Dragon boat racing has become a popular, addictive and exhilarating team event where the drummer beats out a rhythm for the paddlers to race the 30ft Hong Kong style dragon boats. The more teams taking part, the more spectacular is the sight and sound of this event.
Dragon boat racing is believed to have originated in China over 4,000 years ago and is a sport shrouded in myth and legend. The most popular story is that dragon boat racing started around 2300 BC in Southern China to commemorate the death of the famous warrior poet Qu Yuan during a period of political unrest. Legend has it than Qu Yuan felt unhappy and dejected. Unable to bear his sorrow he threw himself into the Mi Lo river. Local fishermen raced out in their boats to try to save him but failed.
| DATE | EVENT | LOCATION |
| 16 May 2010 | Stratford | River Avon, Stratford upon Avon |
| 6 June 2010 | Cardiff | Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff |
| 13 June 2010 | Chester | River Dee, Chester |
| 13 June 2010 | Bath | The Boathouse Pub, Bath |
| 17 June 2010 | Wimbledon | Wimbledon Park, London |
| 20 June 2010 | Salford Quays | Ontario Basin, Salford Quays |
| 24 June 2010 | Surrey | London, SE16 |
| 4 July 2010 | Danson Park | Bexley |
| 4 July 2010 | Poole | Poole Park, Poole |
| 8 July 2010 | London Regatta | London, E16 |
| 25 July 2010 | Norwich | Whitlingham Broad, Norwich |
| 1 August 2010 | Salford | Salford Watersports Centre, Salford |
Click on the video below to see one of our Dragon Boat Races
Courtesy of Bath News and Media 