 Dragon Boat ready to launch.

   

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• Champion 1222 Dragon Boat Arrives in False Creek

   

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• Champion 1222 Dragon Boat Lane Board

   

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• Champion 1222 Dragon Boat in False Creek

   

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• Champion 1222 Dragon Boat in False Creek

   

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• Champion 1222 Dragon Boat in False Creek

   

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• Champion 1222 Dragon Boat in False Creek

   

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This event will also feature 250m Sprint racing between two Champion Model 912 dragon boats – these 10-paddler racing hulls are fast, fun and very photogenic. Don’t miss this event – the VCKC has superb facilities, and refreshments will be available.

 

Nightstar Yacht Sales of Nanaimo, B.C. is pleased to announce its appointment as the official importer and distributor of Champion Dragon Boats in Canada.

Champion boats, manufactured by Dalian Qian Long Aquatic Sports Development Co., Ltd of Dalian (China), were the first to be certified in Asia by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), the governing body for international dragon boat racing.

Nightstar will be importing the traditional 12 meter, 20-paddler boat and the exciting new 9 meter, 10-paddler model which is rapidly gaining in popularity worldwide. The first six boats, shown below, are expected to arrive in Nanaimo before the end of April.

For information, visit their website at http://ChampionDragonBoats.ca

 

Champion IDBF Certified 30' 10-paddler boat

If you have had any experience paddling the 30′ IDBF Champion or Swift 30′ dragon boats, I’d love to hear from you.

I think these boats are going to become increasingly popular, simply because they solve so many problems (ever had a paddle cancelled because there were only 8 paddlers present?), and because they are fast and fun!

These boats weigh in at under 600 pounds, and are sold “ready to race,” with head, tail, drum, drummer’s seat and tiller, unlike many boats which are sold on the “Detroit Model,” i.e. the boat is sold “bare,” with available accessories at extra cost.