Dragon Boat Racing

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.