I have been a little lax in keeping up with the posts since my recent departure from the Emirates. I confess that I have been busy looking for a gig and promoting my book here in the States. (I hope that your are all downloading copies.)
We recently had some international culture here in the Bay Area in the form of the 10th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships. This biennial event took place on the canals of Tampa this year. It attracted over 2,000 competitors from 17 countries. I viewed dragon boat races in Dubai but it was great fun to watch them in my own 'backyard'.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the sport, a dragon boat features a drummer in the bow to keep the cadence and a helmsman in the stern to steer with a sweep. Between these two are a crew of 20 paddlers for the standard dragon boat or 8 paddlers for the 'baby dragon' boat. The originated in China over 5000 years ago where they have been used for spiritual and competitive purposes.
They are usually festively adorned with features of their namesake. These modern racing shells are lightly built from fibreglass but the traditional boats were carvel constructed like sampans and junks.
It is a very ecumenical sport for competitors of all ages and sexes. Obviously, it promotes and relies upon teamwork, like most rowing sports. Entrants ranged in age from late teens to seniors over 60, who paddled in a number of divisions. As in Olympic events, there was great effort expended by the participants who proudly represented their countries.
Competition was often close!
Medal ceremonies followed the finals. In contrast to other international sporting events, many of the winners were not from the large Western nations. It was refreshing to hear the anthems of nations like the Philippines and Trinidad/Tobago as frequently as the European and North American national hymns.
If you ever have an opportunity to watch a competition, you will not be disappointed. Better yet, go paddle a dragon boat yourself with your friends or co-workers. You do not have to be a national champion to have a good workout and a whole lot of fun. Check the Web for local groups. Usually, your only investment is a good paddle and dues, since the boats are owned by the clubs.
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