HISTORY
"The origins of the dragon boats and the Dragon Boat Festival are buried deep in Chinese history... The Chinese dragon is an ancient mythical creature that has been venerated and honoured as the sacred ruler of the rivers, seas, clouds, and rain... The dragon has come to represent China and its people. But nowhere is the presence of this mythical creature more strongly felt than during the annual Dragon Boat Festival when its heartbeat pulses wildly through millions of dragon boat paddlers around the world."
PADDLING
"Efficient paddling technique, which engages the body's core muscle groups, promotes the following: first, maximum "glide" or boat run; second, reduced stress on smaller muscle groups, thereby reducing the chance of sport injury; third, the burning of more calories by engaging and utilizing large, versus small, muscle groups; fourth, the contribution to increased boat speed."
TEAMWORK
"My personal experience started years ago, when I watched my first dragon boat race in the pouring rain. Everyone was soaked to the skin; the outside temperature was cold, and the competition on the water was intense. Despite all these factors, the support these paddlers gave to each other and their competing team members made me aware that was the sport for me."
all excerpts from Paddles Up! Dragon Boat Racing in Canada, A. Chan & S. Humphries
"The origins of the dragon boats and the Dragon Boat Festival are buried deep in Chinese history... The Chinese dragon is an ancient mythical creature that has been venerated and honoured as the sacred ruler of the rivers, seas, clouds, and rain... The dragon has come to represent China and its people. But nowhere is the presence of this mythical creature more strongly felt than during the annual Dragon Boat Festival when its heartbeat pulses wildly through millions of dragon boat paddlers around the world."
PADDLING
"Efficient paddling technique, which engages the body's core muscle groups, promotes the following: first, maximum "glide" or boat run; second, reduced stress on smaller muscle groups, thereby reducing the chance of sport injury; third, the burning of more calories by engaging and utilizing large, versus small, muscle groups; fourth, the contribution to increased boat speed."
TEAMWORK
"My personal experience started years ago, when I watched my first dragon boat race in the pouring rain. Everyone was soaked to the skin; the outside temperature was cold, and the competition on the water was intense. Despite all these factors, the support these paddlers gave to each other and their competing team members made me aware that was the sport for me."
all excerpts from Paddles Up! Dragon Boat Racing in Canada, A. Chan & S. Humphries
