What is Dragon Boating

Dragon boat racing is a flat-water, sprint paddling sport using single-blade paddles. The challenge of the dragon boat racing lies not in the paddling technique but rather in synchronising with 19 other paddlers on the boat through all phases of the stroke and through the entire race course.

The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) sets standards and regulations for the sport and organises international events and competitions. In Australia, the Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AUSDBF) governs dragon boating on a National Scale. In Queensland, the Governing Body is the Dragon Boat Queensland (DBQ).

In terms of racing, a Festival (Regatta / Competition) race is typically a sprint event of several hundred metres, with 500 metres the most common, 200m, 1000m and 2000m races are also standard distances in International and National Competition. 2000m races are normally held on a 500m course. Depending on the size of the lake or river, 100m and 250m events may be used in local regattas.

In Australia, due to the Southern Hemisphere seasons, the dragon boating season generally runs between late August to mid-April.

Around Australia, there are regular regattas held for dragon boat clubs to race each other, as well as annual competitions held for state representative crews to compete. Clubs can also compete at the National Titles (Australian Dragon Boat Championships).

Whilst the sport has been dominated, in terms of profile, by the premier category from inception (ages 18 – 39), the Senior A (40+), Senior B (50+) and Senior C (60+) categories have grown significantly. School-age involvement is also being fostered to avoid future age gaps).