What is a dragon boat?

A dragon boat is a long, narrow boat designed to resemble a dragon with a dragon head and tail affixed to the bow and stern, respectively. The boat’s sides are brightly painted with dragon scales. A dragon boat typically measures about 12.5 metres (41 feet) long and but 1.2 metres (4 feet) across at its widest point.

Empty, the type of dragon boat used by H2oplayground weighs 260 kg (570 pounds). During a race, however, the paddlers must propel a boat and crew weighing near2, 300 kg (5,000pounds).

Is it hard to learn?

Dragon boating is really easy to learn and can be practiced by anyone between 7 and 107 years old! Boats are stable and safe.

How to dress?

To enjoy your dragon boat experience to the maximum, avoid cotton clothing. Sporting first liner such as Lifa, Helly Hansen, Louis Garneau are the best for chill weather. Choose tight clothing made out of lycra or nylon for example. Wear an old pair of running shoes, sandals or water shoes.

Are we still going out in case of bad weather?

Yes we are! In case of really bad weather (strong wind, heavy rain), we can try to postponed the event.

Equipment :

We provide paddle and life jacket (mandatory).

Dragon boat history

Dragon boating originates from China where legend has it that a poet named Yuan was expelled from office by a corrupt administration. Protesting the corruption, Yuan drowned himself in the Mi Lo River,near present-day Yue Yang.

Local fishers, seeing his plight, rushed out in boats to save him. They beat drums, thrashed the water with paddles and threw rice dumplings into the river to appease the water dragon. This event hasbeen commemorated in an annual festival which has evolved into present-day dragon boat racing.