The Origin of Dragon Boat Racing

There are many and varied accounts of how Dragon Boating racing started. The only certainty is that it originated in China over 2,000 years ago from a somewhat mythical and romantic beginning. A summary version goes as follows.

The Legend Of Qu Yuan

Qu Yuan was a minister in the Chinese Kingdom of Chu in the 4th century B.C. He was greatly loved by the people, but the King thought he was foolish and had him expelled from his high position in the court. It is said that corrupt government officials played a part in his expulsion. Unhappy and dejected, Qu Yuan wandered the countryside writing poetry about his love for the country and it's people. Later, unable to bear his sorrow or perhaps as a final protest against the corrupt government, Qu Yuan committed suicide by throwing himself into the Milo river.

Legend has it that local fishermen raced out in their boats to save him but failed. To protect his body, they beat drums in their boats and furiously hit the water with their paddles. They also threw rice dumplings wrapped in silk into the river as a sacrifice to his spirit.

His death was and is commemorated by the Chinese each year, on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, with the Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival. This developed more into the Dragon Boats we see nowadays.

The boats used today are 40 feet long and normally are constructed from fibreglass. They are adorned at the front and the back by an ornate Dragon's head and Tail. A drum is situated behind the head to keep the paddlers in time. A crew consists of 16 paddlers sitting side by side, a helm to steer the boat and a drummer to keep the rhythm.

It was introduced into the western world in the 1970's and it expanded across the continents. After a slow start in Britain in the early 1980's, the Dragon Boat Racing Club of Britain was formed in 1985. They ran events regularly until 1987, when the British Dragon Boat Association (BDA) was formed. The first national finals were held later that year on the Serpentine in London.

It has grown throughout the UK with over 20,000 people taking part each year with over 600 crews at more than 80 events. Racing takes place over a straight course, usually between 250m and 500m. Crews are in classes such as Open, Mixed, Ladies, Youth and Juniors.

It is one of the most thrilling, fun and addictive sports you'll ever encounter !!