Dragon boating
Paddlers work in unison to ensure they aren't draggin' while racing
Paddling for Life Society, a non-profit group, is hosting the 2010 Sunshine Coast Final Fling Dragon Boat Festival at Mowat Bay on Powell Lake, on Saturday, September 25.
Last year, when the team of breast cancer survivors and supporters attended the annual event at Garden Bay, Paddling for Life agreed to host this year's regatta in Powell River. The dragon boat movement for breast cancer survivors in BC began in 1996 and there are now hundreds of teams holding festivals and regattas throughout the province. Powell River's Pearl Warriors are supporting Paddling for Life in this new venture. The Pearl Warriors are a mixed team of men and women that practices alongside Paddling for Life on Powell Lake. This festival is not just for breast cancer survivors--all paddling teams are welcome.
The regatta begins at 11 am on the Saturday morning and will finish about 4 pm. The bay will come alive with the sounds of race horns, cheering, and drumming. Paddling for Life, the Pearl Warriors, and four Sunshine Coast teams, with their supporters, will converge on the race site. The Final Fling is the last festival of the season for most Sunshine Coast teams.
A 48-feet-long dragon boat carries 20 paddlers, a steersperson, and a drummer or caller. Its prime directive is to paddle in complete unison. It is not always the strongest team that wins, but the one that is best able to work together. "One boat--one paddle" is a dragon boat's mantra.
About 350 metres long, each of these races lasts approximately two minutes. The races are followed by an obstacle race that will showcase the cohesion of the paddlers and the skills of the steersperson and caller. It is fast, it's furious, and it's fun.
For those who have never experienced the thrill of dragon boat racing, this is an opportunity to see what the excitement is about and to learn first hand why dragon boating is the fastest growing water sport in the world. There will be food vendors on site, a silent auction, a raffle, an awards ceremony and lots more excitement to round out the day.
