the basic of dragon boating
The Crew
A standard dragon boat is comprised of 22 crew member; 20 paddles in pairs, 1 drummer at the bow facing the paddles, and 1 steerer standing at the rear end of the boat. Dragon boats can vary in length and crew size, from a 10 paddler boat to the traditional 50 paddlers in some parts of China. Drummer Considered as the “heartbeat” of the dragon boat, the drummer produce a drum beats that enables the paddlers to synchronize their strokes. The drummers can also issue commands to the crew through drum beats, hand gestures, or voice calls. Paddlers Using a special type of paddle, paddlers sit facing towards the direction of the dragon boat and they do so in pairs. Dragon boaters are known as paddlers and not rowers. The first pair of paddlers sitting right in front of the dragon boat are known as “strokers,” or “timers,” and they set the pace and timing for the entire crew. The synchronization is a critical part of this sport. The power comes from the paddlers while the directions are set by the streerer at the back of the dragon boat. Steerer Also known as the sweep, the steerer steers the dragon boat with a sweep oar rigged at the end of the boat. The oar is used as a rudder while the boat is in motion. The steerer is the eye and the ear of the boat since the steerer is the only person in the boat who is able to see and control the boat by looking forward. The steerer is also involved in voice calls during the race. Racing The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the international organizing body of the modern dragon boat racing. A festival race is typically a sprint of various lengths, with 500 meters as the most common. It is also a standard race to include 200, 1000, and 2000 meter race in the international competitions. Every two years, the IDBF organizes the World Nations Dragon Boat Racing Championships since 1995. Each regions and countries also organizes their own dragon boat racing festivals. It is also becoming a common practice to organize a smaller dragon boating events in local bay or river hosted by local clubs in which local companies, public schools, colleges, and even neighborhood can join. |
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