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About dragon Boats
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Here are a few facts about the sport of Dragon Boating:
» Dragon Boating involves 20 paddlers, 10 on each side and 2 abreast.
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There is a steerer at the back and a drummer at the front.
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The paddlers attack the water as a team in races of 250 to 1000 metres.
» Typically, there are 4 to 6 boats in a race.
» Teams can be categorised into womens, mens or mixed crews.
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Each paddler uses a paddle to stroke the water and pull the boat forward.
» Races are conducted from a standing start.
» Strength is required to accelerate the large boats off the line.
» Endurance is required to maintain speed as the boats reach the finish line.
» To get the boat moving fast, timing as well as power is required.
» All paddlers attempt to work in unison, stroking the water at the same time.
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The races are exciting and spectacular, an adrenaline charged sprint.
» Dragonboating is by nature a social sport requiring large numbers of people.
» Dragonboating develops strength and endurance as well as friendships. |
Dragon Boat History in Australia
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Below is information on how Dragon Boating originated in Australia, its evolution, and the involvement of Australian crews on the international level:
Dragon Boat races are held and Dragon Boat teams exist in almost every state in Australia, from Broome to Brisbane, from Perth to Sydney and from Adelaide to Darwin.
The first Australian involvement occurred in 1980 when Penang Tourist Development Corporation invited the WA Surf Life Saving Association to send a team to the Penang Festival. This was followed the next year by invitations from the HKTA to WA and NSW to send teams to what was then considered the unofficial world championships on Hong Kong Harbour.
In 1984 Sydney held the inaugural Sydney Dragon Boat Festival at Farm Cove. The Western Australia Dragon Boat Association formed in 1985. Most other states have subsequently formed State Associations.
Australian teams tour regularly overseas and have been sighted at least once at all major international festivals.
Australian crews have participated at annual International Dragon Boat Federation ("IBDF") World events starting with the first IDBF World Championships in 1995 in Yue Yang, China.
Visit our Links section for links to websites of other Dragon Boat associations from around Australia.
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