Dragon Boat Racing: A Global Phenomenon
September 22, 2006
When Linda Cheu first began dragon boat racing six years ago, the sport mainly consisted of Asian Americans. But, over time, she noticed other ethnicities were catching on to this phenomenon.
Traditionally a Chinese event, dragon boat racing is currently being embraced worldwide by people of all ages and races.
“Dragon Boat racing is such a universal sport because anyone can do it,” said Cheu, California Dragon Boat Association president. “It’s visually and audibly exciting and the camaraderie is what makes the sport so fun.”
Though dragon boat racing has been around for over 2,000 years, it was only about 25 years ago, that it has received international attention.
“The Hong Kong Tourism Association was really responsible for introducing the world of dragon boating to countries outside of Asia,” said Hans Wu, race director for the 2006 Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival. “In order to promote tourism, Hong Kong shipped out dragon boats to other countries.”
Over the years, its popularity has grown tremendously; there is even an International Dragon Boat Federation to manage associations in over 50 countries, including Singapore, Germany, South Africa and Italy.
Two of the biggest events outside Asia are the Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival held in Toronto, and the Alcan Dragon Boat Festival held in Vancouver. Each festival features about 180 teams, drawing approximately 4,000 participants, and is held on the weekend closest to the Summer Solstice, to comply with traditional Chinese dragon boat traditions.
Globally, there are approximately 50 million dragon boat racers.
Dragon boat racing has expanded from a regional event into an international racing competition that is being considered as a demonstration sport for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, according to Rosemary Gong, author of Good Luck Life.
“The dragon boat celebration has evolved into a sporting season that spans beyond the fifth lunar month as it is traditionally celebrated,” said Gong. “Today all over the world, including the U.S., Canada, and Europe, there are dragon boat festivals held from February to October.”
The tradition originated over 2,000 years ago when dragon boats raced out into the river in an attempt to save the poet Qu Yuan. Yuan was the chief political counsel to the Chu State, and was banished by the Chu ruler who did not heed his warnings about the Qin State.
“After learning that the Chu State had fallen to their rivals, the Qin State, Yuan anchored himself to a boulder and plunged into the river,” said Gong. “To prevent the fish and river dragon from devouring the poet, fisherman furiously splashed the water with their paddles.”
Wu notes that though dragon boat racing has grown to involve other ethnicities, many festivals and competitions still carry out the traditional opening ritual of dotting the dragon’s eyes and blessing the boats.
“Culturally there hasn’t been a change in dragon boat racing,” said Wu. “But as it is extended outside of Asia, we see that the sport is getting more organized and competitive. Non-Asians have contributed to the standardization of dragon boat racing as a sport.”
The international standard for racing is 20 members per team while in Asia the number of paddlers on a team can range up to 50.
“Its great to see so many people interested in participating,” said Cheu. “Dragon racing is truly a great way to meet people and stay in shape.”
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