The sport has always been popular in the Pacific Rim, but the growth of the sport in the Western world over the last five years has been nothing short of phenomenon. A quarter of a million people turn out annually for the Toronto race. Sweden alone has over 400 crews. Dragon boat racing requires stamina dexterity and commitment. But it is also a friendly, easy to learn activity, which appeals to adults and young persons alike.
Dragon boating is a great means for team building, getting fit or just having fun in the water.
There are various sizes of dragon boats and number of crew they seat. In the United States, Taiwanese's style dragon boat racing is more common on the West Coast and the East Coast. A Hong Kong dragon boat is a slim, 39-foot long, teak wood racer with a dragon's head at the prow and a trail at the stern. Decorated in traditional Chinese colors, it seats a crew of 18-20 paddlers, a helmsperson, and sitting by the dragon's head at the front of the boat, the drummer sets the pace. Timing is extremely crucial.