Dragon boating is a team sport that originated in Southern China. Dragon boating teams compete in races that vary in length from 250m to 1000m. These teams are composed of paddlers, two strokes, one drummer, and one steerer. There are usually 16 to 20 paddlers, however some boats have been known to seat as few as eight paddlers and as many as thirty-six paddlers. Paddlers are seated in pairs in the boat, and each is responsible for paddling on one side of the boat. Since the number of paddlers is large, synchonization is essential for any good team. Like all team sports, all of the positions in the boat are equally important, and no one team member can compensate for a lagging teammate.

The specific responsibilies for each of the positions mentioned above are outlined below:

• Drummer - Sits at the front of the boat and is responsible for keeping the boat in time.
• Steerer - Positioned at the rear of the boat is responsible for keeping the boat going the correct way.
• Strokes - Sit in the first two paddling seats and are responsible for setting the pace for the boat.
• Engine Room - Generally towards the back of the boat. This is the main 'power' section.
• Paddlers - Have to keep time and put as much power as possible into the water.

Dragon boat racing began more than 2,000 years ago on the banks of the life-sustaining rivers in the valleys of Southern China as a fertility rite performed to ensure bountiful crops. The race was held to avert misfortune and to encourage the rains needed for prosperity; it was also an occasion of sacrifice to the villagers' water deity, the Dragon.

The most venerated of the Chinese zodiac figures, the Dragon of China is a beneficent creature, unlike its European counterpart. It had traditionally been a symbol of water and prosperity and is said to rule the rivers and the seas and dominate the clouds and rains. The first races were held as mock dragon battles staged to awaken the hibernating heavenly Dragon to bring to the people the necessary rain for a bountiful harvest.

Over the centuries a second story was integrated to give the celebration a dual meaning. Chinese history describes the fourth century B.C. as the warring states period; it was a time of shifting alliances and much treachery. In a kingdom called "Chu", there lived a great patriot and poet by the name of Qu Yuan who was beloved by the people. He championed political reform and truth and was therefore banished from the kingdom by the king who had fallen under the influence of the corrupt ministries. Wandering the countryside, Qu Yuan composed some of China's greatest poetry expressing his fervent love for his country and his deep concern for her future. When the Chu kingdom was overtaken and ruined at the hands of a rival kingdom, Qu Yuan leaped into the Mi Lo River holding a big rock in a display of his heartfelt sorrow.

Upon learning of Qu Yuan's death, the people raced to the river in their fish boats in a vain attempt to save him. They beat on drums and splashed their oars in the water trying to keep the fish away from his body. The re-enactment of the villagers racing out to save Qu Yuan is dragon boat racing today.

No, there are two different styles of dragonboating: Hong Kong and Taiwanese. These two styles are similar, but not identical.

The Hong Kong style dragon boat is a canoe-shaped boat that is roughly 40 feet in length and 3 to 3 and a half feet in width. They can be made out of teak, fiberglass or fiberglass composites, so the weight varies from 800 to almost 2,000 pounds. They also have a small dragon head and tail. Typically, this type of dragon boat holds up to 20 paddlers, a steerer and a drummer. There are also variations on this boat that seat 36 or 8 paddlers. Regardless of crew size, the goal of Hong Kong style dragonboating is to race courses of 250m, 500m, or 1000m and cross the finish line as quickly as possible.

The Taiwanese style dragon boat is roughly 40 feet in length and roughly 5 feet in width. Like the Hong Kong style dragon boats, these boats can be made out of teak, fiberglass or fiberglass composites, so the weight varies from 800 to almost 2,200 pounds. Additionally, Taiwanese style dragon boats have very large heads and tails. The goal of Taiwanese style dragonboating is to race courses of 250m, 500m, or 1000m and cross the finish line as quickly as possible However, crossing the finish line does not signify the end of a Taiwanese style dragonboat race. Instead, the race ends when the drummer crawls out on the dragon head and catch a flag in the water. If the drummer does not catch the flag, the boat cannot win the race.