Dragon Boating.

The sport of Dragon Boating has been around for centuries. Brought to BC for Expo 86, this sport has quickly gained popularity in Canada making our nation one of the top nations on the international stage. The boat itself (which is between 40 to 48 feet in length) holds 20 paddlers at a time with one steersperson and a drummer. The goal is for all members to paddle in unison to propel the boat forward as quickly as possible over a defined distance (usually 500m). Typical races usually take from 2 to 3 minutes, requiring a combination of technique, endurance, and concentration.

Dragon Boating has become so popular because it is a sport that basically anyone can participate in. Teams range from recreational to, competitive, corporate, breast cancer survivors, or community groups. Additionally, teams are varied in age and gender, the FVPC having a variety of mixed and all women’s crews to choose from. Ultimately, dragon boating attracts the masses due to the fun nature of the sport and the social interaction involved. There is a special bond that is shared when working together towards a common goal, and dragon boating has a unique ability to bring out the best in people.