 |
 PAIR OF WILCOX CRITTENDER OAR LOCKS AND SOCKETS $9.99 Time Remaining: 13h 17m |
 OLD Pair WOODEN OARS 84 WEATHERED Set Paddles Canoe Boat + LOCKS ANTIQUE $89.99 Time Remaining: 18d 17h 54m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 VINTAGE Pair BLOND WOODEN PADDLES 54 Set Oars Canoe Boat WW $54.99 Time Remaining: 25d 14h 16m Buy It Now for only: $54.99 |
 OLD Pair WOODEN ANTIQUE OARS 72 Set Paddles Canoe Boat COLOR DECOR $84.99 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 38m Buy It Now for only: $84.99 |
 OLD Pair WOODEN OARS 84 OLD COLOR Set Paddles Canoe Boat + LOCKS ANTIQUE DECOR $86.99 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 25m Buy It Now for only: $86.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 60 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 28m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 Vintage Set Pair OARS 78 Boat Wooden Paddles NICE $88.99 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 26m Buy It Now for only: $88.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 32m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 60 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 9d 17h 23m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 GREAT Set Pair BLOND OARS 76 + LOCKS Wooden Paddles Canoe Boat EXCELLENT $89.99 Time Remaining: 18h 32m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 78 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 19d 17h 20m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 ANTIQUE Pair WOODEN OARS 78 Set Paddles Canoe Boat OLD COLOR DECOR $79.99 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 41m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $199.99 Time Remaining: 25d 17h 3m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 OLD Pair WOODEN OARS 84 COLORS OAR LOCKS Set Paddles Canoe Boat $99.99 Time Remaining: 16d 18h 6m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 ANTIQUE Pair WOODEN OARS 84 Set Paddles Canoe Boat $99.99 Time Remaining: 19h 30m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair WOODEN OARS 60 w METAL LOCKS 2 Paddles Canoe Boat GREAT $99.99 Time Remaining: 13d 17h 44m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 78 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 21d 41m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 Vtg Set Pair Antique Foster Oar Company 72 Boat oars paddles locks grey gray $249.99 Time Remaining: 13d 14h 4m Buy It Now for only: $249.99 |
 VINTAGE Pair WOODEN PADDLES 60 + 59 Set Oars Canoe Boat WW $52.99 Time Remaining: 23d 20h 7m Buy It Now for only: $52.99 |
 Pair WOODEN OARS 78 Color Set Paddles Canoe Boat GREAT DECOR $82.99 Time Remaining: 27d 18h 47m Buy It Now for only: $82.99 |
 GREAT Set Pair BLOND OARS 78 + LOCKS Wooden Paddles Canoe Boat w LABELS $89.99 Time Remaining: 17d 17h 48m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 11 pairs ANTIQUE VINTAGE BOAT OAR LOCK SET s ATTWOOD PERKO ZURN NEW USED $89.99 Time Remaining: 12d 10h 55m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 57 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 20d 3h 28m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 66 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 27d 19h 6m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 60 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $79.99 Time Remaining: 19d 19h 7m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 Vintage Pair WOODEN OARS 72 Set w LOCKS Paddles Canoe Boat $94.99 Time Remaining: 23d 19h Buy It Now for only: $94.99 |
 ANTIQUE Pair WOODEN OARS 90 + 83 COLOR OLD Set Paddles Canoe Boat WW $94.99 Time Remaining: 20d 18h 55m Buy It Now for only: $94.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 27d 18h 54m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Pair WOODEN PADDLES 54 Set Oars Canoe Boat WW $69.99 Time Remaining: 5d 17h 48m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $199.99 Time Remaining: 13d 17h 49m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 83 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 7d 17h 58m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 27d 19h 18m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 96 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 20m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 ANTIQUE Set Pair Oars 84 LOCKS Boat Wooden Paddles OLD NICE $89.99 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 3m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 OLD Pair WOODEN OARS 84 Set Paddles Canoe Boat GREAT $149.99 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 40m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 Vintage Pair Set of Wood Wooden OARS Paddles Antique 77 $89.99 Time Remaining: 15d 21h 50m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 OLD Pair WOODEN OARS 81 Set Paddles Canoe Boat COLORS $99.99 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 4m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 83 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 26d 3h 51m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 65 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 19d 8h 29m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Pair BLOND WOODEN PADDLES 57 + 54 Set Oars Canoe Boat WW $69.99 Time Remaining: 25d 19h 28m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 76 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $79.99 Time Remaining: 27d 19h 1m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 Pair BLOND WOODEN OARS 78 Set Paddles Canoe Boat $89.99 Time Remaining: 28d 17h 37m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 OLD Pair WOODEN OARS 104 COLOR Set Paddles Canoe Boat + LOCKS ANTIQUE GREAT $149.99 Time Remaining: 23d 18h Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE Pair BLOND WOODEN PADDLES 60 + 54 Set Oars Canoe Boat WW $57.99 Time Remaining: 21d 18h 54m Buy It Now for only: $57.99 |
 VINTAGE Pair BLOND WOODEN PADDLES 60 + 54 Set Oars Canoe Boat WW $52.99 Time Remaining: 19d 19h 21m Buy It Now for only: $52.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $134.99 Time Remaining: 19d 8h 28m Buy It Now for only: $134.99 |
 VERY DIFFERENT VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 100 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 26d 3h 58m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 25d 16h 59m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 RARE VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE OUTSTANDING $169.99 Time Remaining: 6d 16h 4m Buy It Now for only: $169.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 77 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 25d 16h 57m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 USED PAIR OF VINTAGE WOODEN BOAT OARS 97 INCH nautical decorpaddle set row $99.99 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 14m Buy It Now for only: $109.99 |
 Pair of South Sea Islands Carved design boat oars $450.00 Time Remaining: 21d 11h 25m Buy It Now for only: $450.00 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $123.99 Time Remaining: 25d 19h 8m Buy It Now for only: $123.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 77 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $139.99 Time Remaining: 25d 17h 1m Buy It Now for only: $139.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 25m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 66 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $114.99 Time Remaining: 25d 19h 15m Buy It Now for only: $114.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 59 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 24d 16h 53m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 95 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $179.99 Time Remaining: 27d 19h 24m Buy It Now for only: $179.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles GREEN $223.99 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 27m Buy It Now for only: $223.99 |
 OLD Pair WOODEN OARS 82 VINTAGE Set Paddle Canoe Boat $89.99 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 13m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 77 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $139.99 Time Remaining: 25d 17h Buy It Now for only: $139.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 26d 3h 53m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 83 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $139.99 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 23m Buy It Now for only: $139.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 27d 19h 5m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 66 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 27d 19h 16m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 78 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $139.99 Time Remaining: 25d 17h 9m Buy It Now for only: $139.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 27d 19h 21m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 66+72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 19d 9h 49m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 18d 5h 6m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 67 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 25d 14h 45m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 78 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $121.99 Time Remaining: 25d 14h 33m Buy It Now for only: $121.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 GREEN Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 7d 12h 21m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 90 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $179.99 Time Remaining: 20d 3h 23m Buy It Now for only: $179.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 77 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $139.99 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 30m Buy It Now for only: $139.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $139.99 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 34m Buy It Now for only: $139.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 19d 9h 29m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 76 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 25d 16h 55m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 90 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 25d 14h 37m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 66 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $114.99 Time Remaining: 25d 19h 14m Buy It Now for only: $114.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 78 Boat Wooden Paddles GREEN $173.99 Time Remaining: 25d 18h 55m Buy It Now for only: $173.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 19d 9h 24m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 27d 18h 51m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $179.99 Time Remaining: 25d 17h 2m Buy It Now for only: $179.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 81 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 10h 45m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $199.99 Time Remaining: 13d 17h 41m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 26d 4h 1m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 19d 9h 35m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 65 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 33m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 83 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $129.99 Time Remaining: 27d 17h 22m Buy It Now for only: $129.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 78 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $99.99 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 18m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 78 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $139.99 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 34m Buy It Now for only: $139.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 77 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $121.99 Time Remaining: 25d 14h 39m Buy It Now for only: $121.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 85 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $139.99 Time Remaining: 16d 12h 52m Buy It Now for only: $139.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 25d 18h 24m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles GREEN $163.99 Time Remaining: 25d 17h 45m Buy It Now for only: $163.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 72 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 19d 8h 26m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 78 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $124.99 Time Remaining: 26d 3h 56m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 84 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $159.99 Time Remaining: 25d 14h 42m Buy It Now for only: $159.99 |
 VINTAGE Set Pair Oars 78 Boat Wooden Paddles ANTIQUE $149.99 Time Remaining: 27d 19h 19m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
Pair Oars
Dragon boat race
Mapping the Origin of Dragon Boats
As the name and the image painted on Dragon Boats imply, the sport originated in China some 2000 years ago. It is said that during the 4th Century BC, when the country was immersed in political turmoil and upheaval, there lived a Chinese poet and patriot named, Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a champion of political reform. Having caught the ire of the King, Qu Yuan was banished and was left to wander aimlessly around the countryside, where he penned emotionally stirring poems that spoke of his love and concern for his country.
During his exile, he learned about his town’s defeat at the hands of another kingdom. Overwrought with grief and disgust for the present regime, Qu Yuan leaped into the Mei Lo River and ended his life. Those who saw Qu Yuan go into the water attempted to save their beloved poet by jumping in their fishing boats and raced furiously towards where Qu Yuan met his fate. In an attempt to keep fish and water dragons from approaching Qu Yuan, they beat on drums and made an extra effort to splash the waters with their oars. Alas, their efforts were all in vain. To honor the poet, especially during the anniversary of his demise, the fishermen scattered rice dumplings (“Tsung Tze” or “Ma Chang”) into the water to ensure that, wherever Qu Yuan was, he will never go hungry.
One night, however, the spirit of Qu Yuan appeared and told his followers that the rice dumplings that were meant for him were being consumed by a river dragon. He then requested that, to ward off the dragon, succeeding offerings be wrapped in three-cornered silk packages and secured by five strings of different colors. This is still being practiced today, however, now, the dumplings are wrapped in leaves.
A less romantic but more realistic story about the history of dragon boat racing states that many townsfolk living in the valleys of Southern China believe that the fifth Chinese lunar month is one that is full of misfortune. To avert disease, death and famine, superstitious town members would hold boat races, in honor of the mighty dragon, on the fifth day of the said month. During this time, sacrifices were also made to appease the heavenly being. It is said that when one of the rowing members fell into the water, no one should offer him any assistance because by doing so, they are going against the will of the gods.
What are Dragon Boats?
Dragon Boats, despite the ferocious sounding name, are still, in basic principle, boats. These are usually made of wood and are wide enough for two people to sit side by side in. Dragon boats come in varying lengths. They can be short enough to accommodate only 20 rowers, or large enough to hold a pair of 40 strong paddlers.
These boats are decorated gaily with paint and festoons to resemble the scales, fins and tail of the mighty dragon. Originally, dragon boats were made of teak wood; however, modern innovations allow the use of lighter yet more durable material. One such material is fiberglass. The hulls of most manufactured Dragon Boats are made of fiberglass and the keelson and gunnels are further reinforced with high grade marine plywood. To ensure buoyancy, the bulkheads are filled with closed-cell foam.
Other woods of varying colors are used to decorate or adorn Dragon Boats, and these are all finished with waterproof epoxies and marine varnish.
Dragon Boat Crew
A dragon boat team of any size is always composed of a drummer, a steerer or tiller, and several paddlers. There are instances when additional people, serving as flag wavers, hand clapper or leader joins the crew on board. These are not necessarily needed in a team. What is important is that the key positions are occupied.
Drummer
Often times called the caller, the person occupying this post may be considered the heart of the entire team. The speed, timing and cadence of the strokes of those holding the oars depend on the rhythmic beat of his drum (or his gong). In addition to maintaining the pace of the boat, the drummer may also issue commands or instructions to the paddlers through hand signals or verbal orders, all aimed to encourage the paddlers to work even harder. Although the drummer or caller may not be around during training, he has to be present during the actual event itself.
Drummers also need to be aware of the position of his dragon boat in relation to the others in the competition. He should know when, depending on wind speed, the current and nearness to the finish line, it’s time to increase or reduce the pace. Drummers must know the strength and weaknesses of his crew so he can position them in the boat accordingly.
Normally, one drummer per dragon boat is enough. The drummer is usually positioned at the head of the boat. For longer boats that hold up to 40 pairs of paddlers, it is not unusual to find the drummer located at the middle of the boat.
Paddlers
The paddlers, as the name implies, are those who handle the paddles of the dragon boat. Paddlers are usually seated together by pairs and of all paddlers; the two seated at the very front of the boat are designated as the “strokes” or “strokers”. They hold a valuable position as the pace of the entire team will depend, not only on the drum beats, but also on them. All the paddlers seated behind the stokers will synchronize strokes with theirs and not with the strokes of seated ahead of them.
Steerer
Seated at the rear of the boat is the steerer. Also called coxswain, helm, steersman, sweep, or tiller, this position is responsible for steering the boat. The Steerer controls the boat’s direction by means of a steering oar, which is mounted at the rear of the boat. The steerer together with the drummer may call out commands during a competition.
Flag Catcher
The position of Flag Catcher originated in Taiwan. This position is not imperative to complete a dragon boat team but it is slowly being incorporated into the team roster. The designated flag catcher is tasked to grab a lane flag when the boat crosses the finish line. Those who successfully get a flag finish the race, and those who miss are disqualified. Flag catchers are seated behind the drummer, but move towards the front as the boat approaches the finish line.
Rituals and Traditions
Having originated from a land steeped with rituals and traditions, it is expected that Dragon Boats, before they are raced, must undergo their share of unique ceremonies.
Prior to starting a race, Dragon Boats have to be blessed and “awakened” properly. Four days before the race, the boats, complete with the detachable dragon heads and tails, are brought out of their storage areas. These boats are then blessed and the benediction is done with much pomp and pageantry. After the boats have been blessed, paper bills, which are offerings to the gods, are burned in front of them. This strange ritual is supposed to ward off evil and make the vessels strong, swift and ripe for racing.
After the land-based blessing, the boats are then rowed out to sea and back three times, on a course that runs perpendicular to a nearby temple. It is only after the boats have returned can they be considered primed for the competition.
If there is a ritual before the race starts, there is also one that is done after the race has been completed. When the race is over and the last boat has crossed the finish line, the makeshift dragon head, tail and drum of each boat are removed and stored in the temple or in a place designated by the community and incense is burnt as a token of thanks to the gods. While this is happening, the body of the dragon is either covered with sand or placed on racks and covered with tin foil covers. After this is done, the dragons are considered “reposed”. They will remain asleep until it’s time to awaken them again the following year.
Newly-built dragon boats are given life by a Taoist priest a few days before it is raced. In this ceremony, the priest holds a bell and a sword into the “Fu Zhou”. While chanting, he first touches the head, tail and drum with the sword. The “Fu Zhou” (ritual money with words written on it) is then burnt and sand is sprinkled on the dragon’s head. The dragon’s eye, which will alter be drawn in red, is dotted initially by a community leader.
Festivals and Races
Dragon Boat Races, which are held during the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, started in China as a way to commemorate the death and recreate the attempts to save the life of poet Qu Yuan. In olden times, one paddler stands in the boat in search of the poet’s body. Dragon Boat became very popular during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) and it was during this time that the event spread throughout the Yangtze River Valley and most of Southern China.
Dragon Boat Racing used to be a violent event that often resembled naval battles. Aside from racing towards a finish line, crew members threw stones and used sticks to hit the members of opposing teams. Onlookers were of no help as they would cheer wildly and offer gifts for their team; and hurl insults, and stones to the others. Participants used to look forward to a drowning, as a safe festival (where one does not die of drowning) is deemed “unlucky”.
Dragon Boat Festivals are no longer as violent as it was before. Festivals today are marked by camaraderie and friendship. Still held during the traditional dates, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the event is recognized not only in China, but in other parts of the world as well. In Chinese communities, aside from the traditional race, the event is celebrated by hanging herbs on front doors, drinking strange yet nutritious concoctions. Others attempt the impossible. If they can make an egg stand on one end and this is done at exactly 12 noon, the following year is sure to be a very prosperous one.
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the governing body that organizes and monitors most of the international dragon boat races held today. The IDBF has split dragon boat activities into two distinct categories: sport racing and festival racing.
Festival races, more traditional yet informal events, are characterized by a standard 500 meter sprint. Other international races have longer distances and these not only test the boat’s speed, but the endurance of the paddlers too. An example of this festival race, called “Three Gorges Dam Rally” is held along the Yangtze River and covers a distance up to 100 kilometers
Sport Racing has more strict rules of racing. The distance covered by most sport races vary from 200m, 250m, 500m, 1000m and 2000m. Only members of the IDBF can join formal sport races. The IDBF organizes several Dragon Boat Racing Competitions every year. One such event is the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (WDBRC) which is held every two years. The WDBRC is open to representative national or territorial teams. In the interim, the IDBF holds the Club Crew World Championships (CCWC), an exclusive competition for the top club-based crews of the world.
To address the competitive spirit of crews that only join Festival Races, and the “weekend warriors”, those who row only during their free time, the IDBF, in 2005 introduced the Corporate and Community World Championships.
Dragon Boat versus Canoeing and Rowing
Many people mistakenly believe that Dragon Boat and Canoeing are the same, although in principle this is somewhat true, these two activities have more differences than similarities.
One such difference is that dragon boat members use short, hand-held paddles instead of the longer oars associated with a canoe or a row boat. Another difference lies in the way the paddlers or rowers sit when they are inside their vessels. Paddlers sit facing towards the prow (front) of the boat, whereas rowers sit facing the rear end of the ship.
Important Reminders
If you want to be part of a Dragon Boat crew, you have to get ready to get wet and to work hard. Unlike rowing where the movements are smooth and fluid, dragon boat paddlers beat the waters with short, furious strokes. Although being able to swim is not a requirement, it is better if you knew how to, at the very least, float.
If you lead a relatively sedentary life or are growing old in age, it is advised that, before embarking on any physical activity, you consult your doctor. When you are on the boat, be mindful of the instructions of the drummer and concentrate on synchronizing your movements with the main strokers.
Finally, no matter how confident you feel about your ability to paddle, do not, under any circumstance, row without your life jacket. Being a member or crew of a dragon boat team doesn’t mean you should meet the fate of the poet who is credited to have started this glorious tradition.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a paddle and start paddling!
About the Author
You are most welcome to search for the articles, post articles, comment on a particular article and suggest a new category of articles with sport article directory
Vintage Alumacraft aluminum oars history / value?
I have a nice pair of old standard size hollow metal boat oars made of aluminum with original Alumacraft Company Minneapolis Minnesota decals on them. When were these available, how rare to find now and appx. collector value is the question. They are in excellent condition, no dents or corrosion.
Depending on condition...$100 to $200 per pair. I have paid at both extremes. If they have no or few scrapes or dents...toward the higher end. I have found the longer ones harder to find. Ducker oars will be found painted camo. and are even more rare...and go for north of $200 on EBay. A pair just sold for a nice price. They are not particularly rare, but pretty highly desired to outfit a period Alumacraft. Of the sets I have, none have the decal...so I for one would find them of interest. E-Bay generally attracts a solid pool of AlumaCraft crazies....Shipping can be a hassle and expensive given the length. I just got a set for $35 shipping...I have seen sellers ask $75 which just depresses the value. Hope to see them for sale someday...or just enjoy. They ain't makin' 'em anymore.
#8 Championship - All Cast - Bozeman
No comments »