Come out for a FREE clinic to learn rowing and dragon boating! No RSVP needed. Rowing clinic for ages 12 – 99, dragon boating for ages 18 – 99. This is a rain or shine event. Dress for exercise, dress for the weather, wear athletic shoes (not water shoes) you won’t mind getting wet, and get ready to have some fun. Our coaches and volunteers will teach, demonstrate, and take you on the water for rowing and dragon boating if conditions are favorable. You’re welcome to try both rowing and dragon boating! (Our 8-week introductory sessions start June 4th)
Long and narrow, a dragon boat is 40 feet by 4 feet. It’s manned by paddlers, sitting two by two. A drummer, up front, keeps cadence and sets the pace. Standing at the back, a steersman, known as the “steer,” controls the direction of the boat with a single, large oar.
A dragon boat team is comprised of paddlers who race against other teams in 200-meter races on the Connecticut River. Each race lasts about one minute!
A Dragon Boat is a 20-person Chinese war canoe (see below). The Dragon Boat Challenge is a series of friendly, fun races between groups, companies, organizations, etc. assembled to compete for one day at the Springfield Dragon Boat Festival.
It’s a sport about which its participants are passionate!
