You're in the majority, not the minority. A Chinese American, Tjan said that it's nice to see Asian Americans participate in an outdoor athletic event. At its highest level, dragon boat racing is a demanding sport that requires constant training and attention to details required of other sports, such as diet and nutrition, use of proper equipment, and competent coaching. It can be costly, too. In addition, there are training expenses, all of which sometimes can't be covered by sponsorship.
Most teams usually have their members chip in to defray costs.
In the Bay Area the sport is relatively new, and few paddlers are at the competitive level. Most are in their first or second season, and others were racing for the first time in Foster City. A total of 18 teams competed in mixed, men's, and women's divisions. Dragon boat racing has become popular in part because of its simplicity. The first boat to cross the finish line wins.