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A dragon boat race is an enjoyable experience to watch and take part in. The paddlers love the workout and being able to do it alongside of others that they share a close bond with. Spectators enjoy seeing the beautiful boats and trying to figure out who will come out on top at the end of the race. These boats have a unique appeal that is nothing short of awe inspiring. Each boat is unique from all others, and it does require teams to put thought into the casting of their dragon heads.

The Team’s Style

When you see a dragon boat, there is no denying what it is. Virtually every boat in a dragon boat race or event will have an ornate dragon head or some other type of figurine on the bow of it. Often, the dragon’s head that you see will be a representation of the team that spends their time on it. It is usually colors that they picked as a team and the head itself may tell a story. When you see a dragon on the bow, it is a symbol of power, courage, perseverance, and ambition. All the qualities that make a up a good team that wants to face their challenges head on. However, the true challenge comes from designing and building the boat, with its beautiful figurine on the front.

Creating the Perfect Bow

Throughout history, dragon boats have gone through several changes regarding how they were constructed. At one time, they were carved out of wood and then painted to look the “right” way. A true Chinese dragon boat will have a dragon head that implements the head of a camel, deer horns, ears that resemble a bull’s ears, rabbit eyes, 117 carp scales, tiger paws, eagle claws, and the neck of a snake. Today, a lot of boats are made using a mold that is approved of by the IDBF. Many of these molds used clear castin craft resin for many different “dragon” parts. The resin may be colored prior to setting or applied as a paint afterward. Either way, the end result of the figurines will take your breath away when you see them speeding past you.

DIY Dragon Heads

The details on these amazing boats is impressive for all who are lucky enough to see them. There are many teams that are hoping to upgrade their boat. These teams can hire someone to help them with the build by casting resin using two molds that are then put together, or they can carve their boat out of wood. When using wood, fiberglass will be used and then it will be topped by a clear-coat that ensures it will shine. You can do the same if you are hoping to build your own dragon head for a boat of your choosing. You can even turn your sailboat into a dragon boat or put a mermaid on the bow if you want to. You simply have to find or create the perfect mold to fill with resin. What will you create?

If you are seeking a fun exercise that will push you to the limit while remaining fun, then paddling is definitely something you should consider. If you are already good with a paddle in your hand, you may even try out one of the many Dragon Boat Teams that are scattered in all areas of the world. There are men’s and women’s teams and all it takes to participate is being willing to commit yourself to the team. If you can do this, you may even be invited to join in one of the many competitions that are available to pit one team against another.

What Is a Dragon Boat?

A dragon boat is a human powered boat that got its start in the Guangdong Province of China. The first ones were made of teak wood. The boat is very long, and 18-20 people can sit inside of it. A smaller boat is also available for 8-10 people at max capacity. The history of these boats is extensive. There is some proof that even boating on a competitive level in these boats can be traced back to more than 2500 years ago in central China. Since then, they have been used for water rituals, festivals, and more to celebrate the Chinese dragon water deity.

On-board the Dragon

In most cases, a competitive boat will hold 22 people. There are 20 paddlers who face the front of the boat and row in perfect unison to keep the boat moving forward. There is also a drummer on the boat. The drummer sits at the front and produces a “heartbeat” for the dragon. It is a very rhythmic drum beat and matches the paddlers’ strokes. Their job is also to give hand signals and communicate to the rowers to encourage them to do their best. In many cases, the drummer is required to be active and on board during an event, but practice and other times may not require them. A good crew can paddle in unison without the beat of a drum to help them stay in sync.

Where to See Dragons in Action

If you are interested in seeing a Dragon boat event or you want to see if you have what it takes to climb on board; you will be happy to know that there are events in many areas of the United States and in other countries as well. If you have what it takes to be on a boat, you should try to get involved. There are competitions and events that allow you to show your support for certain causes. In Jacksonville, Florida there is a dragon boat even to support breast cancer awareness and much more. Who knows, you may climb on board hoping for a good workout and discover yourself among friends that you will never forget rowing with. It also allows you to think about days long ago when people used the Dragon boats for all their celebrations along rivers and canals. What are you waiting for?

 

On a dragon boat, there isn’t a lot of extra space for personal items. Most things have to stay on the shore and it’s a very good thing that paddlers are in good physical health. They are made for speed, not comfort, and definitely not for holding a lot of extra things. For this reason, there is nothing resembling a motor on board, and therefore batteries and such are not normally needed. The only power that can fit on board is the power that paddlers can put into getting it across the water. However, at times, there may be a need for these small boats to make use of a dragon boat power system.

Feel the Power

If you ever look at a paddling team, you know why a motor is not something they require. They have more power in their arms than most of us have in our entire body. How could they not have it, since all of their practice time is spent pushing water out of the way of their boat? However, at times, some dragon boats do need a little power that cannot be man-made. During these times, they may want to put lights on the boat for a Christmas parade, a radio to help them keep the beat on days when the drummer may be out, or just to make practice a little more enjoyable. Since the space is so confined on one of the long canoes, you may have to wonder where a full-sized battery is going to fit.

Extreme Power in Tiny Spaces

Most teams sit in the boat with their legs along the side of it to make room for the person in front of them to sit. This means that there is virtually no room for anything more to squeeze in. The only real option for these boats is a small marine battery, which may sit near the drummer, or at the very back of the boat. To ensure the safety of all on board, they may also have to put this battery in a small marine battery box since they are designed to ensure that nothing leaks out; even in rough waters. These batteries and boxes are especially great during the holiday season when there is a parade of decorated boats on the water rather than on dry land. Marine batteries are designed to last for an extended period of time without the help of a charging system, and therefore perfect for most all situations, whether on a dragon boat or a larger motorized one.

See What Dragon Boats Can Really Do!

When you combine the man-made power of paddlers with the abilities of a dependable, small battery; you never know what you will get. By having a battery to power lights, paddlers will be able to practice during the late evening hours, early in the morning, and at other times. They will be able to decorate their boat for the holidays if there is a race near the time of a holiday celebration. There is even a parade of lights for some charities that these boats can only take part in if they have a battery on board. The true beauty of these boats has always been evident; but it is never as noticeable as when there is a battery and many lights.

Paddling is a competitive sport at times. However, without team work, you wouldn’t be able to have a successful paddling team. The teams have to work together through every part of the race. They spend hours practicing together and some very unique bonds are formed between the ones who are in the group. In some cases, this may also mean that the team comes up with some interesting paddling nick names for not only the sport that they enjoy, but the people they play it with.

Nicknames Among Friends

A nickname is more than just a word. It goes beyond a name and makes things more personal. Parents have them for their children, partners in a relationship may have them for one another, and they are also quite common in a group of friends. You may have the “nerd” or the “playboy”. Sometimes they are fun nicknames about a particular personality trait for that person that sets them apart. It builds a camaraderie among paddlers on a team. It is proof that they are a part of the team and if you ask, some people may not even feel that they are a part of the team until they have earned their name.

Earning a Nick Name

A name can be given for virtually any reason. A guy who is on the team and perhaps able to row more powerfully than all others may become called “Tank” while the smallest guy may be referred to as “Pluto”. A man on the team who believes he can achieve anything may be called “Zeus” and the youngest on the team may be called “Kid”.  A female teammate may be called “Fiesta” if she is commonly the life of the party or “Tweety” if it is their favorite cartoon character. Princess may also work for a woman who will not paddle if her nails aren’t perfect. When someone on the team is a little old fashioned, their teammates may even look into the fuddy duddy origin to help them come up with a suitable name. It is all in good fun and simply goes to prove that they are all a part of the same team.

Embrace the Fun of “Name Calling”

Nicknames are given to show that you are accepted as you are. Therefore, if you are a part of a team, paddling or other, you should consider coming up with unique names for your team mates. It will make the time you spend together even more special and perhaps may even become something that makes the entire team chuckle during the most stressful of challenges. What do you think your new name will be if given one from your teammates? Can you think of a fun name to give someone else? With a little thought, you will come up with a perfect idea and when you cross over that finish line; maybe even the crowd will be shouting “Go, Big Red!” or some other type of sentiment.