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.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 09 August 2008 21:17 )