Our vision is to bring military veterans together, channeling their energy and focus toward propelling this massive vessel – and drawing from it energy, adrenalin and the sheer exhilaration of making the dragon fly across the water.
What is a Dragon Boat?
A dragon boat is a 40-foot boat (of either wood or fiberglass construction), weighing about 600 pounds when empty, and more than 2 tons when filled with a full team. The boat holds 20 paddlers, seated two abreast, a steers-person in the stern and a drummer seated in the bow. The boat bears a dragon head at the bow and a dragon tail at the stern. The aim is to move the boat swiftly, with the team paddling in unison, focussed and strong. It’s history dates back more than 2000 years ago, having been developed into an international sport in the mid-1970s. Festival races are held throughout the world, with races over distances of 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 meters.