The theme of a Dragon Boat Race Festival is a simple and solemn one: Teamwork and Unity. This 2400-year-old Chinese tradition has become one of Canada's fastest growing sports. Communities across Canada have been getting together for several years now during the summer months to bring a Dragon Boat Race Festival to their residents. Yesterday, the City of Orillia sponsored their fourth Dragon Boat Race Festival.
This is a fun time for everyone, the spectators especially the kids were yelling to their favorite team as they approached the finish line. The friendly yet competitive atmosphere for the participants matched their abilities and tested their skills in dragon boat racing.
What is Dragon Boat Racing?
The Dragon Boats are the largest flat water racing canoes in the world. Each boat is fitted with a Dragon's head at the bow and a tail at the stern, decorated in traditional Chinese colours. 
The boat seats a crew of 20 paddlers, plus a steersperson and a drummer.
One of the rules at the Orillia Dragon Boat Festival was that there must be a minimum of 8 female paddlers.
The paddles are much shorter than canoe paddles, allowing a very swift stroke rate compared to other types of rowing or paddling. Top speed only comes with a well-timed stroke of the blade hitting the water.
The goal is to generate enough speed to cause the boat to rise high and smooth above the water by a cresting wave from beneath the bow. A perfectly synchronized team is not only visually spectacular but almost always defeats a stronger, less coordinated competitor. It is a spectacular and colourful sight to see the dragon boats splashing through the water with the drums booming amid loud encouragement from the spectators.
Going For The Finish Line
Hopefully this gives you a little insight of Dragon Boat Racing and the next time it comes to your town, you can get out and cheer them on.
They are always looking for paddlers so give them a call, grab your paddle and jump into the boat.
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