I have been fighting a calf problem and felt that the 1.6 mile swim schedule for Saturday was not going to happen. Having calf cramp in the middle of the ocean can be a serious issue and I just didn't feel right. As I nursed my disappointment I receive a call from my long time spear fishing Bubby Justin. K. "Come to the dragon boat races in the morning, I have two boats going. Bring the whole family" My reply " Well ok what can I bring." Justin " Your bodies I might need them to row" After some laughter we worked out the details and I informed the family of the change of plans. The kids both asked Dragon boat racing what it that?
A dragon boat (also dragonboat) is a human-powered watercraft traditionally made, in the Pearl River delta region of southern China - Guangdong Province, of teak wood to various designs and sizes. In other parts of China different woods are used to build these traditional watercraft. It is one of a family of Traditional Paddled Long Boats found throughout Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands. Dragonboats are the basis of the team paddling sport of dragon boat racing an amateur watersport which has its roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers held over the past 2000 years throughout southern China. While 'competition' has taken place annually for more than 20 centuries as part of religious ceremonies and folk customs, dragon boat racing has emerged in modern times as an international sport, beginning in Hong Kong in 1976.
16 rowers, 1 steer man, 1 drummer, and 1 flag catcher. = A crazy day. Boat Flips, Crashes, People falling out, (Super fun)
Heat number (1) note the boats have dragon heads on them. This was short lived as one boat ran into another and broke off the head. All the boats ended up lossing their heads to make the playing field even.
The Disney Team getting ready to go.
The team ready to go.
We took our first heat,
We edged the second boat to take our second heat.
Below is a picture of the third heat we placed second and transfer into the Semifinals. Go Team Disney.
All Smiles after a great race.
Ti and Kyle jumped in with the New Hope Team to help them out. A steering problem put them out of the competition.
In the semifinal run the boat next to us took our flag at the end of the course. Everyone was tired and the sun was going down so the team decide not to protest which would have force a rerun. It was clear the winning team would very likely have beat us in a rerun anyway so we all decide to call it a day.
Tired paddler
Dragon boat racing was great fun and will be added to the Willis list of annual adventures. Everyone hit the bed dead tired and very happy. We will all feel our shoulder muscle for few days to come as a reminder of a day well spent.
Thanks to Justin for the invite to dragon boat racing.
