Dragon Boat Racing has ancient Chinese origins and it’s history has been traced back more than 2000 years. The first participants were superstitious Chinese villagers who celebrated the 5th day of the 5th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. Racing was held to avert misfortune and encourage the rains needed for prosperity and the object of their worship was the dragon. The dragon of Asia has long been a symbol of water. It is said to rule the rivers and seas and dominate the clouds and rains.
Over the years a second story was integrated to give the festival a dual meaning – the touching saga of Qu Yuan. Legend has it that poet Qu Yuan was banished from the kingdom of Chu after the King fell under the influence of corrupt ministers. Qu Yuan spent many years wandering the countryside and composing great poetry until, on learning of his kingdom’s defeat, he leapt into the Mi Lo River holding a great rock in a display of his heartfelt sorrow. The people loved Qu Yuan very much and raced out in their fishing boats to the middle of the river 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 and to ward off evil spirits.
Dragon boat Racing is still a fairly new activity at the club. It started just over 3 years ago, when one of our members, Rod Hart, offered to coach the juniors with a view to entering the Henley Junior Dragon Regatta. Rod is a member of the GB Dragon Boat Squad and his enthusiasm for the sport inspired the juniors to great success. They have won one or more trophioes every year since 2007.
The acquisition of two dragon boats, by the Waterside Centre, has meant we can now train in those instead of using bell boats. We are currently trying to get adults involved in the sport and ladies team now trains regularly on Sunday mornings. Rod has recently secured grant funding for the dragon boats with a view to being able to offering the sport to the wider community. Contact us if you are interested in having a go.
