Dragon Boat Races
Dragon boat racing is the fastest growing team sport in the United States, and boasts over 50 million annual participants worldwide. The sport is over 2400 years old. We race canoes 46 feet long paddled by (20 ) people, with a steersman, and a drummer. Boats are intricately carved and colorfully decorated with the head and tail of a dragon. Many cities in the United States have Dragon Boat Clubs and hold competitions that are often International in scope.
Pateros Apple Pie Jamboree will host a 1 day event on July 19th for up to 21 teams. Races will start about 11am - 5pm, with races held on Lake Pateros (Columbia River) All equipment, steersman, and training sessions will be provided. Life jackets will be worn during each race.
Your team must have between 21-25 participants. 21 team members will be in the boat at one time - 20 to paddle and 1 to drum. We encourage you to use all of your team members throughout the day-everyone should paddle once! Usually the smallest person is the drummer, they provide less wind-resistance. Drummers still need to be at practices. A certified steersman will be assigned to your team.
Community team registration is $500, or $25 each. Practices will be held the week of July 13-19, 2008. Times will be announced at a later date. Each team will get to practice 2-3 times.
The race course will be 250 meters long (about 820 feet) for beginners/ 500 meters for clubs. Each team will race at least 3 times. All races will be timed. Metals will be awarded to the winners
We encourage YOU to challenge other friends, family, towns, businesses, and organizations to put together a team to race. This is not only a fun event, but also an excellent team building experience that people of all ages can participate and excel in. Mixed teams should have at least (8) females on the team.
So start forming your team now! We are limited to 21 teams, so teams will be accepted on a first come basis.
For more information contact Joni Parks at 509/670-8185, or e-mail heraldads@qcherald.com / jlparks@genext.net.
Registration Form available online on our Forms Page.
