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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 152 (from laksa183)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa152.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat","crawl_time":1775598006,"first_indexed_time":1375979894,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,wikipedia!en,\/wiki\/Dragon_boat s443","src_root_hash":"17790707453426894952","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Dragon boat - Wikipedia","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"This article is about Dragon boats and racing. For the festivals and holidays associated with dragon boats, see\nDragon Boat Festival\n.\nDragon Boat Racing\nDragon boat moving across the\nDanube\nriver in\nBudapest\n,\nHungary\nHighest\ngoverning body\nInternational Dragon Boat Federation\nFirst developed\nAncient China\nCharacteristics\nContact\nNo\nTeam members\n22 (regulation)\nType\nWatercraft paddle sport\nEquipment\nDragon boat, paddles, drum\nPresence\nCountry or region\nWorldwide\nOlympic\nNo\nWorld Games\n2005\n(invitational),\n2009\n(invitational)\nDragon boat\nTraditional Chinese\n龍舟\nSimplified Chinese\n龙舟\nTranscriptions\nStandard Mandarin\nHanyu Pinyin\nlóngzhōu\nWade–Giles\nlung\n2\n-chou\n1\nIPA\n[lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂóʊ]\nSouthern Min\nHokkien\nPOJ\nlêng-chiu\nAlternative Chinese name\nTraditional Chinese\n龍船\nSimplified Chinese\n龙船\nTranscriptions\nStandard Mandarin\nHanyu Pinyin\nlóngchuán\nWade–Giles\nlung\n2\n-chʻuan\n2\nIPA\n[lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂʰwǎn]\nYue: Cantonese\nYale Romanization\nlùhngsyùhn\nSouthern Min\nHokkien\nPOJ\nliông-chûn\nA\ndragon boat\nis a\nhuman-powered watercraft\nthat originated in the\nPearl River Delta\nregion of southern\nChina\n's\nGuangdong Province\n. These were made of\nteak\n, but in other parts of China different kinds of wood are used. It is one of a family of traditional paddled long boats found throughout\nAsia\n,\nAfrica\n, the Pacific islands, and\nPuerto Rico\n. The sport of dragon boat racing has its roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers, which dates back 2000 years throughout southern China, and even further to the original games of\nOlympia\nin\nancient Greece\n. Both dragon boat racing and the ancient\nOlympiad\nincluded aspects of religious observances and community celebrations, along with competitions.\nDragon boat racing has been a traditional Chinese paddled watercraft activity for over 2000 years and began as a modern international sport in\nHong Kong\nin 1976. These boats are typically made of\ncarbon fiber\n,\nfiberglass\n, and other lightweight materials. For\ncompetition\nevents, dragon boats are generally rigged with decorative\nChinese dragon\nheads and tails. At other times (such as during training), decorative regalia is usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard for drummers to practice. For races, there are 18-20 people in a standard boat, and 8-10 in a small boat, not including the steersperson (sweep) and the drummer.\nIn December 2007, the central government of the People's Republic of China added the\nDragon Boat Festival\n, along with the\nQingming\nand\nMid-Autumn\nfestivals, to the schedule of national holidays.\nDesign and construction\n[\nedit\n]\nThis section\nneeds expansion\nwith: explain the shape, materials, and construction techniques of historical and current dragon boats. You can help by\nadding missing information\n.\n(\nMay 2023\n)\nThe\nInternational Dragon Boat Federation\ndefines a dragon boat, within competition regulations, to be: \"a long displacement boat of an open design, that is based upon a rib-less\ncarvel\nform of hull construction, with the following distinguishing characteristics; no\nstem\n, hard\nchine\nbilge; W in cross section, minimum\nfreeboard\n,\npunt\n-like entry and exit; rocketed\nkeel\nthat is set back from the twin rail boards and curved sheet line with upsweep extremities\".\n[\n1\n]\nDragon boats vary in size: medium-sized boats can measure about 38 feet (11.5 meters), whereas larger boats can measure up to 90 feet (27.4 meters) in length.\n[\n2\n]\nThe width and depth of the boat also varies, changing according to factors like the boat's length and purpose, as well as the number of people in its crew.\n[\n1\n]\nSome dragon boat craftsmen may also alter the width of the boats depending on the expertise of its paddlers, with narrower boats being constructed for more skilled dragon boaters.\n[\n3\n]\nThe material used to build the main body of a dragon boat is diverse and has varied over the years. Before 1911, Ge wood, imported from countries like\nMyanmar\n,\nThailand\n, and\nVietnam\nwas used.\n[\n4\n]\nFrom 1911 towards the end of the 1990s, dragon boats had been built using\npine\nwood imported from the\nUnited States\n.\n[\n4\n]\nSince 2000, cedar wood from the\nGuizhou\nprovince of China had been used.\n[\n4\n]\nToday, the standard materials used to build the hull of these dragon boats are usually either\nteak\nwood or fiberglass.\n[\n4\n]\n[\n5\n]\nTeak wood is considerably adept at handling moisture.\n[\n2\n]\nFor a majority of the year, dragon boats are stored out of the water, on dry land, where they tend to shrink slightly once dried.\n[\n2\n]\nWhen they are reintroduced back into the sea, teak allows their joints to expand, which allows the boat to close any gaps and further strengthen itself.\n[\n2\n]\nSometime in the 1990s, China began its advocacy for the protection of its forests, causing a shortage in large timber resources.\n[\n5\n]\nFollowing this, China began to see a rise in fiberglass dragon boats which were often lighter and faster.\n[\n5\n]\nOver time, dragon boats made of fiberglass surpassed those made of wood, becoming a popular choice and the national standard for dragon boats in China.\n[\n5\n]\nAs a result, while wooden paddles and teak wood boats are still used from time to time, dragon boat athletes often train regularly on fiberglass boats, with paddles made of carbon fiber.\n[\n5\n]\nThe head and tail of a dragon is typically made of\ncamphor\nwood.\n[\n4\n]\nThe design of the dragon heads vary according to its location, as each region has their own specific features and colors to dedicate to it.\n[\n3\n]\nThe head and tail are often hand-carved, likely with a chisel and hammer, before being hand-painted.\n[\n3\n]\n[\n2\n]\n[\n5\n]\nSuch heads usually feature a pair of bulging eyes, two jumbo nostrils, a long snout, a stuck out tongue, 'feathers' or 'hairs' that appear frozen in a wave-like motion, and ferocious jaws that feature sharp, white teeth.\n[\n6\n]\nThe head leads to the long, sleek, and low body of the dragon boat which represents the dragon's back.\n[\n6\n]\nThis part also features a W-shaped belly that provides suction onto the water and helps to stabilize the boat.\n[\n2\n]\nOn its stern is a curled tail with minutely carved scales.\n[\n6\n]\nMany consider the building of these dragon boats to be a combination of various art forms, including\ncarpentry\nwork,\nwood carving\n,\noil painting\n, and marine architecture theory.\n[\n6\n]\nThey also involve a fair amount of labor division where various craftsmen work on different parts of the boat. For example, wooden furniture makers would be engaged to carve the dragon's head and tail, while ship builders would be engaged to work on the dragon's body.\n[\n2\n]\nWorld's longest dragon boat (\nKambojika Putta Khemara Tarei\n) on display next to\nRoyal Palace\nin\nPhnom Penh\n, Cambodia.\nSimilar to the use of\noutrigger canoes\nor\nPolynesian\nva'a\n, dragon boat racing has a rich background of ancient ceremonial, ritualistic and religious traditions, and thus, the modern competitive aspect is but one small part of this complex dragon boat culture. The use of dragon boats for racing and dragon ceremonies is believed by scholars,\nsinologists\n, and anthropologists to have originated in southern central China more than 2500 years ago, in\nDongting Lake\nand along the banks of the Chang Jiang (now called the\nYangtze\n) during the same era when the games of\nancient Greece\nwere being established at\nOlympia\n.\n[\n7\n]\nDragon boat racing has been practiced continuously since this period as the basis for annual water rituals and festival celebrations, and for the traditional veneration of the\nChinese dragon water deity\n.  The celebration was an important part of the ancient Chinese agricultural society, celebrating the summer rice planting. Dragon boat racing was historically situated in the Chinese subcontinent's southern-central \"rice bowl\"; where there were rice paddies, so too there were dragon boats.\nOf the twelve animals which make up the traditional\nChinese zodiac\n, only the\nDragon\nis a mythical creature. All the rest are non-mythical animals, yet all twelve of the zodiac creatures were well known to members of ancient Chinese agrarian communities.  Dragons were traditionally believed to be the rulers of water on earth: rivers, lakes, and seas; they were also thought to dominate the waters of the heavens: clouds, mists, and rains. There are earth dragons, mountain dragons, and sky or celestial dragons (Tian Long) in Chinese tradition. Mythical dragons and serpents are also found widely in many cultures around the world.\nTang dynasty\npainting of a dragon boat race attributed to Li Zhaodao (675-758)\nTraditional dragon boat racing, in China, coincides with the\n5th day of the 5th\nChinese lunar month\n(varying from late May to June on the modern Gregorian Calendar). The\nsummer solstice\noccurs around 21 June and is the reason why Chinese refer to their festival as \"Duan Wu\" or \"Duen Ng\". Both the sun and the dragon are considered to be male (the moon and the mythical phoenix, however, are considered to be female). The sun and the dragon are thought to be most potent during this time of the year, which provides a cause for observing this through ritual celebrations such as dragon boat racing.  It is also the time of year when rice seedlings must be transplanted in rice paddy fields to allow for wet rice cultivation. Wu or Ng refers to the sun at its highest position in the sky during the day, the meridian of 'high noon'. Duan or Duen refers to upright or directly overhead. Thus, Duan Wu is an ancient reference to the maximum position of the sun in the\nnorthern hemisphere\n, the longest day of the year or the summer solstice.\nVenerating the dragon deity was meant to avert misfortune and calamity and to encourage\nrainfall\n, which is needed for the fertility of the crops and thus, the prosperity of an agrarian way of life.  Celestial dragons were considered the controllers of rain, monsoons, winds, and clouds.  The Emperor was \"The Dragon\" or the \"Son of Heaven\", and Chinese people sometimes refer to themselves as \"dragons\" because of its spirit of strength and vitality.  Unlike dragons in\nEuropean mythology\n, which are typically considered to be evil and demonic, Asian dragons are regarded as wholesome and benevolent, and thus worthy of veneration, not slaying. If rainfall is insufficient, however, drought and famine can result. Veneration of dragons in China seems to be associated with annual rituals to ensure life-giving water and bountiful rice harvests in south-central China.\nAnother ritual called\nAwakening of the Dragon\ninvolves a\nTaoist priest\ndotting the bulging eyes of the carved dragon head attached to the boat. Doing so symbolizes the dragon ending its slumber and reenergizing its spirit, or ch'i. In modern dragon boat festivals, a representative can be invited to step forward to dot the eyes on a dragon boat head with a brush dipped in red paint.\nDragon boats used in \"\nNaha Hari\/Hare\n\" race (Ryukyu Islands)\nNot understanding the significance of Duanwu, 19th-century European observers of the racing ritual referred to the associated spectacle as a \"dragon boat festival\". This is the term that has become known in the West. Dragon boat racing, like Duanwu, is observed and celebrated in many areas of east Asia with a significant population of\nethnic Chinese\nsuch as\nSingapore\n,\nMalaysia\n, and the\nRiau Islands\n, as well as having been adopted by the\nRyukyu Islands\nsince ancient times. The date on which races were held is referred to as the \"double fifth\", since Duanwu is reckoned as the fifth day of the fifth\nlunar month\n, which often falls in the\nGregorian calendar\nmonth of June and occasionally in May or July. Duanwu is reckoned annually in accordance with the traditional\ncalendar system of China\n, which is a combination of solar and lunar cycles, unlike the solar-based\nGregorian calendar\nsystem.\nBas relief scene from\nBayon\ntemple depicting a naval battle using dragon boats between the\nKhmer Empire\nand\nChampa\n.\nThe\nKhmer Empire\nused dragon boats in their naval battles.  Today, Cambodia honors the use of dragon boats by the Khmer Empire's navy by hosting dragon boat competitions at the\nBon Om Touk\nwater festival.\n[\n8\n]\nLaos\nwhich emerged from the\nKhmer Empire\norganizes a similar dragon boat festival on the Mekong River called\nBoun Suang Huea\n.  The world's longest dragon boat is located in Cambodia and known as the\nKambojika Putta Khemara Tarei\n.\nDragon boats with a tower and crew (14th c.)\nDragon boat crews (14th c.)\nThe\ncrew\nof a standard dragon boat typically consists of 22 team members: 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and 1 steerer standing at the rear of the boat.\n[\n9\n]\nDragon boats, however, do vary in length and the crew size changes accordingly, from small dragon boats with only 10 paddlers up to traditional boats which have upwards of 50 paddlers, plus drummer(s) and steerer.\nThe pulsation of the\ndrum\nbeats produced by the\ndrummer\nmay be considered the \"\nheartbeat\n\" of the dragon boat. The drummer leads the paddlers throughout a race using the rhythmic drum beat to indicate the frequency and synchronization of all the paddlers' strokes (that is, the cadence, picking up or accelerating the pace, slowing the rate, etc.). The drummer may issue commands to the crew through a combination of hand signals and voice calls, and also generally exhorts the crew to perform at their peak. A drummer is typically mandatory during racing events, but if he or she is not present during training, it is typical for the sweep to direct the crew during a race. The drummer's role is both tactical and ceremonial. In official competitions, such as world championships, drummers must physically beat the drum, else the team may be issued a penalty. In other events or practices, the drummer of an experienced team may not hit the drum, as the team can paddle naturally together, without a drum beat.\nGood drummers should be able to\nsynchronize\ntheir drumming with the strokes of the leading pair of paddlers, rather than the other way around.\nPairs of\npaddlers\nsit facing forward in the boat, and use a specific type of\npaddle\nwhich, unlike equipment used in rowing, is not rigged to the boat in any way. The paddlers face the direction of boat-movement; dragon boaters thus \"paddle,\" like a canoe, while rowers \"row\", travelling opposite the way they face as in Olympic\nsculling\n.\nThe paddle now accepted by the\nInternational Dragon Boat Organization\nhas a standardized, fixed blade surface area and distinctive shape derived from the paddle shapes characteristic of that used by inhabitants of the\nPearl River\ndelta region of Guangdong Province, China adjacent to Hong Kong. The IDBF\n[\n10\n]\nPaddle Specification 202a (PS202a)\n[\n11\n]\nhas straight flared edges and circular arced shoulders, based geometrically on an equilateral triangle positioned between the blade face and the neck of the shaft.\nThe first pair of paddlers, called \"pacers,\" \"strokes\" or \"timers,\" set the pace for the team and are responsible for synchronizing their strokes with one another, because it is critical that all paddlers are synchronized. The direction of the dragon boat while racing is set by the steerer, but for docking and other maneuvers, individual paddlers may be asked to paddle (while others either stop the boat or rest) according to the commands given by the drummer or steerer.\nThere are generally three different strokes used by paddlers: a (normal) forward stroke, a backstroke, and a draw stroke.\nThe direction of a dragon boat's movement is controlled by the steerer standing in the back of the boat. Many terms exist for the person steering the boat, such as steerer, steersperson, steerman, sweep, and helm.\nThe steerer manipulates a long (typically 9-feet) straight oar, called a steering oar. The steering oar is situated in a mechanism that holds the oar in place, called oar lock. The oar lock can be in a variety of designs, so long as it holds the oar in place and allows it to pivot. It is housed on top of the steering arm, which sticks out perpendicularly on the back-left of a dragon boat.\nThe oar is used to both steer the boat as it is moving and adjust the positioning of the boat. To steer, a steerer will put the blade of the oar into the water and either push the handle away from him\/her, or pull it toward him\/her. Doing so will turn the boat right or left, respectively.\nA steerer can also use the steering oar to adjust the position of the boat by cranking. When a steerer cranks the steering oar, the stern of the boat moves either to the left or right, spinning the boat. This is typically executed to turn the boat around at practice or to ensure a boat is lined up straight and pointing directly down a racecourse.\nA steerer uses calls to direct the paddlers. The steerer may call \"paddles up\" to prepare to paddle and \"take it away!\" to commence paddling. The steerer may use other calls such as \"hold the boat\" for the paddlers to brake using their paddles or \"let it ride\" for them to lift their paddles out of the water.\nThe steerer also calls the demands in the race for paddlers to better their placement and time in the event that they are participating in.\nDragon boats racing in Hong Kong\nHKDBA team being awarded the Guinness World Record in Hong Kong\nModern dragon boat racing is organized at the international level by the\nInternational Dragon Boat Federation\n(IDBF), the world governing body for the sport. The IDBF is a member of the\nGlobal Association of International Sports Federations\nand is a founding federation of the AIMS Group (Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport) within GAISF. AIMS is an\nIOC\n-Recognized Multi Sports Organization. The\nInternational Canoe Federation\n(ICF) also has a dragon boat program for those of its Member Canoe Federations with an interest in dragon boat.\n[\n12\n]\nBoth Sport and Festival racing are very competitive and many paddlers train year round, using paddling machines or pools in addition to on-water sessions.\n[\n13\n]\nA festival race is typically a sprint event of several hundred meters, with 500 meters being the most common. Races measuring 200, 1000, and 2000 meters are also standard distances in international competition.  Races measuring 2000 meters are normally held on a 500-meter course, requiring teams to do two loops. Teams start and end at the same end of the course, and complete three 180-degree turns. Other distances may also be used in local festivals, such as 100 or 250 meters, or another distance, depending on the size of the\nbody of water\n.\nOrganizations, recognition and popular culture\n[\nedit\n]\nThe established International Federation for dragon boat sport is the\nInternational Dragon Boat Federation\n(IDBF). In 2007, the IDBF was recognized as a member of\nSportAccord\n(the former\nGeneral Association of International Sports Federations\n, GAISF) which is part of the\nOlympic Movement\n, after SportAccord considered the historical and cultural backgrounds and identities of dragon boat sports.\nIDBF member associations or federations have been established in 89 countries or territories since 1991. The IDBF is not presently an Olympic International Federation of the\nInternational Olympic Committee\n(IOC), but the IOC is currently considering the IDBF application for Olympic Federation status.\nThe\nInternational Canoe Federation\n, an IOC-recognized entity that governs many canoeing disciplines has also started to sanction Dragon Boat events. The ICF Dragon Boat World Championships have been held since 2006.\n[\n14\n]\nAccidents and incidents\n[\nedit\n]\nOn 23 November 2007,\na dragon boat capsized after colliding with a pontoon\nin\nTonlé Sap\n, Cambodia killing five paddlers.\nOn 17 January 2010,\na dragon boat capsized while training\nin\nPenang\n,\nMalaysia\nkilling six paddlers on board.\nOn 11 February 2011,\na dragon boat capsized while training due to wind\nin\nPræstø\n,\nDenmark\nkilling one paddler.\nOn 9 June 2016, three people drowned after their dragon boat capsized during a race in\nFujian Province\n,\nChina\n.\n[\n15\n]\nOn 22 April 2018, seventeen people drowned in a dragon boat accident on the Taohua River in Guilin,\nChina\n.\n[\n16\n]\n[\n17\n]\nOn 25 September 2019, seven people drowned near\nBoracay\n,\nPhilippines\n.\n[\n18\n]\nNouka Baich\nSwan boat (racing)\nWar canoe racing\n^\na\nb\n\"History & Culture\"\n.\nInternational Dragon Boat Federation\n. Retrieved\n2024-05-07\n.\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\ne\nf\ng\nZanzanaini, Gabriella (2018-06-13).\n\"Forgotten Icon: The Disappearing Art of Dragon Boat Building\"\n.\nZolima City Magazine\n. Retrieved\n2024-05-07\n.\n^\na\nb\nc\n\"The traditional family business of crafting a Tuen Ng festival dragon boat\"\n.\nYoung Post\n. 2018-06-11\n. Retrieved\n2024-05-07\n.\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\ne\nKa-kuen, Lau.\n\"Dragon Boat Festival: a feat of rhythm and athleticism\"\n.\nSouth China Morning Post\n. Retrieved\n2024-05-07\n.\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\ne\nf\n\"Dragon boat festival: the composite materials of boats and paddles add technicity to an ancient tradition - JEC\"\n.\nJEC\n. Retrieved\n2024-05-07\n.\n^\na\nb\nc\nd\nMinistry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (1983-07-01).\n\"The Making of a Dragon Boat\"\n.\nTaiwan Today\n. Retrieved\n2024-05-07\n.\n^\nWorcester, George.\nThe Junks and Sampans of the Yangtze River\n, 1971.\n^\nROBINSON, BELINDA. \"Tens of thousands of Cambodians cheer for centuries-old boat races.\" China Daily, 12 Nov. 2019, www.chinadaily.com.cn\/a\/201911\/12\/WS5dca1702a310cf3e35576cd7.html. Accessed 11 Aug. 2020.\n^\n\"Dragon boat racing calls to beginners and pros alike\"\n.\nLos Angeles Times\n. 2019-05-10\n. Retrieved\n2019-07-22\n.\n^\n\"IDBF Library\"\n. International Dragon Boat Federation. Archived from\nthe original\non 2016-03-01\n. Retrieved\n2016-02-11\n.\n^\n\"IDBF Racing Paddle Scheme\"\n(PDF)\n. International Dragon Boat Federation\n. Retrieved\n2016-02-11\n.\n[\npermanent dead link\n]\n^\n\"Dragon Boat\"\n.\n^\n\"Oswego Dragon Boat Festival\"\n. Oswegodragon.com. 2011-12-30. Archived from\nthe original\non 2013-06-27\n. Retrieved\n2013-03-06\n.\n^\n\"Dragon Boat\"\n. 21 July 2015.\n^\n\"Why Are People Still Dying in China's Dragon Boat Races?\"\n. 18 June 2018.\n^\n\"Seventeen drown in Dragon Boat accident in China\"\n. 22 April 2018.\n^\nBuckley, Chris (22 April 2018).\n\"Dragon Boats Capsize in Southern China; 17 Rowers Drown\"\n.\nThe New York Times\n.\n^\n\"Rowers drown in dragon boat accident in Philippines\"\n.\nMedia related to\nDragon boats\nat Wikimedia Commons","attrs_markdown":"[Jump to content](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#bodyContent)\n\nMain menu\n\nMain menu\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nNavigation\n\n- [Main page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page \"Visit the main page [z]\")\n- [Contents](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contents \"Guides to browsing Wikipedia\")\n- [Current events](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portal:Current_events \"Articles related to current events\")\n- [Random article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Random \"Visit a randomly selected article [x]\")\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About \"Learn about Wikipedia and how it works\")\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us \"How to contact Wikipedia\")\n\nContribute\n\n- [Help](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Contents \"Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Learn to edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Introduction \"Learn how to edit Wikipedia\")\n- [Community portal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Community_portal \"The hub for editors\")\n- [Recent changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChanges \"A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard \"Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia\")\n- [Special pages](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:SpecialPages \"A list of all special pages [q]\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/icons\/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/mobile\/copyright\/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:Search \"Search Wikipedia [f]\")\n\nAppearance\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/donate.wikimedia.org\/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en)\n- [Create account](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Dragon+boat \"You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory\")\n- [Log in](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Dragon+boat \"You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]\")\n\n## Contents\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\n- [(Top)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat)\n- [1 Design and construction](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#Design_and_construction)\n- [2 History](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#History)\n- [3 Crew](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#Crew)\n  Toggle Crew subsection\n  - [3\\.1 Drummer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#Drummer)\n  - [3\\.2 Paddlers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#Paddlers)\n  - [3\\.3 Steerer](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#Steerer)\n- [4 Racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#Racing)\n- [5 Organizations, recognition and popular culture](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#Organizations,_recognition_and_popular_culture)\n- [6 Accidents and incidents](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#Accidents_and_incidents)\n- [7 See also](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#See_also)\n- [8 References](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#References)\n- [9 External links](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#External_links)\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\n# Dragon boat\n35 languages\n\n- [Ænglisc](https:\/\/ang.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dracabatfreols \"Dracabatfreols – Old English\")\n- [العربية](https:\/\/ar.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%86 \"قارب التنين – Arabic\")\n- [Banjar](https:\/\/bjn.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parahu_naga \"Parahu naga – Banjar\")\n- [বাংলা](https:\/\/bn.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%A6%A1%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%A8_%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8C%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE \"ড্রাগন নৌকা – Bangla\")\n- [བོད་ཡིག](https:\/\/bo.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E0%BD%A0%E0%BD%96%E0%BE%B2%E0%BD%B4%E0%BD%82%E0%BC%8B%E0%BD%82%E0%BE%B2%E0%BD%B4%E0%BC%8D \"འབྲུག་གྲུ། – Tibetan\")\n- [Català](https:\/\/ca.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bot_drag%C3%B3 \"Bot dragó – Catalan\")\n- [閩東語 \/ Mìng-dĕ̤ng-ngṳ̄](https:\/\/cdo.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/L%C3%B9ng-s%C3%B9ng \"Lùng-sùng – Mindong\")\n- [Čeština](https:\/\/cs.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dra%C4%8D%C3%AD_lo%C4%8F \"Dračí loď – Czech\")\n- [Deutsch](https:\/\/de.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drachenboot \"Drachenboot – German\")\n- [Esperanto](https:\/\/eo.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drakboato \"Drakboato – Esperanto\")\n- [Español](https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barco_drag%C3%B3n \"Barco dragón – Spanish\")\n- [فارسی](https:\/\/fa.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%DA%AF%D9%88%D9%86_%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AA \"دراگون بوت – Persian\")\n- [Français](https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bateau-dragon_\\(pirogue\\) \"Bateau-dragon (pirogue) – French\")\n- [客家語 \/ Hak-kâ-ngî](https:\/\/hak.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Li%C3%B9ng-s%C3%B2n \"Liùng-sòn – Hakka Chinese\")\n- [עברית](https:\/\/he.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%AA_%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%9F \"סירת דרקון – Hebrew\")\n- [Magyar](https:\/\/hu.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/S%C3%A1rk%C3%A1nyhaj%C3%B3 \"Sárkányhajó – Hungarian\")\n- [Հայերեն](https:\/\/hy.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D5%8E%D5%AB%D5%B7%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%BE%D5%A5%D6%80 \"Վիշապանավեր – Armenian\")\n- [Bahasa Indonesia](https:\/\/id.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Perahu_naga \"Perahu naga – Indonesian\")\n- [Italiano](https:\/\/it.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragonboat \"Dragonboat – Italian\")\n- [日本語](https:\/\/ja.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B4%E3%83%B3%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88 \"ドラゴンボート – Japanese\")\n- [한국어](https:\/\/ko.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%EB%93%9C%EB%9E%98%EA%B3%A4%EB%B3%B4%ED%8A%B8 \"드래곤보트 – Korean\")\n- [Bahasa Melayu](https:\/\/ms.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Perahu_naga \"Perahu naga – Malay\")\n- [Nederlands](https:\/\/nl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drakenboot \"Drakenboot – Dutch\")\n- [Norsk bokmål](https:\/\/no.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drageb%C3%A5t \"Dragebåt – Norwegian Bokmål\")\n- [Polski](https:\/\/pl.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Smocze_%C5%82odzie \"Smocze łodzie – Polish\")\n- [Português](https:\/\/pt.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barco-drag%C3%A3o \"Barco-dragão – Portuguese\")\n- [Русский](https:\/\/ru.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%94%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BD_\\(%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BA%D0%B0\\) \"Дракон (лодка) – Russian\")\n- [Slovenčina](https:\/\/sk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dra%C4%8Dia_lo%C4%8F \"Dračia loď – Slovak\")\n- [Svenska](https:\/\/sv.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drakb%C3%A5t \"Drakbåt – Swedish\")\n- [Türkçe](https:\/\/tr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_teknesi \"Dragon teknesi – Turkish\")\n- [Українська](https:\/\/uk.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%D0%92%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BB%D1%83%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8F_%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D1%87%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%85_%22%D0%94%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BD%22 \"Веслування на човнах \\\"Дракон\\\" – Ukrainian\")\n- [Vahcuengh](https:\/\/za.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lungzconz \"Lungzconz – Zhuang\")\n- [閩南語 \/ Bân-lâm-gí](https:\/\/zh-min-nan.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/L%C3%AAng-ch%C3%BBn \"Lêng-chûn – Minnan\")\n- [粵語](https:\/\/zh-yue.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E9%BE%8D%E8%88%B9 \"龍船 – Cantonese\")\n- [中文](https:\/\/zh.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%E9%BE%8D%E8%88%9F \"龍舟 – Chinese\")\n\n[Edit links](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q57589#sitelinks-wikipedia \"Edit interlanguage links\")\n\n- [Article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat \"View the content page [c]\")\n- [Talk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Talk:Dragon_boat \"Discuss improvements to the content page [t]\")\n\nEnglish\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=history \"Past revisions of this page [h]\")\n\nTools\n\nTools\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nActions\n\n- [Read](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat)\n- [Edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit \"Edit this page [e]\")\n- [View history](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=history)\n\nGeneral\n\n- [What links here](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:WhatLinksHere\/Dragon_boat \"List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]\")\n- [Related changes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:RecentChangesLinked\/Dragon_boat \"Recent changes in pages linked from this page [k]\")\n- [Upload file](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:File_Upload_Wizard \"Upload files [u]\")\n- [Permanent link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&oldid=1347507002 \"Permanent link to this revision of this page\")\n- [Page information](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=info \"More information about this page\")\n- [Cite this page](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=Dragon_boat&id=1347507002&wpFormIdentifier=titleform \"Information on how to cite this page\")\n- [Get shortened URL](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FDragon_boat)\n\nPrint\/export\n\n- [Download as PDF](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=Dragon_boat&action=show-download-screen \"Download this page as a PDF file\")\n- [Printable version](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&printable=yes \"Printable version of this page [p]\")\n\nIn other projects\n\n- [Wikimedia Commons](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat)\n- [Wikidata item](https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Special:EntityPage\/Q57589 \"Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]\")\n\nAppearance\n\nmove to sidebar\n\nhide\n\nFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia\n\nAncient Chinese boat\n\nThis article is about Dragon boats and racing. For the festivals and holidays associated with dragon boats, see [Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_Boat_Festival \"Dragon Boat Festival\").\n\nNot to be confused with [Dragon (keelboat)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_\\(keelboat\\) \"Dragon (keelboat)\").\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![icon](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/99\/Question_book-new.svg\/60px-Question_book-new.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Question_book-new.svg) | This article **needs additional citations for [verification](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Verifiability \"Wikipedia:Verifiability\")**. Please help [improve this article](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Dragon_boat \"Special:EditPage\/Dragon boat\") by [adding citations to reliable sources](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Referencing_for_beginners \"Help:Referencing for beginners\"). Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. *Find sources:* [\"Dragon boat\"](https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?as_eq=wikipedia&q=%22Dragon+boat%22) – [news](https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?tbm=nws&q=%22Dragon+boat%22+-wikipedia&tbs=ar:1) **·** [newspapers](https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?&q=%22Dragon+boat%22&tbs=bkt:s&tbm=bks) **·** [books](https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?tbs=bks:1&q=%22Dragon+boat%22+-wikipedia) **·** [scholar](https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/scholar?q=%22Dragon+boat%22) **·** [JSTOR](https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/action\/doBasicSearch?Query=%22Dragon+boat%22&acc=on&wc=on) *(January 2020)* *([Learn how and when to remove this message](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:Maintenance_template_removal \"Help:Maintenance template removal\"))* |\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg\/500px-Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg)Dragon boat moving across the [Danube](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Danube \"Danube\") river in [Budapest](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Budapest \"Budapest\"), [Hungary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hungary \"Hungary\") |   |\n| Highest [governing body](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sports_governing_body \"Sports governing body\") | [International Dragon Boat Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation \"International Dragon Boat Federation\") |\n| First developed | Ancient China |\n| Characteristics |   |\n| Contact | No |\n| Team members | 22 (regulation) |\n| Type | Watercraft paddle sport |\n| Equipment | Dragon boat, paddles, drum |\n| Presence |   |\n| Country or region | Worldwide |\n| [Olympic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympic_Games \"Olympic Games\") | No |\n| [World Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Games \"World Games\") | [2005](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2005_World_Games \"2005 World Games\") (invitational), [2009](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2009_World_Games \"2009 World Games\") (invitational) |\n\n| Dragon boat |   |\n|---|---|\n| [Traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\") | 龍舟 |\n| [Simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\") | 龙舟 |\n| Transcriptions |   |\n| [Standard Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_Chinese \"Standard Chinese\") |   |\n| [Hanyu Pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanyu_Pinyin \"Hanyu Pinyin\") | lóngzhōu |\n| [Wade–Giles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wade%E2%80%93Giles \"Wade–Giles\") | lung2\\-chou1 |\n| [IPA](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/Mandarin \"Help:IPA\/Mandarin\") | [\\[lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂóʊ\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/Mandarin \"Help:IPA\/Mandarin\") |\n| [Southern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southern_Min \"Southern Min\") |   |\n| [Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [POJ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\") | lêng-chiu |\n| Alternative Chinese name |   |\n| [Traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\") | 龍船 |\n| [Simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\") | 龙船 |\n| Transcriptions |   |\n| [Standard Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_Chinese \"Standard Chinese\") |   |\n| [Hanyu Pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanyu_Pinyin \"Hanyu Pinyin\") | lóngchuán |\n| [Wade–Giles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wade%E2%80%93Giles \"Wade–Giles\") | lung2\\-chʻuan2 |\n| [IPA](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/Mandarin \"Help:IPA\/Mandarin\") | [\\[lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂʰwǎn\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/Mandarin \"Help:IPA\/Mandarin\") |\n| [Yue: Cantonese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cantonese \"Cantonese\") |   |\n| [Yale Romanization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese \"Yale romanization of Cantonese\") | lùhngsyùhn |\n| [Southern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southern_Min \"Southern Min\") |   |\n| [Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [POJ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\") | liông-chûn |\n\nA **dragon boat** is a [human-powered watercraft](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human-powered_watercraft \"Human-powered watercraft\") that originated in the [Pearl River Delta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pearl_River_Delta \"Pearl River Delta\") region of southern [China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/China \"China\")'s [Guangdong Province](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guangdong_Province \"Guangdong Province\"). These were made of [teak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Teak \"Teak\"), but in other parts of China different kinds of wood are used. It is one of a family of traditional paddled long boats found throughout [Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asia \"Asia\"), [Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Africa \"Africa\"), the Pacific islands, and [Puerto Rico](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Puerto_Rico \"Puerto Rico\"). The sport of dragon boat racing has its roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers, which dates back 2000 years throughout southern China, and even further to the original games of [Olympia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympia,_Greece \"Olympia, Greece\") in [ancient Greece](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancient_Greece \"Ancient Greece\"). Both dragon boat racing and the ancient [Olympiad](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympiad \"Olympiad\") included aspects of religious observances and community celebrations, along with competitions.\n\nDragon boat racing has been a traditional Chinese paddled watercraft activity for over 2000 years and began as a modern international sport in [Hong Kong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Kong \"Hong Kong\") in 1976. These boats are typically made of [carbon fiber](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carbon_fiber \"Carbon fiber\"), [fiberglass](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fiberglass \"Fiberglass\"), and other lightweight materials. For [competition](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Competition \"Competition\") events, dragon boats are generally rigged with decorative [Chinese dragon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_dragon \"Chinese dragon\") heads and tails. At other times (such as during training), decorative regalia is usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard for drummers to practice. For races, there are 18-20 people in a standard boat, and 8-10 in a small boat, not including the steersperson (sweep) and the drummer.\n\nIn December 2007, the central government of the People's Republic of China added the [Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_Boat_Festival \"Dragon Boat Festival\"), along with the [Qingming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qingming_Festival \"Qingming Festival\") and [Mid-Autumn](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mid-Autumn_festival \"Mid-Autumn festival\") festivals, to the schedule of national holidays.\n\n## Design and construction\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=1 \"Edit section: Design and construction\")\\]\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![\\[icon\\]](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg\/20px-Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) | This section **needs expansion** with: explain the shape, materials, and construction techniques of historical and current dragon boats. You can help by [adding missing information](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=). *(May 2023)* |\n\nThe [International Dragon Boat Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation \"International Dragon Boat Federation\") defines a dragon boat, within competition regulations, to be: \"a long displacement boat of an open design, that is based upon a rib-less [carvel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carvel_\\(boat_building\\) \"Carvel (boat building)\") form of hull construction, with the following distinguishing characteristics; no [stem](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stem_\\(ship\\) \"Stem (ship)\"), hard [chine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chine_\\(boating\\) \"Chine (boating)\") bilge; W in cross section, minimum [freeboard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Freeboard_\\(nautical\\) \"Freeboard (nautical)\"), [punt](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Punt_\\(boat\\) \"Punt (boat)\")\\-like entry and exit; rocketed [keel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Keel \"Keel\") that is set back from the twin rail boards and curved sheet line with upsweep extremities\".[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:0-1)\n\nDragon boats vary in size: medium-sized boats can measure about 38 feet (11.5 meters), whereas larger boats can measure up to 90 feet (27.4 meters) in length.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) The width and depth of the boat also varies, changing according to factors like the boat's length and purpose, as well as the number of people in its crew.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:0-1) Some dragon boat craftsmen may also alter the width of the boats depending on the expertise of its paddlers, with narrower boats being constructed for more skilled dragon boaters.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3)\n\nThe material used to build the main body of a dragon boat is diverse and has varied over the years. Before 1911, Ge wood, imported from countries like [Myanmar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Myanmar \"Myanmar\"), [Thailand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thailand \"Thailand\"), and [Vietnam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vietnam \"Vietnam\") was used.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) From 1911 towards the end of the 1990s, dragon boats had been built using [pine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pine \"Pine\") wood imported from the [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States \"United States\").[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) Since 2000, cedar wood from the [Guizhou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guizhou \"Guizhou\") province of China had been used.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) Today, the standard materials used to build the hull of these dragon boats are usually either [teak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Teak \"Teak\") wood or fiberglass.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4)[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5)\n\nTeak wood is considerably adept at handling moisture.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) For a majority of the year, dragon boats are stored out of the water, on dry land, where they tend to shrink slightly once dried.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) When they are reintroduced back into the sea, teak allows their joints to expand, which allows the boat to close any gaps and further strengthen itself.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) Sometime in the 1990s, China began its advocacy for the protection of its forests, causing a shortage in large timber resources.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Following this, China began to see a rise in fiberglass dragon boats which were often lighter and faster.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Over time, dragon boats made of fiberglass surpassed those made of wood, becoming a popular choice and the national standard for dragon boats in China.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) As a result, while wooden paddles and teak wood boats are still used from time to time, dragon boat athletes often train regularly on fiberglass boats, with paddles made of carbon fiber.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5)\n\nThe head and tail of a dragon is typically made of [camphor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Camphora_officinarum \"Camphora officinarum\") wood.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) The design of the dragon heads vary according to its location, as each region has their own specific features and colors to dedicate to it.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3) The head and tail are often hand-carved, likely with a chisel and hammer, before being hand-painted.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3)[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2)[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Such heads usually feature a pair of bulging eyes, two jumbo nostrils, a long snout, a stuck out tongue, 'feathers' or 'hairs' that appear frozen in a wave-like motion, and ferocious jaws that feature sharp, white teeth.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) The head leads to the long, sleek, and low body of the dragon boat which represents the dragon's back.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) This part also features a W-shaped belly that provides suction onto the water and helps to stabilize the boat.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) On its stern is a curled tail with minutely carved scales.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6)\n\nMany consider the building of these dragon boats to be a combination of various art forms, including [carpentry](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carpentry \"Carpentry\") work, [wood carving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wood_carving \"Wood carving\"), [oil painting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oil_painting \"Oil painting\"), and marine architecture theory.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) They also involve a fair amount of labor division where various craftsmen work on different parts of the boat. For example, wooden furniture makers would be engaged to carve the dragon's head and tail, while ship builders would be engaged to work on the dragon's body.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2)\n\n## History\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=2 \"Edit section: History\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_%28front%29.jpg\/250px-Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_%28front%29.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_\\(front\\).jpg)\n\nWorld's longest dragon boat ([Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei \"Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei\")) on display next to [Royal Palace](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Royal_Palace,_Phnom_Penh \"Royal Palace, Phnom Penh\") in [Phnom Penh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Phnom_Penh \"Phnom Penh\"), Cambodia.\n\nSimilar to the use of [outrigger canoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Outrigger_canoe \"Outrigger canoe\") or [Polynesian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Polynesians \"Polynesians\") [va'a](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Va%27a \"Va'a\"), dragon boat racing has a rich background of ancient ceremonial, ritualistic and religious traditions, and thus, the modern competitive aspect is but one small part of this complex dragon boat culture. The use of dragon boats for racing and dragon ceremonies is believed by scholars, [sinologists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sinologists \"Sinologists\"), and anthropologists to have originated in southern central China more than 2500 years ago, in [Dongting Lake](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dongting_Lake \"Dongting Lake\") and along the banks of the Chang Jiang (now called the [Yangtze](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yangtze_River \"Yangtze River\")) during the same era when the games of [ancient Greece](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancient_Greece \"Ancient Greece\") were being established at [Olympia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympia,_Greece \"Olympia, Greece\").[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-7) Dragon boat racing has been practiced continuously since this period as the basis for annual water rituals and festival celebrations, and for the traditional veneration of the [Chinese dragon water deity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_king \"Dragon king\"). The celebration was an important part of the ancient Chinese agricultural society, celebrating the summer rice planting. Dragon boat racing was historically situated in the Chinese subcontinent's southern-central \"rice bowl\"; where there were rice paddies, so too there were dragon boats.\n\nOf the twelve animals which make up the traditional [Chinese zodiac](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_zodiac \"Chinese zodiac\"), only the [Dragon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_\\(zodiac\\) \"Dragon (zodiac)\") is a mythical creature. All the rest are non-mythical animals, yet all twelve of the zodiac creatures were well known to members of ancient Chinese agrarian communities. Dragons were traditionally believed to be the rulers of water on earth: rivers, lakes, and seas; they were also thought to dominate the waters of the heavens: clouds, mists, and rains. There are earth dragons, mountain dragons, and sky or celestial dragons (Tian Long) in Chinese tradition. Mythical dragons and serpents are also found widely in many cultures around the world.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum%2C_Beijing.jpg\/250px-Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum%2C_Beijing.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum,_Beijing.jpg)\n\n[Tang dynasty](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tang_dynasty \"Tang dynasty\") painting of a dragon boat race attributed to Li Zhaodao (675-758)\n\nTraditional dragon boat racing, in China, coincides with the *5th day of the 5th [Chinese lunar month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\")* (varying from late May to June on the modern Gregorian Calendar). The [summer solstice](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Summer_solstice \"Summer solstice\") occurs around 21 June and is the reason why Chinese refer to their festival as \"Duan Wu\" or \"Duen Ng\". Both the sun and the dragon are considered to be male (the moon and the mythical phoenix, however, are considered to be female). The sun and the dragon are thought to be most potent during this time of the year, which provides a cause for observing this through ritual celebrations such as dragon boat racing. It is also the time of year when rice seedlings must be transplanted in rice paddy fields to allow for wet rice cultivation. Wu or Ng refers to the sun at its highest position in the sky during the day, the meridian of 'high noon'. Duan or Duen refers to upright or directly overhead. Thus, Duan Wu is an ancient reference to the maximum position of the sun in the [northern hemisphere](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Northern_Hemisphere \"Northern Hemisphere\"), the longest day of the year or the summer solstice.\n\nVenerating the dragon deity was meant to avert misfortune and calamity and to encourage [rainfall](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rainfall \"Rainfall\"), which is needed for the fertility of the crops and thus, the prosperity of an agrarian way of life. Celestial dragons were considered the controllers of rain, monsoons, winds, and clouds. The Emperor was \"The Dragon\" or the \"Son of Heaven\", and Chinese people sometimes refer to themselves as \"dragons\" because of its spirit of strength and vitality. Unlike dragons in [European mythology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/European_mythology \"European mythology\"), which are typically considered to be evil and demonic, Asian dragons are regarded as wholesome and benevolent, and thus worthy of veneration, not slaying. If rainfall is insufficient, however, drought and famine can result. Veneration of dragons in China seems to be associated with annual rituals to ensure life-giving water and bountiful rice harvests in south-central China.\n\nAnother ritual called *[Awakening of the Dragon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Awakening_of_the_Dragon&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Awakening of the Dragon (page does not exist)\")* involves a [Taoist priest](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daoshi \"Daoshi\") dotting the bulging eyes of the carved dragon head attached to the boat. Doing so symbolizes the dragon ending its slumber and reenergizing its spirit, or ch'i. In modern dragon boat festivals, a representative can be invited to step forward to dot the eyes on a dragon boat head with a brush dipped in red paint.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b3\/NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg\/250px-NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg)\n\nDragon boats used in \"[Naha Hari\/Hare](https:\/\/visitokinawajapan.com\/discover\/events\/naha-hari-hare\/)\" race (Ryukyu Islands)\n\nNot understanding the significance of Duanwu, 19th-century European observers of the racing ritual referred to the associated spectacle as a \"dragon boat festival\". This is the term that has become known in the West. Dragon boat racing, like Duanwu, is observed and celebrated in many areas of east Asia with a significant population of [ethnic Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overseas_Chinese \"Overseas Chinese\") such as [Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Singapore \"Singapore\"), [Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysia \"Malaysia\"), and the [Riau Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Riau_Islands \"Riau Islands\"), as well as having been adopted by the [Ryukyu Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ryukyu_Islands \"Ryukyu Islands\") since ancient times. The date on which races were held is referred to as the \"double fifth\", since Duanwu is reckoned as the fifth day of the fifth [lunar month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lunar_calendar \"Lunar calendar\"), which often falls in the [Gregorian calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gregorian_calendar \"Gregorian calendar\") month of June and occasionally in May or July. Duanwu is reckoned annually in accordance with the traditional [calendar system of China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\"), which is a combination of solar and lunar cycles, unlike the solar-based [Gregorian calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gregorian_calendar \"Gregorian calendar\") system.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Bayonnavalbat01.JPG\/250px-Bayonnavalbat01.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Bayonnavalbat01.JPG)\n\nBas relief scene from [Bayon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bayon \"Bayon\") temple depicting a naval battle using dragon boats between the [Khmer Empire](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Khmer_Empire \"Khmer Empire\") and [Champa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Champa \"Champa\").\n\nThe [Khmer Empire](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Khmer_Empire \"Khmer Empire\") used dragon boats in their naval battles. Today, Cambodia honors the use of dragon boats by the Khmer Empire's navy by hosting dragon boat competitions at the [Bon Om Touk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bon_Om_Touk \"Bon Om Touk\") water festival.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-8) [Laos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Laos \"Laos\") which emerged from the [Khmer Empire](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Khmer_Empire \"Khmer Empire\") organizes a similar dragon boat festival on the Mekong River called [Boun Suang Huea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boun_Suang_Huea \"Boun Suang Huea\"). The world's longest dragon boat is located in Cambodia and known as the [Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei \"Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei\").\n\n## Crew\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=3 \"Edit section: Crew\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/fb\/%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg\/500px-%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg)\n\nDragon boats with a tower and crew (14th c.)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/e\/e2\/%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg\/500px-%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg)\n\nDragon boat crews (14th c.)\n\nThe [crew](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Crew \"Crew\") of a standard dragon boat typically consists of 22 team members: 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and 1 steerer standing at the rear of the boat.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-9) Dragon boats, however, do vary in length and the crew size changes accordingly, from small dragon boats with only 10 paddlers up to traditional boats which have upwards of 50 paddlers, plus drummer(s) and steerer.\n\n### Drummer\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=4 \"Edit section: Drummer\")\\]\n\nThe pulsation of the [drum](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drum \"Drum\") beats produced by the **drummer** may be considered the \"[heartbeat](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pulse \"Pulse\")\" of the dragon boat. The drummer leads the paddlers throughout a race using the rhythmic drum beat to indicate the frequency and synchronization of all the paddlers' strokes (that is, the cadence, picking up or accelerating the pace, slowing the rate, etc.). The drummer may issue commands to the crew through a combination of hand signals and voice calls, and also generally exhorts the crew to perform at their peak. A drummer is typically mandatory during racing events, but if he or she is not present during training, it is typical for the sweep to direct the crew during a race. The drummer's role is both tactical and ceremonial. In official competitions, such as world championships, drummers must physically beat the drum, else the team may be issued a penalty. In other events or practices, the drummer of an experienced team may not hit the drum, as the team can paddle naturally together, without a drum beat.\n\nGood drummers should be able to [synchronize](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Synchronize \"Synchronize\") their drumming with the strokes of the leading pair of paddlers, rather than the other way around.\n\n### Paddlers\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=5 \"Edit section: Paddlers\")\\]\n\nPairs of **paddlers** sit facing forward in the boat, and use a specific type of [paddle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddle \"Paddle\") which, unlike equipment used in rowing, is not rigged to the boat in any way. The paddlers face the direction of boat-movement; dragon boaters thus \"paddle,\" like a canoe, while rowers \"row\", travelling opposite the way they face as in Olympic [sculling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sculling \"Sculling\").\n\nThe paddle now accepted by the [International Dragon Boat Organization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=International_Dragon_Boat_Organization&action=edit&redlink=1 \"International Dragon Boat Organization (page does not exist)\") has a standardized, fixed blade surface area and distinctive shape derived from the paddle shapes characteristic of that used by inhabitants of the [Pearl River](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pearl_River_\\(China\\) \"Pearl River (China)\") delta region of Guangdong Province, China adjacent to Hong Kong. The IDBF[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-10) Paddle Specification 202a (PS202a)[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-11) has straight flared edges and circular arced shoulders, based geometrically on an equilateral triangle positioned between the blade face and the neck of the shaft.\n\nThe first pair of paddlers, called \"pacers,\" \"strokes\" or \"timers,\" set the pace for the team and are responsible for synchronizing their strokes with one another, because it is critical that all paddlers are synchronized. The direction of the dragon boat while racing is set by the steerer, but for docking and other maneuvers, individual paddlers may be asked to paddle (while others either stop the boat or rest) according to the commands given by the drummer or steerer.\n\nThere are generally three different strokes used by paddlers: a (normal) forward stroke, a backstroke, and a draw stroke.\n\n### Steerer\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=6 \"Edit section: Steerer\")\\]\n\nThe direction of a dragon boat's movement is controlled by the steerer standing in the back of the boat. Many terms exist for the person steering the boat, such as steerer, steersperson, steerman, sweep, and helm.\n\nThe steerer manipulates a long (typically 9-feet) straight oar, called a steering oar. The steering oar is situated in a mechanism that holds the oar in place, called oar lock. The oar lock can be in a variety of designs, so long as it holds the oar in place and allows it to pivot. It is housed on top of the steering arm, which sticks out perpendicularly on the back-left of a dragon boat.\n\nThe oar is used to both steer the boat as it is moving and adjust the positioning of the boat. To steer, a steerer will put the blade of the oar into the water and either push the handle away from him\/her, or pull it toward him\/her. Doing so will turn the boat right or left, respectively.\n\nA steerer can also use the steering oar to adjust the position of the boat by cranking. When a steerer cranks the steering oar, the stern of the boat moves either to the left or right, spinning the boat. This is typically executed to turn the boat around at practice or to ensure a boat is lined up straight and pointing directly down a racecourse.\n\nA steerer uses calls to direct the paddlers. The steerer may call \"paddles up\" to prepare to paddle and \"take it away!\" to commence paddling. The steerer may use other calls such as \"hold the boat\" for the paddlers to brake using their paddles or \"let it ride\" for them to lift their paddles out of the water.\n\nThe steerer also calls the demands in the race for paddlers to better their placement and time in the event that they are participating in.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/98\/Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg\/1920px-Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg \"‪Dragon Boat Regatta by Wang Zhenpeng (14th c., Yuan dynasty)‬\")\n\n*Dragon Boat Regatta* by [Wang Zhenpeng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wang_Zhenpeng_\\(painter\\) \"Wang Zhenpeng (painter)\") (14th c., [Yuan dynasty](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yuan_dynasty \"Yuan dynasty\"))\n\n## Racing\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=7 \"Edit section: Racing\")\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg\/250px-Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg)\n\nDragon boats racing in Hong Kong\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/cd\/HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg\/250px-HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg)\n\nHKDBA team being awarded the Guinness World Record in Hong Kong\n\nModern dragon boat racing is organized at the international level by the [International Dragon Boat Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation \"International Dragon Boat Federation\") (IDBF), the world governing body for the sport. The IDBF is a member of the [Global Association of International Sports Federations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Global_Association_of_International_Sports_Federations \"Global Association of International Sports Federations\") and is a founding federation of the AIMS Group (Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport) within GAISF. AIMS is an [IOC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Olympic_Committee \"International Olympic Committee\")\\-Recognized Multi Sports Organization. The [International Canoe Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Canoe_Federation \"International Canoe Federation\") (ICF) also has a dragon boat program for those of its Member Canoe Federations with an interest in dragon boat.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-12) Both Sport and Festival racing are very competitive and many paddlers train year round, using paddling machines or pools in addition to on-water sessions.[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-13)\n\nA festival race is typically a sprint event of several hundred meters, with 500 meters being the most common. Races measuring 200, 1000, and 2000 meters are also standard distances in international competition. Races measuring 2000 meters are normally held on a 500-meter course, requiring teams to do two loops. Teams start and end at the same end of the course, and complete three 180-degree turns. Other distances may also be used in local festivals, such as 100 or 250 meters, or another distance, depending on the size of the [body of water](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Body_of_water \"Body of water\").\n\n## Organizations, recognition and popular culture\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=8 \"Edit section: Organizations, recognition and popular culture\")\\]\n\nThe established International Federation for dragon boat sport is the [International Dragon Boat Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation \"International Dragon Boat Federation\") (IDBF). In 2007, the IDBF was recognized as a member of [SportAccord](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SportAccord \"SportAccord\") (the former *General Association of International Sports Federations*, GAISF) which is part of the [Olympic Movement](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympic_Movement \"Olympic Movement\"), after SportAccord considered the historical and cultural backgrounds and identities of dragon boat sports.\n\nIDBF member associations or federations have been established in 89 countries or territories since 1991. The IDBF is not presently an Olympic International Federation of the [International Olympic Committee](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Olympic_Committee \"International Olympic Committee\") (IOC), but the IOC is currently considering the IDBF application for Olympic Federation status.\n\nThe [International Canoe Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Canoe_Federation \"International Canoe Federation\"), an IOC-recognized entity that governs many canoeing disciplines has also started to sanction Dragon Boat events. The ICF Dragon Boat World Championships have been held since 2006.[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-14)\n\n## Accidents and incidents\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=9 \"Edit section: Accidents and incidents\")\\]\n\n- On 23 November 2007, [a dragon boat capsized after colliding with a pontoon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Tonl%C3%A9_Sap_dragon_boat_accident \"2007 Tonlé Sap dragon boat accident\") in [Tonlé Sap](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tonl%C3%A9_Sap \"Tonlé Sap\"), Cambodia killing five paddlers.\n- On 17 January 2010, [a dragon boat capsized while training](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2010_Penang_dragon_boat_tragedy \"2010 Penang dragon boat tragedy\") in [Penang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Penang \"Penang\"), [Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysia \"Malaysia\") killing six paddlers on board.\n- On 11 February 2011, [a dragon boat capsized while training due to wind](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Pr%C3%A6st%C3%B8_Fjord_dragon_boat_accident \"2011 Præstø Fjord dragon boat accident\") in [Præstø](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pr%C3%A6st%C3%B8 \"Præstø\"), [Denmark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Denmark \"Denmark\") killing one paddler.\n- On 9 June 2016, three people drowned after their dragon boat capsized during a race in [Fujian Province](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fujian_Province \"Fujian Province\"), [China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/China \"China\").[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-15)\n- On 22 April 2018, seventeen people drowned in a dragon boat accident on the Taohua River in Guilin, [China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/China \"China\").[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-16)[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-17)\n- On 25 September 2019, seven people drowned near [Boracay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boracay \"Boracay\"), [Philippines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Philippines \"Philippines\").[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-18)\n\n## See also\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=10 \"Edit section: See also\")\\]\n\n- [Nouka Baich](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nouka_Baich \"Nouka Baich\")\n- [Swan boat (racing)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Swan_boat_\\(racing\\) \"Swan boat (racing)\")\n- [War canoe racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War_canoe_racing \"War canoe racing\")\n\n## References\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=11 \"Edit section: References\")\\]\n\n1. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:0_1-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:0_1-1)\n   [\"History & Culture\"](https:\/\/www.dragonboat.sport\/about-us\/history-culture\/). *International Dragon Boat Federation*. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n2. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-4) [***f***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-5) [***g***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-6)\n   Zanzanaini, Gabriella (2018-06-13). [\"Forgotten Icon: The Disappearing Art of Dragon Boat Building\"](https:\/\/zolimacitymag.com\/forgotten-icon-the-disappearing-art-of-dragon-boat-building\/). *Zolima City Magazine*. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n3. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-2)\n   [\"The traditional family business of crafting a Tuen Ng festival dragon boat\"](https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/yp\/discover\/lifestyle\/features\/article\/3072825\/traditional-family-business-crafting-tuen-ng). *Young Post*. 2018-06-11. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n4. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-4)\n   Ka-kuen, Lau. [\"Dragon Boat Festival: a feat of rhythm and athleticism\"](https:\/\/multimedia.scmp.com\/infographics\/lifestyle\/article\/3001002\/dragon-boat\/index.html?src=social). *South China Morning Post*. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n5. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-4) [***f***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-5)\n   [\"Dragon boat festival: the composite materials of boats and paddles add technicity to an ancient tradition - JEC\"](https:\/\/www.jeccomposites.com\/news\/by-jec\/dragon-boat-festival-the-composite-materials-of-boats-and-paddles-add-technicity-to-an-ancient-tradition\/). *JEC*. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n6. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-3)\n   Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (1983-07-01). [\"The Making of a Dragon Boat\"](https:\/\/taiwantoday.tw\/news.php?unit=12&post=22708). *Taiwan Today*. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-7)** Worcester, George. *The Junks and Sampans of the Yangtze River*, 1971.\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-8)** ROBINSON, BELINDA. \"Tens of thousands of Cambodians cheer for centuries-old boat races.\" China Daily, 12 Nov. 2019, www.chinadaily.com.cn\/a\/201911\/12\/WS5dca1702a310cf3e35576cd7.html. Accessed 11 Aug. 2020.\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-9)**\n   [\"Dragon boat racing calls to beginners and pros alike\"](https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/health\/la-he-outdoors-dragon-boat-racing-starting-from-zero-20190510-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. 2019-05-10. Retrieved 2019-07-22.\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-10)**\n    [\"IDBF Library\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160301120426\/http:\/\/idbf.org\/library.php). International Dragon Boat Federation. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.idbf.org\/library.php) on 2016-03-01. Retrieved 2016-02-11.\n11. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-11)**\n    [\"IDBF Racing Paddle Scheme\"](https:\/\/dl.dropbox.com\/u\/135293428\/IDBF_Racing_Paddle_Scheme.pdf) (PDF). International Dragon Boat Federation. Retrieved 2016-02-11.\n    \n    \\[*[permanent dead link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Link_rot \"Wikipedia:Link rot\")*\\]\n12. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-12)**\n    [\"Dragon Boat\"](http:\/\/www.canoeicf.com\/discipline\/dragon-boat).\n13. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-13)**\n    [\"Oswego Dragon Boat Festival\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20130627090645\/http:\/\/oswegodragon.com\/aboutus.php). Oswegodragon.com. 2011-12-30. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/oswegodragon.com\/aboutus.php) on 2013-06-27. Retrieved 2013-03-06.\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-14)**\n    [\"Dragon Boat\"](https:\/\/www.canoeicf.com\/disciplines\/dragon-boat). 21 July 2015.\n15. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-15)**\n    [\"Why Are People Still Dying in China's Dragon Boat Races?\"](https:\/\/www.sixthtone.com\/news\/1002471\/why-are-people-still-dying-in-chinas-dragon-boat-races). 18 June 2018.\n16. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-16)**\n    [\"Seventeen drown in Dragon Boat accident in China\"](https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2018\/04\/22\/seventeen-drown-in-dragon-boat-accident-in-china). 22 April 2018.\n17. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-17)**\n    Buckley, Chris (22 April 2018). [\"Dragon Boats Capsize in Southern China; 17 Rowers Drown\"](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2018\/04\/22\/world\/asia\/china-dragon-boat-accident-deaths.html). *The New York Times*.\n18. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-18)**\n    [\"Rowers drown in dragon boat accident in Philippines\"](https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2019\/9\/25\/rowers-drown-in-dragon-boat-accident-in-philippines).\n\n## External links\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=12 \"Edit section: External links\")\\]\n\n- [![Wikimedia Commons logo](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Commons-logo.svg\/20px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Commons-logo.svg) Media related to [Dragon boats](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Dragon_boats \"commons:Category:Dragon boats\") at Wikimedia Commons\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Canoeing_and_kayaking \"Template:Canoeing and kayaking\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Canoeing_and_kayaking \"Template talk:Canoeing and kayaking\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Canoeing_and_kayaking \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Canoeing and kayaking\")[Canoeing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoeing \"Canoeing\") and [kayaking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kayaking \"Kayaking\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| Main disciplines | [Canoe sprint](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_sprint \"Canoe sprint\") [Canoe slalom](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_slalom \"Canoe slalom\") [Canoe marathon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_marathon \"Canoe marathon\") [Canoe polo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_polo \"Canoe polo\") [Wildwater canoeing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wildwater_canoeing \"Wildwater canoeing\") [Canoe sailing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_sailing \"Canoe sailing\") [Canoe freestyle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_freestyle \"Canoe freestyle\") [Paracanoe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paracanoe \"Paracanoe\") |\n| Olympics | [Summer Olympics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoeing_at_the_Summer_Olympics \"Canoeing at the Summer Olympics\") [Male medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Olympic_medalists_in_canoeing_\\(men\\) \"List of Olympic medalists in canoeing (men)\") [Female medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Olympic_medalists_in_canoeing_\\(women\\) \"List of Olympic medalists in canoeing (women)\") [Venues](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Olympic_venues_in_canoeing \"List of Olympic venues in canoeing\") |\n| Other disciplines | [Creeking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Creeking \"Creeking\") [Dragon boating]() [Nouka Baich](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nouka_Baich \"Nouka Baich\") [Paddleboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddleboarding \"Paddleboarding\") [Surf skiing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Surf_ski \"Surf ski\") [Surf kayaking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Surf_kayaking \"Surf kayaking\") [Snow boating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Snow_boating \"Snow boating\") [Squirt boating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Squirt_boating \"Squirt boating\") [Standup paddleboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standup_paddleboarding \"Standup paddleboarding\") |\n| [ICF](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Canoe_Federation \"International Canoe Federation\") championships | [Sprint](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships \"ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships\") ([Men's Canadian medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_Canadian \"List of ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in men's Canadian\") [Women's Canadian medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_Canadian \"List of ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in women's Canadian\") [Men's kayak medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_kayak \"List of ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in men's kayak\") [Women's kayak medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_kayak \"List of ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in women's kayak\") [Paracanoe medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships_medalists_in_paracanoe \"List of ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in paracanoe\")) [Slalom](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships \"ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships\") ([Men's canoe medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_canoe \"List of ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medalists in men's canoe\") [Women's canoe medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_canoe \"List of ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medalists in women's canoe\") [Men's kayak medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_kayak \"List of ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medalists in men's kayak\") [Women's kayak medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_kayak \"List of ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medalists in women's kayak\") [Mixed canoe medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships_medalists_in_mixed_canoe \"List of ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medalists in mixed canoe\")) [Slalom Junior & U23](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_World_Junior_and_U23_Canoe_Slalom_Championships \"ICF World Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom Championships\") [Marathon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championship \"ICF Canoe Marathon World Championship\") ([Men's canoe medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_canoe \"List of ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships medalists in men's canoe\") [Women's canoe medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_canoe \"List of ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships medalists in women's canoe\") [Men's kayak medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_kayak \"List of ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships medalists in men's kayak\") [Women's kayak medalists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_kayak \"List of ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships medalists in women's kayak\")) [Ocean Racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICF_Canoe_Ocean_Racing_World_Championships \"ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships\") [Wildwater canoeing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wildwater_Canoeing_World_Championships \"Wildwater Canoeing World Championships\") |\n| Recreation | [Small-craft sailing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Small-craft_sailing \"Small-craft sailing\") [Whitewater canoeing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Whitewater_canoeing \"Whitewater canoeing\") \/ [kayaking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Whitewater_kayaking \"Whitewater kayaking\") [Sea kayaking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sea_kayak \"Sea kayak\") [Canoe camping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_camping \"Canoe camping\") [Kayak fishing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kayak_fishing \"Kayak fishing\") [Canoe and kayak diving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_and_kayak_diving \"Canoe and kayak diving\") [Dongola racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dongola_racing \"Dongola racing\") [Canoe orienteering](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_orienteering \"Canoe orienteering\") [Canoe livery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_livery \"Canoe livery\") |\n| Modern boats | [Canoe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe \"Canoe\") [Kayak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kayak \"Kayak\") [Concrete canoe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Concrete_canoe \"Concrete canoe\") [Flyak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Flyak \"Flyak\") [Folding kayak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Folding_kayak \"Folding kayak\") [International Canoe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Canoe \"International Canoe\") [Malia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malia_\\(canoe\\) \"Malia (canoe)\") [Recreational kayak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Recreational_kayak \"Recreational kayak\") [Sprint canoe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sprint_canoe \"Sprint canoe\") |\n| Traditional boats | [Aleutian kayak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aleutian_kayak \"Aleutian kayak\") [Cayuco](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cayuco \"Cayuco\") [Chundan vallam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chundan_vallam \"Chundan vallam\") [Dugout](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dugout_canoe \"Dugout canoe\") [Fur brigade](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fur_brigade \"Fur brigade\") [Outrigger canoe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Outrigger_canoe \"Outrigger canoe\") [Pacific Northwest](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pacific_Northwest_canoes \"Pacific Northwest canoes\") [Rabaska](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rabaska \"Rabaska\") [Sturgeon-nosed canoe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sturgeon-nosed_canoe \"Sturgeon-nosed canoe\") [Taimen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taimen_\\(kayak\\) \"Taimen (kayak)\") [Umiak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Umiak \"Umiak\") [Waka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Waka_\\(canoe\\) \"Waka (canoe)\") [War canoe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War_canoe \"War canoe\") [Swan boat](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Swan_boat_\\(racing\\) \"Swan boat (racing)\") |\n| [Techniques](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Kayaking_techniques \"Category:Kayaking techniques\") | [Canoe paddle strokes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_paddle_strokes \"Canoe paddle strokes\") [Eskimo Rescue](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eskimo_Rescue \"Eskimo Rescue\") [Kayak roll](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kayak_roll \"Kayak roll\") [Portage](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portage \"Portage\") |\n| [Equipment](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Canoeing_and_kayaking_equipment \"Category:Canoeing and kayaking equipment\") | [Albano buoy system](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Albano_buoy_system \"Albano buoy system\") [Outrigger](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Outrigger \"Outrigger\") [Paddle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddle \"Paddle\") [Paddle float](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddle_float \"Paddle float\") [Paddle leash](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddle_leash \"Paddle leash\") [Royalex](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Royalex \"Royalex\") [Sea sock](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sea_sock \"Sea sock\") [Spray deck](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spray_deck \"Spray deck\") [Tuilik](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tuilik \"Tuilik\") |\n| Venues | [Artificial whitewater](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artificial_whitewater \"Artificial whitewater\") *[Canoeing and kayaking venues](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Canoeing_and_kayaking_venues \"Category:Canoeing and kayaking venues\")* |\n| Competitions | [List of world records in canoeing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_world_records_in_canoeing \"List of world records in canoeing\") [Adirondack Canoe Classic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Adirondack_Canoe_Classic \"Adirondack Canoe Classic\") [Au Sable River Canoe Marathon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Au_Sable_River_Canoe_Marathon \"Au Sable River Canoe Marathon\") [Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Devizes_to_Westminster_International_Canoe_Marathon \"Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon\") [Dusi Canoe Marathon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dusi_Canoe_Marathon \"Dusi Canoe Marathon\") [Hawkesbury Canoe Classic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hawkesbury_Canoe_Classic \"Hawkesbury Canoe Classic\") [Liffey Descent Canoe Race](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liffey_Descent_Canoe_Race \"Liffey Descent Canoe Race\") [Massive Murray Paddle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Massive_Murray_Paddle \"Massive Murray Paddle\") [National Student Rodeo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/National_Student_Rodeo \"National Student Rodeo\") [Thameside Series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thameside_Series \"Thameside Series\") [Waterside Series](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Waterside_Series \"Waterside Series\") [Riverland Paddling Marathon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Riverland_Paddling_Marathon \"Riverland Paddling Marathon\") |\n| Festivals | [Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canadian_International_Dragon_Boat_Festival \"Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival\") [Duanwu Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Duanwu_Festival \"Duanwu Festival\") [Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Kong_Dragon_Boat_Festival_in_New_York \"Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York\") [Houston Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Houston_Dragon_Boat_Festival \"Houston Dragon Boat Festival\") [Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lethbridge_Dragon_Boat_Festival \"Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival\") [Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ottawa_Dragon_Boat_Festival \"Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival\") [Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Toronto_International_Dragon_Boat_Race_Festival \"Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival\") |\n| [Governing bodies](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Canoeing_organizations \"Category:Canoeing organizations\") | [European Canoe Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/European_Canoe_Association \"European Canoe Association\") [American Canoe Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/American_Canoe_Association \"American Canoe Association\") [Paddle Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddle_Australia \"Paddle Australia\") [Paddle UK](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddle_UK \"Paddle UK\") [British Dragon Boat Racing Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/British_Dragon_Boat_Racing_Association \"British Dragon Boat Racing Association\") [Canoe Kayak Canada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_Kayak_Canada \"Canoe Kayak Canada\") [Canoe Wales](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_Wales \"Canoe Wales\") [Croatian Canoe Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Croatian_Canoe_Federation \"Croatian Canoe Federation\") [Israel Canoe Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Israel_Canoe_Association \"Israel Canoe Association\") [Scottish Canoe Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scottish_Canoe_Association \"Scottish Canoe Association\") [Portuguese Canoe Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Portuguese_Canoe_Federation \"Portuguese Canoe Federation\") |\n| [Other organisations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Canoeing_organizations \"Category:Canoeing organizations\") | [Canadian Canoe Museum](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canadian_Canoe_Museum \"Canadian Canoe Museum\") [International Dragon Boat Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation \"International Dragon Boat Federation\") [Sir Alexander Mackenzie Canada Sea-to-Sea Bicentennial Expeditions](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sir_Alexander_Mackenzie_Canada_Sea-to-Sea_Bicentennial_Expeditions \"Sir Alexander Mackenzie Canada Sea-to-Sea Bicentennial Expeditions\") [UK Rivers Access Campaign](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rivers_Access_Campaign \"Rivers Access Campaign\") |\n| [Media](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Canoeing_mass_media \"Category:Canoeing mass media\") | *[La Chasse-galerie](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chasse-galerie \"Chasse-galerie\")* *[Paddle-to-the-Sea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddle-to-the-Sea \"Paddle-to-the-Sea\")* ([film](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddle_to_the_Sea \"Paddle to the Sea\")) *[The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_Great_Lakes \"The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes\")* *[Waterwalker](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Waterwalker \"Waterwalker\")* |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/4\/41\/Global_thinking.svg\/20px-Global_thinking.svg.png) [Outline](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Outline_of_canoeing_and_kayaking \"Outline of canoeing and kayaking\") |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Water_sports \"Template:Water sports\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Water_sports \"Template talk:Water sports\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Water_sports \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Water sports\")[Water sports and activities](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_water_sports \"List of water sports\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| [Activities in water](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_water_sports \"List of water sports\") | [Aquajogging](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aquajogging \"Aquajogging\") [Diving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Diving_\\(sport\\) \"Diving (sport)\") [synchronized](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Synchronized_diving \"Synchronized diving\") [Flyboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Flyboarding \"Flyboarding\") [Freediving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Freediving \"Freediving\") [Scuba diving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Scuba_diving \"Scuba diving\") [Snorkeling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Snorkeling \"Snorkeling\") [Swimming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Swimming_\\(sport\\) \"Swimming (sport)\") [Synchronized swimming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Synchronized_swimming \"Synchronized swimming\") [Water aerobics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Water_aerobics \"Water aerobics\") |\n| [Activities on water](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_surface_water_sports \"List of surface water sports\") | [Boating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boating \"Boating\") [Bodyboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bodyboarding \"Bodyboarding\") [Bodysurfing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bodysurfing \"Bodysurfing\") [Cable skiing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cable_skiing \"Cable skiing\") [Canoeing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe \"Canoe\") [Fishing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fishing \"Fishing\") [Kayaking](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kayaking \"Kayaking\") [Kiteboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kiteboarding \"Kiteboarding\") [Kiteboating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kiteboating \"Kiteboating\") [Kneeboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kneeboarding_\\(towsport\\) \"Kneeboarding (towsport)\") [Paddleboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddleboarding \"Paddleboarding\") [Standup paddleboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standup_paddleboarding \"Standup paddleboarding\") [Parasailing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parasailing \"Parasailing\") [Rafting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rafting \"Rafting\") [Riverboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Riverboarding \"Riverboarding\") [Rowing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rowing_\\(sport\\) \"Rowing (sport)\") [Sailing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sailing \"Sailing\") [Skimboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skimboarding \"Skimboarding\") [Skurfing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skurfing \"Skurfing\") [Stone skipping](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stone_skipping \"Stone skipping\") [Surfing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Surfing \"Surfing\") [Tubing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tubing_\\(recreation\\) \"Tubing (recreation)\") [Wakeboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakeboarding \"Wakeboarding\") [Wakeskating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakeskating \"Wakeskating\") [Wakesurfing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakesurfing \"Wakesurfing\") [Water skiing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Water_skiing \"Water skiing\") [barefoot](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Barefoot_skiing \"Barefoot skiing\") [Windsurfing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Windsurfing \"Windsurfing\") [Yachting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yachting \"Yachting\") |\n| [Team sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_water_sports \"List of water sports\") | [Canoe polo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_polo \"Canoe polo\") [Dinghy racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dinghy_racing \"Dinghy racing\") [Dragon boat racing]() [Outrigger canoe racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Outrigger_boat#Racing \"Outrigger boat\") [Synchronized diving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Synchronized_diving \"Synchronized diving\") [Synchronized swimming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Synchronized_swimming \"Synchronized swimming\") [Waboba](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Waboba \"Waboba\") [Water basketball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Water_basketball \"Water basketball\") [Water polo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Water_polo \"Water polo\") [Water volleyball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Water_volleyball \"Water volleyball\") |\n| Competitions | [Boat racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boat_racing \"Boat racing\") [Modern pentathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Modern_pentathlon \"Modern pentathlon\") [Sailing races](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sailing_\\(sport\\) \"Sailing (sport)\") [Triathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Triathlon \"Triathlon\") [Yacht racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yacht_racing \"Yacht racing\") |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/96\/Symbol_category_class.svg\/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Water_sports \"Category:Water sports\") [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Commons-logo.svg\/20px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Commons-logo.svg \"Commons page\") [Commons](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Water_sports \"commons:Category:Water sports\") |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Sports_of_the_World_Games_program \"Template:Sports of the World Games program\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Sports_of_the_World_Games_program \"Template talk:Sports of the World Games program\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Sports_of_the_World_Games_program \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Sports of the World Games program\")[Sports of the World Games program](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Games_sports \"World Games sports\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| Artistic and dance sports | [Cheerleading](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cheerleading \"Cheerleading\") [Dancesport](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dancesport \"Dancesport\") [Inline freestyle skating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Freestyle_slalom_skating \"Freestyle slalom skating\") [Gymnastics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gymnastics \"Gymnastics\") [Acrobatic gymnastics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Acrobatic_gymnastics \"Acrobatic gymnastics\") [Aerobic gymnastics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aerobic_gymnastics \"Aerobic gymnastics\") [Parkour](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parkour \"Parkour\") [Trampolining](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Trampolining \"Trampolining\") [Tumbling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tumbling_\\(sport\\) \"Tumbling (sport)\") |\n| Ball sports | [Beach handball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Beach_handball \"Beach handball\") [Canoe polo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_polo \"Canoe polo\") [Fistball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fistball \"Fistball\") [Flag football](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Flag_football \"Flag football\") [Floorball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Floorball \"Floorball\") [Korfball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Korfball \"Korfball\") [Lacrosse sixes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lacrosse_sixes \"Lacrosse sixes\") [Racquetball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Racquetball \"Racquetball\") [Softball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Softball \"Softball\") [Squash](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Squash_\\(sport\\) \"Squash (sport)\") |\n| Martial arts | [Ju-jitsu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jujutsu \"Jujutsu\") [Karate](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Karate \"Karate\") [Kickboxing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kickboxing \"Kickboxing\") [Muaythai](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Muay_Thai \"Muay Thai\") [Sambo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sambo_\\(martial_art\\) \"Sambo (martial art)\") [Wushu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wushu_\\(sport\\) \"Wushu (sport)\") |\n| Precision sports | [Archery](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Archery \"Archery\") [Billiard sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cue_sports \"Cue sports\") [Boules sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boules \"Boules\") |\n| Strength sports | [Powerlifting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Powerlifting \"Powerlifting\") [Tug of war](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tug_of_war \"Tug of war\") |\n| Trend sports | [Air sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Air_sports \"Air sports\") [Drone racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drone_racing \"Drone racing\") [Canoe sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoeing \"Canoeing\") [Canoe marathon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canoe_marathon \"Canoe marathon\") [Dragon boat]() [Duathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Duathlon \"Duathlon\") [Finswimming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Finswimming \"Finswimming\") [Flying disc](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Flying_disc \"Flying disc\") [Disc golf](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Disc_golf \"Disc golf\") [Ultimate](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ultimate_\\(sport\\) \"Ultimate (sport)\") [Inline hockey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Roller_in-line_hockey \"Roller in-line hockey\") [Lifesaving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lifesaving_\\(sport\\) \"Lifesaving (sport)\") [Orienteering](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Orienteering \"Orienteering\") [Powerboating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boat_racing#Motorboat_racing \"Boat racing\") [Speed roller skating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Roller_sports \"Roller sports\") [Road](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Road_skating \"Road skating\") [Track](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Inline_speed_skating \"Inline speed skating\") [Sport climbing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Competition_climbing \"Competition climbing\") [Water skiing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Water_skiing \"Water skiing\") [Wakeboarding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wakeboarding \"Wakeboarding\") |\n| Past official sports | [Air sports](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Air_sports \"Air sports\") [Parachuting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parachuting \"Parachuting\") [Paragliding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paragliding \"Paragliding\") [Paramotoring](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paramotoring \"Paramotoring\") [Gliding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gliding \"Gliding\") [Artistic roller skating](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artistic_roller_skating \"Artistic roller skating\") [Badminton](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Badminton \"Badminton\") [Baseball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baseball \"Baseball\") [Beach volleyball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Beach_volleyball \"Beach volleyball\") [Bodybuilding](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bodybuilding \"Bodybuilding\") [Bowling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bowling \"Bowling\") [Casting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Casting_\\(fishing\\) \"Casting (fishing)\") [Field lacrosse](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Field_lacrosse \"Field lacrosse\") (women) [Gymnastics](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gymnastics \"Gymnastics\") [Rhythmic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rhythmic_gymnastics \"Rhythmic gymnastics\") [Indoor cycling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indoor_cycling \"Indoor cycling\") [Artistic cycling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Artistic_cycling \"Artistic cycling\") [Cycle ball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cycle_ball \"Cycle ball\") [Netball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Netball \"Netball\") [Raffa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Raffa_\\(boules\\) \"Raffa (boules)\") [Roller hockey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Roller_hockey_\\(quad\\) \"Roller hockey (quad)\") [Rugby sevens](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rugby_sevens \"Rugby sevens\") [Sumo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sumo \"Sumo\") [Taekwondo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taekwondo \"Taekwondo\") [Triathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Triathlon \"Triathlon\") [Weightlifting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympic_weightlifting \"Olympic weightlifting\") (women) [Wheelchair rugby](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wheelchair_rugby \"Wheelchair rugby\") |\n| Invitational sports (never made official) | [Aikido](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aikido \"Aikido\") [American football](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/American_football \"American football\") [Baton twirling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baton_twirling \"Baton twirling\") [Boomerang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boomerang \"Boomerang\") [Equestrian vaulting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Equestrian_vaulting \"Equestrian vaulting\") [Gateball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gateball \"Gateball\") [Indoor field hockey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indoor_hockey \"Indoor hockey\") [Indoor motorcycle trials](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Motorcycle_trials \"Motorcycle trials\") [Indoor rowing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indoor_rowing \"Indoor rowing\") [Military pentathlon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Military_pentathlon \"Military pentathlon\") [Minigolf](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Minigolf \"Minigolf\") [Motocross](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Motocross \"Motocross\") [Motorcycle speedway](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Motorcycle_speedway \"Motorcycle speedway\") [Pesäpallo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pes%C3%A4pallo \"Pesäpallo\") [Tchoukball](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tchoukball \"Tchoukball\") [Water polo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Water_polo \"Water polo\") (women) |\n| ![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/9\/96\/Symbol_category_class.svg\/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Sports at the World Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Sports_at_the_World_Games \"Category:Sports at the World Games\") [International World Games Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_World_Games_Association \"International World Games Association\") |   |\n\n| [v](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Overseas_Chinese \"Template:Overseas Chinese\") [t](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template_talk:Overseas_Chinese \"Template talk:Overseas Chinese\") [e](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:EditPage\/Template:Overseas_Chinese \"Special:EditPage\/Template:Overseas Chinese\")[Overseas Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overseas_Chinese \"Overseas Chinese\") |   |\n|---|---|\n| Africa |   |\n|   |   |\n| North | [Algeria](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Algeria \"Chinese people in Algeria\") [Egypt](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Egypt \"Chinese people in Egypt\") [Libya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Libya \"Chinese people in Libya\") [Morocco](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Morocco \"Chinese people in Morocco\") |\n| West | [Cape Verde](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Cape_Verde \"Chinese people in Cape Verde\") [Ghana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Ghana \"Chinese people in Ghana\") [Mali](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Mali \"Chinese people in Mali\") [Nigeria](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Nigeria \"Chinese people in Nigeria\") [Senegal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Senegal \"Chinese people in Senegal\") |\n| East | [Ethiopia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Ethiopia \"Chinese people in Ethiopia\") [Kenya](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Kenya \"Chinese people in Kenya\") [Tanzania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Tanzania \"Chinese people in Tanzania\") [Uganda](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Uganda \"Chinese people in Uganda\") |\n| Central | [Cameroon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Cameroon \"Chinese people in Cameroon\") [Democratic Republic of Congo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_the_DRC \"Chinese people in the DRC\") [Republic of Congo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_the_Republic_of_Congo \"Chinese people in the Republic of Congo\") |\n| Southern | [Angola](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Angola \"Chinese people in Angola\") [Botswana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Botswana \"Chinese people in Botswana\") [Lesotho](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Lesotho \"Chinese people in Lesotho\") [Madagascar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Madagascar \"Chinese people in Madagascar\") [Malawi](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Malawi \"Chinese people in Malawi\") [Mauritius](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mauritians_of_Chinese_origin \"Mauritians of Chinese origin\") [Mozambique](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Mozambique \"Ethnic Chinese in Mozambique\") [Namibia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Namibia \"Chinese people in Namibia\") *[Réunion](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinois_\\(R%C3%A9union\\) \"Chinois (Réunion)\")*1 [Seychelles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sino-Seychellois \"Sino-Seychellois\") [South Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_South_Africans \"Chinese South Africans\") [Zambia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Zambia \"Chinese people in Zambia\") [Zimbabwe](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Zimbabwe \"Chinese people in Zimbabwe\") |\n| Americas |   |\n|   |   |\n| [Caribbean](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Caribbean_people \"Chinese Caribbean people\") | [Belize](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Belize \"Ethnic Chinese in Belize\") [Caribbean Chinese cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Caribbean_Chinese_cuisine \"Caribbean Chinese cuisine\") [Cuba](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Cubans \"Chinese Cubans\") [Dominican Republic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ethnic_Chinese_in_the_Dominican_Republic \"Ethnic Chinese in the Dominican Republic\") [Guyana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Guyanese \"Chinese Guyanese\") [Haiti](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Haitians \"Chinese Haitians\") [Jamaica](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Jamaicans \"Chinese Jamaicans\") [Puerto Rico](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_immigration_to_Puerto_Rico \"Chinese immigration to Puerto Rico\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Puerto_Rican_Chinese_cuisine \"Puerto Rican Chinese cuisine\") [Suriname](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Surinamese \"Chinese Surinamese\") [Trinidad and Tobago](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Trinidadians_and_Tobagonians \"Chinese Trinidadians and Tobagonians\") |\n| [North](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/North_America \"North America\") | [Canada](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Canadians \"Chinese Canadians\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Canadian_Chinese_cuisine \"Canadian Chinese cuisine\") [from Hong Kong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Kong_Canadians \"Hong Kong Canadians\") [from Taiwan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwanese_Canadians \"Taiwanese Canadians\") [British Columbia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Canadians_in_British_Columbia \"Chinese Canadians in British Columbia\") ([Vancouver](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Canadians_in_Greater_Vancouver \"Chinese Canadians in Greater Vancouver\")) [Toronto](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Canadians_in_the_Greater_Toronto_Area \"Chinese Canadians in the Greater Toronto Area\") [Mexico](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_immigration_to_Mexico \"Chinese immigration to Mexico\") [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Americans \"Chinese Americans\") [American-born Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/American-born_Chinese \"American-born Chinese\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/American_Chinese_cuisine \"American Chinese cuisine\") [Chinese American church](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_American_church \"Chinese American church\") [from Hong Kong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Kong_Americans \"Hong Kong Americans\") [from Taiwan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwanese_Americans \"Taiwanese Americans\") [from Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysian_Americans \"Malaysian Americans\") [from Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Singaporean_Americans \"Singaporean Americans\") [Fuzhounese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fuzhounese_Americans \"Fuzhounese Americans\") [History](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/History_of_Chinese_Americans \"History of Chinese Americans\") [Tibetan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tibetan_Americans \"Tibetan Americans\") [Hakka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hakka_Americans \"Hakka Americans\") [Hoklo](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hoklo_Americans \"Hoklo Americans\") [by city and state](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Template:Chinese_Americans_by_location \"Template:Chinese Americans by location\") |\n| Central | [Costa Rica](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Costa_Rica \"Chinese people in Costa Rica\") [Nicaragua](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Nicaraguans \"Chinese Nicaraguans\") [Panama](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Panama \"Ethnic Chinese in Panama\") |\n| South | [Argentina](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Argentines \"Chinese Argentines\") [Brazil](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Brazilians \"Chinese Brazilians\") [Chinese Latin American cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Latin_American_cuisine \"Chinese Latin American cuisine\") [Chile](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Chile \"Chinese people in Chile\") [Guyana](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Guyanese \"Chinese Guyanese\") [Peru](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Peruvians \"Chinese Peruvians\") [Chifa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chifa \"Chifa\") [Suriname](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Surinamese \"Chinese Surinamese\") [Uruguay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Uruguay \"Chinese people in Uruguay\") [Venezuela](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Venezuelans \"Chinese Venezuelans\") |\n| Asia |   |\n|   |   |\n| Central | [Kazakhstan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Kazakhstan \"Chinese people in Kazakhstan\") [Kyrgyzstan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Kyrgyzstan \"Chinese people in Kyrgyzstan\") |\n| East | [Japan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Japan \"Chinese people in Japan\") [Cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Japanese_Chinese_cuisine \"Japanese Chinese cuisine\") [Shippoku](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shippoku \"Shippoku\") [Korea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Korea \"Chinese people in Korea\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Korean_Chinese_cuisine \"Korean Chinese cuisine\") [Mongolia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Mongolia \"Ethnic Chinese in Mongolia\") |\n| Southeast | [Brunei](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Brunei \"Ethnic Chinese in Brunei\") [Cambodia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Cambodian \"Chinese Cambodian\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cambodian_Chinese_cuisine \"Cambodian Chinese cuisine\") [Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cambodian_Hokkien \"Cambodian Hokkien\") [Timor-Leste](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Timor-Leste \"Chinese people in Timor-Leste\") [Indonesia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Indonesians \"Chinese Indonesians\") [Benteng Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Benteng_Chinese \"Benteng Chinese\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Indonesian_cuisine \"Chinese Indonesian cuisine\") [Peranakan Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Peranakans \"Peranakans\") [Bangka-Belitung](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_in_Bangka-Belitung_Islands \"Chinese in Bangka-Belitung Islands\") [Bali](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Balinese_Chinese \"Balinese Chinese\") [Maluku](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Maluku \"Chinese Maluku\") [Laos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Laotian_Chinese \"Laotian Chinese\") [Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysian_Chinese \"Malaysian Chinese\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysian_Chinese_cuisine \"Malaysian Chinese cuisine\") [Peranakan \/ Baba Nyonya \/ Straits Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Peranakans \"Peranakans\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Peranakan_cuisine \"Peranakan cuisine\") [Sino-Native](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sino-Native \"Sino-Native\") [Myanmar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Myanmar \"Chinese people in Myanmar\") [Kokang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kokang_people \"Kokang people\") [Panthay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Panthay \"Panthay\") [Pashu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Peranakans \"Peranakans\") [Philippines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Filipino \"Chinese Filipino\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Filipino_Chinese_cuisine \"Filipino Chinese cuisine\") [Sangley](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sangley \"Sangley\") [Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Singaporeans \"Chinese Singaporeans\") [Chinese nationals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_nationals_in_Singapore \"Chinese nationals in Singapore\") [Straits-Born Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Peranakans \"Peranakans\") [Thailand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thai_Chinese \"Thai Chinese\") [Chin Haw](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chin_Haw \"Chin Haw\") [Phuket Baba](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Peranakans \"Peranakans\") [Vietnam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hoa_people \"Hoa people\") [Minh Hương](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Minh_H%C6%B0%C6%A1ng \"Minh Hương\") [Sán Dìu](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/San_Diu_people \"San Diu people\") [Ngái](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ng%C3%A1i_people \"Ngái people\") [Hoa Nùng](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_N%C3%B9ng \"Chinese Nùng\") |\n| South | [Bangladesh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Bangladesh \"Chinese people in Bangladesh\") [India](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_community_in_India \"Chinese community in India\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_Chinese_cuisine \"Indian Chinese cuisine\") [Pakistan](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Pakistan \"Chinese people in Pakistan\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pakistani_Chinese_cuisine \"Pakistani Chinese cuisine\") [Sri Lanka](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Sri_Lanka \"Chinese people in Sri Lanka\") |\n| West | [Iran](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Iran \"Chinese people in Iran\") [Israel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Israel \"Chinese people in Israel\") [Turkey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Turkey \"Chinese people in Turkey\") [United Arab Emirates](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates \"Chinese people in the United Arab Emirates\") |\n| Europe |   |\n|   |   |\n| Northern | [Denmark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Denmark \"Chinese people in Denmark\") [Finland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Finland \"Chinese people in Finland\") [Norway](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Chinese_people_in_Norway&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Chinese people in Norway (page does not exist)\") [Sweden](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Sweden \"Chinese people in Sweden\") |\n| Western | [Belgium](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Belgium \"Chinese people in Belgium\") [France](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_diaspora_in_France \"Chinese diaspora in France\") [Paris](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_community_in_Paris \"Chinese community in Paris\") [Germany](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Germany \"Chinese people in Germany\") [Nazi era](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Persecution_of_Chinese_people_in_Nazi_Germany \"Persecution of Chinese people in Nazi Germany\") [Ireland](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Ireland \"Chinese people in Ireland\") [Netherlands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_the_Netherlands \"Chinese people in the Netherlands\") [United Kingdom](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/British_Chinese \"British Chinese\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/British_Chinese_cuisine \"British Chinese cuisine\") [from Hong Kong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Kong_people_in_the_United_Kingdom \"Hong Kong people in the United Kingdom\") [London](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_community_in_London \"Chinese community in London\") [Triads](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Triads_in_the_United_Kingdom \"Triads in the United Kingdom\") |\n| Southern | [Italy](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Italy \"Chinese people in Italy\") [Portugal](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Portugal \"Chinese people in Portugal\") [Spain](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Spain \"Chinese people in Spain\") |\n| Eastern | [Bulgaria](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Bulgaria \"Chinese people in Bulgaria\") [Czech Republic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_the_Czech_Republic \"Chinese people in the Czech Republic\") [Romania](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_of_Romania \"Chinese of Romania\") [Russia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Russia \"Ethnic Chinese in Russia\") [Soviet deportations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Soviet_deportations_of_Chinese_people \"Soviet deportations of Chinese people\") [Serbia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Serbia \"Chinese people in Serbia\") [Turkey](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Turkey \"Chinese people in Turkey\") |\n| Oceania | [Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Australians \"Chinese Australians\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Australian_Chinese_cuisine \"Australian Chinese cuisine\") [restaurants](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_restaurants_in_Australia \"Chinese restaurants in Australia\") [Chinese Methodist Church in Australia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Methodist_Church_in_Australia \"Chinese Methodist Church in Australia\") [Hong Kong Australians](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Kong_Australians \"Hong Kong Australians\") [Taiwanese Australians](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Taiwanese_Australians \"Taiwanese Australians\") [Fiji](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_in_Fiji \"Chinese in Fiji\") [Hawaii](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_immigration_to_Hawaii \"Chinese immigration to Hawaii\") [Palau](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_in_Palau \"Chinese in Palau\") [New Zealand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_New_Zealanders \"Chinese New Zealanders\") [cuisine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Zealand_Chinese_cuisine \"New Zealand Chinese cuisine\") [Papua New Guinea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_people_in_Papua_New_Guinea \"Chinese people in Papua New Guinea\") [Samoa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_in_Samoa \"Chinese in Samoa\") [Tonga](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_in_Tonga \"Chinese in Tonga\") |\n| People | [List of British Chinese people](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_British_Chinese_people \"List of British Chinese people\") [List of Chinese diaspora people](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Chinese_diaspora_people \"List of Chinese diaspora people\") [List of Chinese Americans](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Chinese_Americans \"List of Chinese Americans\") [List of foreign politicians of Chinese descent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_foreign_politicians_of_Chinese_descent \"List of foreign politicians of Chinese descent\") [List of heads of state and government of Chinese descent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_heads_of_state_and_government_of_Chinese_descent \"List of heads of state and government of Chinese descent\") [List of naturalised Olympic table tennis players from China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_naturalised_Olympic_table_tennis_players_from_China \"List of naturalised Olympic table tennis players from China\") [List of Malaysians of Chinese descent](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Malaysians_of_Chinese_descent \"List of Malaysians of Chinese descent\") |\n| Organizations | [All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/All-China_Federation_of_Returned_Overseas_Chinese \"All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese\") [Association of Chinese Professionals](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Association_of_Chinese_Professionals \"Association of Chinese Professionals\") [Asiatic Exclusion League](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asiatic_Exclusion_League \"Asiatic Exclusion League\") [Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Consolidated_Benevolent_Association \"Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association\") [Chinese Congress on World Evangelization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Congress_on_World_Evangelization \"Chinese Congress on World Evangelization\") [Chinese Empire Reform Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Empire_Reform_Association \"Chinese Empire Reform Association\") [Chinese Hand Laundry Alliance](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Hand_Laundry_Alliance \"Chinese Hand Laundry Alliance\") [Chinese Music Society of North America](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Music_Society_of_North_America \"Chinese Music Society of North America\") [Chinese Students and Scholars Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_Students_and_Scholars_Association \"Chinese Students and Scholars Association\") [Citizen Power Initiatives for China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Citizen_Power_Initiatives_for_China \"Citizen Power Initiatives for China\") [Confucius Institute](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Confucius_Institute \"Confucius Institute\") [Criticism](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Criticism_of_Confucius_Institutes \"Criticism of Confucius Institutes\") [Eng Suey Sun Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eng_Suey_Sun_Association \"Eng Suey Sun Association\") [Free Tibet](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Free_Tibet \"Free Tibet\") [Gin Family Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gin_Family_Association \"Gin Family Association\") [Hanban](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanban \"Hanban\") [Lung Kong Tin Yee Association](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lung_Kong_Tin_Yee_Association \"Lung Kong Tin Yee Association\") [List of Chinese American associations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Chinese_American_associations \"List of Chinese American associations\") [Overseas Chinese Affairs Office](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overseas_Chinese_Affairs_Office \"Overseas Chinese Affairs Office\") [Overseas Chinese banks](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overseas_Chinese_banks \"Overseas Chinese banks\") [Overseas Chinese History Museum of China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overseas_Chinese_History_Museum_of_China \"Overseas Chinese History Museum of China\") [Overseas Chinese University](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overseas_Chinese_University \"Overseas Chinese University\") [Overseas Community Affairs Council](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overseas_Community_Affairs_Council \"Overseas Community Affairs Council\") [Tong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tong_\\(organization\\) \"Tong (organization)\") [Tong Wars](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tong_Wars \"Tong Wars\") 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Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the [Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.](https:\/\/wikimediafoundation.org\/), a non-profit organization.\n\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Privacy_policy)\n- [About Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:About)\n- [Disclaimers](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:General_disclaimer)\n- [Contact Wikipedia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Contact_us)\n- [Legal & safety contacts](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Legal:Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_and_Safety_Contact_Information)\n- [Code of Conduct](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Universal_Code_of_Conduct)\n- [Developers](https:\/\/developer.wikimedia.org\/)\n- [Statistics](https:\/\/stats.wikimedia.org\/#\/en.wikipedia.org)\n- [Cookie statement](https:\/\/foundation.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Special:MyLanguage\/Policy:Cookie_statement)\n- [Mobile view](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&mobileaction=toggle_view_mobile)\n\n- [![Wikimedia Foundation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/static\/images\/footer\/wikimedia.svg)](https:\/\/www.wikimedia.org\/)\n- [![Powered by MediaWiki](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/resources\/assets\/mediawiki_compact.svg)](https:\/\/www.mediawiki.org\/)\n\nSearch\n\nToggle the table of contents\n\nDragon boat\n\n35 languages\n\n[Add topic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat)","attrs_readable_markdown":"This article is about Dragon boats and racing. For the festivals and holidays associated with dragon boats, see [Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_Boat_Festival \"Dragon Boat Festival\").\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg\/500px-Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg)Dragon boat moving across the [Danube](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Danube \"Danube\") river in [Budapest](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Budapest \"Budapest\"), [Hungary](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hungary \"Hungary\") |   |\n| Highest [governing body](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sports_governing_body \"Sports governing body\") | [International Dragon Boat Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation \"International Dragon Boat Federation\") |\n| First developed | Ancient China |\n| Characteristics |   |\n| Contact | No |\n| Team members | 22 (regulation) |\n| Type | Watercraft paddle sport |\n| Equipment | Dragon boat, paddles, drum |\n| Presence |   |\n| Country or region | Worldwide |\n| [Olympic](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympic_Games \"Olympic Games\") | No |\n| [World Games](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World_Games \"World Games\") | [2005](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2005_World_Games \"2005 World Games\") (invitational), [2009](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2009_World_Games \"2009 World Games\") (invitational) |\n\n| Dragon boat |   |\n|---|---|\n| [Traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\") | 龍舟 |\n| [Simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\") | 龙舟 |\n| Transcriptions |   |\n| [Standard Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_Chinese \"Standard Chinese\") |   |\n| [Hanyu Pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanyu_Pinyin \"Hanyu Pinyin\") | lóngzhōu |\n| [Wade–Giles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wade%E2%80%93Giles \"Wade–Giles\") | lung2\\-chou1 |\n| [IPA](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/Mandarin \"Help:IPA\/Mandarin\") | [\\[lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂóʊ\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/Mandarin \"Help:IPA\/Mandarin\") |\n| [Southern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southern_Min \"Southern Min\") |   |\n| [Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [POJ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\") | lêng-chiu |\n| Alternative Chinese name |   |\n| [Traditional Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traditional_Chinese_characters \"Traditional Chinese characters\") | 龍船 |\n| [Simplified Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Simplified_Chinese_characters \"Simplified Chinese characters\") | 龙船 |\n| Transcriptions |   |\n| [Standard Mandarin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Standard_Chinese \"Standard Chinese\") |   |\n| [Hanyu Pinyin](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hanyu_Pinyin \"Hanyu Pinyin\") | lóngchuán |\n| [Wade–Giles](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wade%E2%80%93Giles \"Wade–Giles\") | lung2\\-chʻuan2 |\n| [IPA](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/Mandarin \"Help:IPA\/Mandarin\") | [\\[lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂʰwǎn\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Help:IPA\/Mandarin \"Help:IPA\/Mandarin\") |\n| [Yue: Cantonese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cantonese \"Cantonese\") |   |\n| [Yale Romanization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese \"Yale romanization of Cantonese\") | lùhngsyùhn |\n| [Southern Min](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southern_Min \"Southern Min\") |   |\n| [Hokkien](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hokkien \"Hokkien\") [POJ](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB \"Pe̍h-ōe-jī\") | liông-chûn |\n\nA **dragon boat** is a [human-powered watercraft](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Human-powered_watercraft \"Human-powered watercraft\") that originated in the [Pearl River Delta](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pearl_River_Delta \"Pearl River Delta\") region of southern [China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/China \"China\")'s [Guangdong Province](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guangdong_Province \"Guangdong Province\"). These were made of [teak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Teak \"Teak\"), but in other parts of China different kinds of wood are used. It is one of a family of traditional paddled long boats found throughout [Asia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asia \"Asia\"), [Africa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Africa \"Africa\"), the Pacific islands, and [Puerto Rico](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Puerto_Rico \"Puerto Rico\"). The sport of dragon boat racing has its roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers, which dates back 2000 years throughout southern China, and even further to the original games of [Olympia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympia,_Greece \"Olympia, Greece\") in [ancient Greece](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancient_Greece \"Ancient Greece\"). Both dragon boat racing and the ancient [Olympiad](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympiad \"Olympiad\") included aspects of religious observances and community celebrations, along with competitions.\n\nDragon boat racing has been a traditional Chinese paddled watercraft activity for over 2000 years and began as a modern international sport in [Hong Kong](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hong_Kong \"Hong Kong\") in 1976. These boats are typically made of [carbon fiber](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carbon_fiber \"Carbon fiber\"), [fiberglass](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fiberglass \"Fiberglass\"), and other lightweight materials. For [competition](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Competition \"Competition\") events, dragon boats are generally rigged with decorative [Chinese dragon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_dragon \"Chinese dragon\") heads and tails. At other times (such as during training), decorative regalia is usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard for drummers to practice. For races, there are 18-20 people in a standard boat, and 8-10 in a small boat, not including the steersperson (sweep) and the drummer.\n\nIn December 2007, the central government of the People's Republic of China added the [Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_Boat_Festival \"Dragon Boat Festival\"), along with the [Qingming](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qingming_Festival \"Qingming Festival\") and [Mid-Autumn](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mid-Autumn_festival \"Mid-Autumn festival\") festivals, to the schedule of national holidays.\n\n## Design and construction\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=1 \"Edit section: Design and construction\")\\]\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [![\\[icon\\]](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg\/20px-Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) | This section **needs expansion** with: explain the shape, materials, and construction techniques of historical and current dragon boats. You can help by [adding missing information](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=). *(May 2023)* |\n\nThe [International Dragon Boat Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation \"International Dragon Boat Federation\") defines a dragon boat, within competition regulations, to be: \"a long displacement boat of an open design, that is based upon a rib-less [carvel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carvel_\\(boat_building\\) \"Carvel (boat building)\") form of hull construction, with the following distinguishing characteristics; no [stem](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stem_\\(ship\\) \"Stem (ship)\"), hard [chine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chine_\\(boating\\) \"Chine (boating)\") bilge; W in cross section, minimum [freeboard](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Freeboard_\\(nautical\\) \"Freeboard (nautical)\"), [punt](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Punt_\\(boat\\) \"Punt (boat)\")\\-like entry and exit; rocketed [keel](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Keel \"Keel\") that is set back from the twin rail boards and curved sheet line with upsweep extremities\".[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:0-1)\n\nDragon boats vary in size: medium-sized boats can measure about 38 feet (11.5 meters), whereas larger boats can measure up to 90 feet (27.4 meters) in length.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) The width and depth of the boat also varies, changing according to factors like the boat's length and purpose, as well as the number of people in its crew.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:0-1) Some dragon boat craftsmen may also alter the width of the boats depending on the expertise of its paddlers, with narrower boats being constructed for more skilled dragon boaters.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3)\n\nThe material used to build the main body of a dragon boat is diverse and has varied over the years. Before 1911, Ge wood, imported from countries like [Myanmar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Myanmar \"Myanmar\"), [Thailand](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thailand \"Thailand\"), and [Vietnam](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vietnam \"Vietnam\") was used.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) From 1911 towards the end of the 1990s, dragon boats had been built using [pine](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pine \"Pine\") wood imported from the [United States](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States \"United States\").[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) Since 2000, cedar wood from the [Guizhou](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Guizhou \"Guizhou\") province of China had been used.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) Today, the standard materials used to build the hull of these dragon boats are usually either [teak](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Teak \"Teak\") wood or fiberglass.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4)[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5)\n\nTeak wood is considerably adept at handling moisture.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) For a majority of the year, dragon boats are stored out of the water, on dry land, where they tend to shrink slightly once dried.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) When they are reintroduced back into the sea, teak allows their joints to expand, which allows the boat to close any gaps and further strengthen itself.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) Sometime in the 1990s, China began its advocacy for the protection of its forests, causing a shortage in large timber resources.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Following this, China began to see a rise in fiberglass dragon boats which were often lighter and faster.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Over time, dragon boats made of fiberglass surpassed those made of wood, becoming a popular choice and the national standard for dragon boats in China.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) As a result, while wooden paddles and teak wood boats are still used from time to time, dragon boat athletes often train regularly on fiberglass boats, with paddles made of carbon fiber.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5)\n\nThe head and tail of a dragon is typically made of [camphor](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Camphora_officinarum \"Camphora officinarum\") wood.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) The design of the dragon heads vary according to its location, as each region has their own specific features and colors to dedicate to it.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3) The head and tail are often hand-carved, likely with a chisel and hammer, before being hand-painted.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3)[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2)[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Such heads usually feature a pair of bulging eyes, two jumbo nostrils, a long snout, a stuck out tongue, 'feathers' or 'hairs' that appear frozen in a wave-like motion, and ferocious jaws that feature sharp, white teeth.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) The head leads to the long, sleek, and low body of the dragon boat which represents the dragon's back.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) This part also features a W-shaped belly that provides suction onto the water and helps to stabilize the boat.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) On its stern is a curled tail with minutely carved scales.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6)\n\nMany consider the building of these dragon boats to be a combination of various art forms, including [carpentry](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carpentry \"Carpentry\") work, [wood carving](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wood_carving \"Wood carving\"), [oil painting](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oil_painting \"Oil painting\"), and marine architecture theory.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) They also involve a fair amount of labor division where various craftsmen work on different parts of the boat. For example, wooden furniture makers would be engaged to carve the dragon's head and tail, while ship builders would be engaged to work on the dragon's body.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_%28front%29.jpg\/250px-Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_%28front%29.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_\\(front\\).jpg)\n\nWorld's longest dragon boat ([Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei \"Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei\")) on display next to [Royal Palace](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Royal_Palace,_Phnom_Penh \"Royal Palace, Phnom Penh\") in [Phnom Penh](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Phnom_Penh \"Phnom Penh\"), Cambodia.\n\nSimilar to the use of [outrigger canoes](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Outrigger_canoe \"Outrigger canoe\") or [Polynesian](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Polynesians \"Polynesians\") [va'a](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Va%27a \"Va'a\"), dragon boat racing has a rich background of ancient ceremonial, ritualistic and religious traditions, and thus, the modern competitive aspect is but one small part of this complex dragon boat culture. The use of dragon boats for racing and dragon ceremonies is believed by scholars, [sinologists](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sinologists \"Sinologists\"), and anthropologists to have originated in southern central China more than 2500 years ago, in [Dongting Lake](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dongting_Lake \"Dongting Lake\") and along the banks of the Chang Jiang (now called the [Yangtze](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yangtze_River \"Yangtze River\")) during the same era when the games of [ancient Greece](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancient_Greece \"Ancient Greece\") were being established at [Olympia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympia,_Greece \"Olympia, Greece\").[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-7) Dragon boat racing has been practiced continuously since this period as the basis for annual water rituals and festival celebrations, and for the traditional veneration of the [Chinese dragon water deity](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_king \"Dragon king\"). The celebration was an important part of the ancient Chinese agricultural society, celebrating the summer rice planting. Dragon boat racing was historically situated in the Chinese subcontinent's southern-central \"rice bowl\"; where there were rice paddies, so too there were dragon boats.\n\nOf the twelve animals which make up the traditional [Chinese zodiac](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_zodiac \"Chinese zodiac\"), only the [Dragon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_\\(zodiac\\) \"Dragon (zodiac)\") is a mythical creature. All the rest are non-mythical animals, yet all twelve of the zodiac creatures were well known to members of ancient Chinese agrarian communities. Dragons were traditionally believed to be the rulers of water on earth: rivers, lakes, and seas; they were also thought to dominate the waters of the heavens: clouds, mists, and rains. There are earth dragons, mountain dragons, and sky or celestial dragons (Tian Long) in Chinese tradition. Mythical dragons and serpents are also found widely in many cultures around the world.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum%2C_Beijing.jpg\/250px-Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum%2C_Beijing.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum,_Beijing.jpg)\n\n[Tang dynasty](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tang_dynasty \"Tang dynasty\") painting of a dragon boat race attributed to Li Zhaodao (675-758)\n\nTraditional dragon boat racing, in China, coincides with the *5th day of the 5th [Chinese lunar month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\")* (varying from late May to June on the modern Gregorian Calendar). The [summer solstice](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Summer_solstice \"Summer solstice\") occurs around 21 June and is the reason why Chinese refer to their festival as \"Duan Wu\" or \"Duen Ng\". Both the sun and the dragon are considered to be male (the moon and the mythical phoenix, however, are considered to be female). The sun and the dragon are thought to be most potent during this time of the year, which provides a cause for observing this through ritual celebrations such as dragon boat racing. It is also the time of year when rice seedlings must be transplanted in rice paddy fields to allow for wet rice cultivation. Wu or Ng refers to the sun at its highest position in the sky during the day, the meridian of 'high noon'. Duan or Duen refers to upright or directly overhead. Thus, Duan Wu is an ancient reference to the maximum position of the sun in the [northern hemisphere](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Northern_Hemisphere \"Northern Hemisphere\"), the longest day of the year or the summer solstice.\n\nVenerating the dragon deity was meant to avert misfortune and calamity and to encourage [rainfall](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rainfall \"Rainfall\"), which is needed for the fertility of the crops and thus, the prosperity of an agrarian way of life. Celestial dragons were considered the controllers of rain, monsoons, winds, and clouds. The Emperor was \"The Dragon\" or the \"Son of Heaven\", and Chinese people sometimes refer to themselves as \"dragons\" because of its spirit of strength and vitality. Unlike dragons in [European mythology](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/European_mythology \"European mythology\"), which are typically considered to be evil and demonic, Asian dragons are regarded as wholesome and benevolent, and thus worthy of veneration, not slaying. If rainfall is insufficient, however, drought and famine can result. Veneration of dragons in China seems to be associated with annual rituals to ensure life-giving water and bountiful rice harvests in south-central China.\n\nAnother ritual called *[Awakening of the Dragon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Awakening_of_the_Dragon&action=edit&redlink=1 \"Awakening of the Dragon (page does not exist)\")* involves a [Taoist priest](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Daoshi \"Daoshi\") dotting the bulging eyes of the carved dragon head attached to the boat. Doing so symbolizes the dragon ending its slumber and reenergizing its spirit, or ch'i. In modern dragon boat festivals, a representative can be invited to step forward to dot the eyes on a dragon boat head with a brush dipped in red paint.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/b\/b3\/NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg\/250px-NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg)\n\nDragon boats used in \"[Naha Hari\/Hare](https:\/\/visitokinawajapan.com\/discover\/events\/naha-hari-hare\/)\" race (Ryukyu Islands)\n\nNot understanding the significance of Duanwu, 19th-century European observers of the racing ritual referred to the associated spectacle as a \"dragon boat festival\". This is the term that has become known in the West. Dragon boat racing, like Duanwu, is observed and celebrated in many areas of east Asia with a significant population of [ethnic Chinese](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Overseas_Chinese \"Overseas Chinese\") such as [Singapore](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Singapore \"Singapore\"), [Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysia \"Malaysia\"), and the [Riau Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Riau_Islands \"Riau Islands\"), as well as having been adopted by the [Ryukyu Islands](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ryukyu_Islands \"Ryukyu Islands\") since ancient times. The date on which races were held is referred to as the \"double fifth\", since Duanwu is reckoned as the fifth day of the fifth [lunar month](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lunar_calendar \"Lunar calendar\"), which often falls in the [Gregorian calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gregorian_calendar \"Gregorian calendar\") month of June and occasionally in May or July. Duanwu is reckoned annually in accordance with the traditional [calendar system of China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Chinese_calendar \"Chinese calendar\"), which is a combination of solar and lunar cycles, unlike the solar-based [Gregorian calendar](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gregorian_calendar \"Gregorian calendar\") system.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Bayonnavalbat01.JPG\/250px-Bayonnavalbat01.JPG)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Bayonnavalbat01.JPG)\n\nBas relief scene from [Bayon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bayon \"Bayon\") temple depicting a naval battle using dragon boats between the [Khmer Empire](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Khmer_Empire \"Khmer Empire\") and [Champa](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Champa \"Champa\").\n\nThe [Khmer Empire](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Khmer_Empire \"Khmer Empire\") used dragon boats in their naval battles. Today, Cambodia honors the use of dragon boats by the Khmer Empire's navy by hosting dragon boat competitions at the [Bon Om Touk](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bon_Om_Touk \"Bon Om Touk\") water festival.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-8) [Laos](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Laos \"Laos\") which emerged from the [Khmer Empire](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Khmer_Empire \"Khmer Empire\") organizes a similar dragon boat festival on the Mekong River called [Boun Suang Huea](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boun_Suang_Huea \"Boun Suang Huea\"). The world's longest dragon boat is located in Cambodia and known as the [Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei \"Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei\").\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/fb\/%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg\/500px-%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg)\n\nDragon boats with a tower and crew (14th c.)\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/e\/e2\/%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg\/500px-%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg)\n\nDragon boat crews (14th c.)\n\nThe [crew](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Crew \"Crew\") of a standard dragon boat typically consists of 22 team members: 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and 1 steerer standing at the rear of the boat.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-9) Dragon boats, however, do vary in length and the crew size changes accordingly, from small dragon boats with only 10 paddlers up to traditional boats which have upwards of 50 paddlers, plus drummer(s) and steerer.\n\nThe pulsation of the [drum](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drum \"Drum\") beats produced by the **drummer** may be considered the \"[heartbeat](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pulse \"Pulse\")\" of the dragon boat. The drummer leads the paddlers throughout a race using the rhythmic drum beat to indicate the frequency and synchronization of all the paddlers' strokes (that is, the cadence, picking up or accelerating the pace, slowing the rate, etc.). The drummer may issue commands to the crew through a combination of hand signals and voice calls, and also generally exhorts the crew to perform at their peak. A drummer is typically mandatory during racing events, but if he or she is not present during training, it is typical for the sweep to direct the crew during a race. The drummer's role is both tactical and ceremonial. In official competitions, such as world championships, drummers must physically beat the drum, else the team may be issued a penalty. In other events or practices, the drummer of an experienced team may not hit the drum, as the team can paddle naturally together, without a drum beat.\n\nGood drummers should be able to [synchronize](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Synchronize \"Synchronize\") their drumming with the strokes of the leading pair of paddlers, rather than the other way around.\n\nPairs of **paddlers** sit facing forward in the boat, and use a specific type of [paddle](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paddle \"Paddle\") which, unlike equipment used in rowing, is not rigged to the boat in any way. The paddlers face the direction of boat-movement; dragon boaters thus \"paddle,\" like a canoe, while rowers \"row\", travelling opposite the way they face as in Olympic [sculling](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sculling \"Sculling\").\n\nThe paddle now accepted by the [International Dragon Boat Organization](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=International_Dragon_Boat_Organization&action=edit&redlink=1 \"International Dragon Boat Organization (page does not exist)\") has a standardized, fixed blade surface area and distinctive shape derived from the paddle shapes characteristic of that used by inhabitants of the [Pearl River](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pearl_River_\\(China\\) \"Pearl River (China)\") delta region of Guangdong Province, China adjacent to Hong Kong. The IDBF[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-10) Paddle Specification 202a (PS202a)[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-11) has straight flared edges and circular arced shoulders, based geometrically on an equilateral triangle positioned between the blade face and the neck of the shaft.\n\nThe first pair of paddlers, called \"pacers,\" \"strokes\" or \"timers,\" set the pace for the team and are responsible for synchronizing their strokes with one another, because it is critical that all paddlers are synchronized. The direction of the dragon boat while racing is set by the steerer, but for docking and other maneuvers, individual paddlers may be asked to paddle (while others either stop the boat or rest) according to the commands given by the drummer or steerer.\n\nThere are generally three different strokes used by paddlers: a (normal) forward stroke, a backstroke, and a draw stroke.\n\nThe direction of a dragon boat's movement is controlled by the steerer standing in the back of the boat. Many terms exist for the person steering the boat, such as steerer, steersperson, steerman, sweep, and helm.\n\nThe steerer manipulates a long (typically 9-feet) straight oar, called a steering oar. The steering oar is situated in a mechanism that holds the oar in place, called oar lock. The oar lock can be in a variety of designs, so long as it holds the oar in place and allows it to pivot. It is housed on top of the steering arm, which sticks out perpendicularly on the back-left of a dragon boat.\n\nThe oar is used to both steer the boat as it is moving and adjust the positioning of the boat. To steer, a steerer will put the blade of the oar into the water and either push the handle away from him\/her, or pull it toward him\/her. Doing so will turn the boat right or left, respectively.\n\nA steerer can also use the steering oar to adjust the position of the boat by cranking. When a steerer cranks the steering oar, the stern of the boat moves either to the left or right, spinning the boat. This is typically executed to turn the boat around at practice or to ensure a boat is lined up straight and pointing directly down a racecourse.\n\nA steerer uses calls to direct the paddlers. The steerer may call \"paddles up\" to prepare to paddle and \"take it away!\" to commence paddling. The steerer may use other calls such as \"hold the boat\" for the paddlers to brake using their paddles or \"let it ride\" for them to lift their paddles out of the water.\n\nThe steerer also calls the demands in the race for paddlers to better their placement and time in the event that they are participating in.\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/9\/98\/Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg\/1920px-Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg \"‪Dragon Boat Regatta by Wang Zhenpeng (14th c., Yuan dynasty)‬\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg\/250px-Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg)\n\nDragon boats racing in Hong Kong\n\n[![](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/cd\/HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg\/250px-HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg)\n\nHKDBA team being awarded the Guinness World Record in Hong Kong\n\nModern dragon boat racing is organized at the international level by the [International Dragon Boat Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation \"International Dragon Boat Federation\") (IDBF), the world governing body for the sport. The IDBF is a member of the [Global Association of International Sports Federations](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Global_Association_of_International_Sports_Federations \"Global Association of International Sports Federations\") and is a founding federation of the AIMS Group (Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport) within GAISF. AIMS is an [IOC](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Olympic_Committee \"International Olympic Committee\")\\-Recognized Multi Sports Organization. The [International Canoe Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Canoe_Federation \"International Canoe Federation\") (ICF) also has a dragon boat program for those of its Member Canoe Federations with an interest in dragon boat.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-12) Both Sport and Festival racing are very competitive and many paddlers train year round, using paddling machines or pools in addition to on-water sessions.[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-13)\n\nA festival race is typically a sprint event of several hundred meters, with 500 meters being the most common. Races measuring 200, 1000, and 2000 meters are also standard distances in international competition. Races measuring 2000 meters are normally held on a 500-meter course, requiring teams to do two loops. Teams start and end at the same end of the course, and complete three 180-degree turns. Other distances may also be used in local festivals, such as 100 or 250 meters, or another distance, depending on the size of the [body of water](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Body_of_water \"Body of water\").\n\n## Organizations, recognition and popular culture\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=8 \"Edit section: Organizations, recognition and popular culture\")\\]\n\nThe established International Federation for dragon boat sport is the [International Dragon Boat Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation \"International Dragon Boat Federation\") (IDBF). In 2007, the IDBF was recognized as a member of [SportAccord](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/SportAccord \"SportAccord\") (the former *General Association of International Sports Federations*, GAISF) which is part of the [Olympic Movement](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Olympic_Movement \"Olympic Movement\"), after SportAccord considered the historical and cultural backgrounds and identities of dragon boat sports.\n\nIDBF member associations or federations have been established in 89 countries or territories since 1991. The IDBF is not presently an Olympic International Federation of the [International Olympic Committee](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Olympic_Committee \"International Olympic Committee\") (IOC), but the IOC is currently considering the IDBF application for Olympic Federation status.\n\nThe [International Canoe Federation](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Canoe_Federation \"International Canoe Federation\"), an IOC-recognized entity that governs many canoeing disciplines has also started to sanction Dragon Boat events. The ICF Dragon Boat World Championships have been held since 2006.[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-14)\n\n## Accidents and incidents\n\\[[edit](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/w\/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=9 \"Edit section: Accidents and incidents\")\\]\n\n- On 23 November 2007, [a dragon boat capsized after colliding with a pontoon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2007_Tonl%C3%A9_Sap_dragon_boat_accident \"2007 Tonlé Sap dragon boat accident\") in [Tonlé Sap](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tonl%C3%A9_Sap \"Tonlé Sap\"), Cambodia killing five paddlers.\n- On 17 January 2010, [a dragon boat capsized while training](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2010_Penang_dragon_boat_tragedy \"2010 Penang dragon boat tragedy\") in [Penang](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Penang \"Penang\"), [Malaysia](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Malaysia \"Malaysia\") killing six paddlers on board.\n- On 11 February 2011, [a dragon boat capsized while training due to wind](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2011_Pr%C3%A6st%C3%B8_Fjord_dragon_boat_accident \"2011 Præstø Fjord dragon boat accident\") in [Præstø](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pr%C3%A6st%C3%B8 \"Præstø\"), [Denmark](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Denmark \"Denmark\") killing one paddler.\n- On 9 June 2016, three people drowned after their dragon boat capsized during a race in [Fujian Province](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fujian_Province \"Fujian Province\"), [China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/China \"China\").[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-15)\n- On 22 April 2018, seventeen people drowned in a dragon boat accident on the Taohua River in Guilin, [China](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/China \"China\").[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-16)[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-17)\n- On 25 September 2019, seven people drowned near [Boracay](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Boracay \"Boracay\"), [Philippines](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Philippines \"Philippines\").[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_note-18)\n\n- [Nouka Baich](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nouka_Baich \"Nouka Baich\")\n- [Swan boat (racing)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Swan_boat_\\(racing\\) \"Swan boat (racing)\")\n- [War canoe racing](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/War_canoe_racing \"War canoe racing\")\n\n1. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:0_1-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:0_1-1)\n   [\"History & Culture\"](https:\/\/www.dragonboat.sport\/about-us\/history-culture\/). *International Dragon Boat Federation*. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n2. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-4) [***f***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-5) [***g***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-6)\n   Zanzanaini, Gabriella (2018-06-13). [\"Forgotten Icon: The Disappearing Art of Dragon Boat Building\"](https:\/\/zolimacitymag.com\/forgotten-icon-the-disappearing-art-of-dragon-boat-building\/). *Zolima City Magazine*. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n3. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-2)\n   [\"The traditional family business of crafting a Tuen Ng festival dragon boat\"](https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/yp\/discover\/lifestyle\/features\/article\/3072825\/traditional-family-business-crafting-tuen-ng). *Young Post*. 2018-06-11. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n4. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-4)\n   Ka-kuen, Lau. [\"Dragon Boat Festival: a feat of rhythm and athleticism\"](https:\/\/multimedia.scmp.com\/infographics\/lifestyle\/article\/3001002\/dragon-boat\/index.html?src=social). *South China Morning Post*. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n5. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-3) [***e***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-4) [***f***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-5)\n   [\"Dragon boat festival: the composite materials of boats and paddles add technicity to an ancient tradition - JEC\"](https:\/\/www.jeccomposites.com\/news\/by-jec\/dragon-boat-festival-the-composite-materials-of-boats-and-paddles-add-technicity-to-an-ancient-tradition\/). *JEC*. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n6. ^ [***a***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-0) [***b***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-1) [***c***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-2) [***d***](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-3)\n   Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (1983-07-01). [\"The Making of a Dragon Boat\"](https:\/\/taiwantoday.tw\/news.php?unit=12&post=22708). *Taiwan Today*. Retrieved 2024-05-07.\n7. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-7)** Worcester, George. *The Junks and Sampans of the Yangtze River*, 1971.\n8. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-8)** ROBINSON, BELINDA. \"Tens of thousands of Cambodians cheer for centuries-old boat races.\" China Daily, 12 Nov. 2019, www.chinadaily.com.cn\/a\/201911\/12\/WS5dca1702a310cf3e35576cd7.html. Accessed 11 Aug. 2020.\n9. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-9)**\n   [\"Dragon boat racing calls to beginners and pros alike\"](https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/health\/la-he-outdoors-dragon-boat-racing-starting-from-zero-20190510-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. 2019-05-10. Retrieved 2019-07-22.\n10. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-10)**\n    [\"IDBF Library\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160301120426\/http:\/\/idbf.org\/library.php). International Dragon Boat Federation. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.idbf.org\/library.php) on 2016-03-01. Retrieved 2016-02-11.\n11. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-11)**\n    [\"IDBF Racing Paddle Scheme\"](https:\/\/dl.dropbox.com\/u\/135293428\/IDBF_Racing_Paddle_Scheme.pdf) (PDF). International Dragon Boat Federation. Retrieved 2016-02-11.\n    \n    \\[*[permanent dead link](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wikipedia:Link_rot \"Wikipedia:Link rot\")*\\]\n12. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-12)**\n    [\"Dragon Boat\"](http:\/\/www.canoeicf.com\/discipline\/dragon-boat).\n13. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-13)**\n    [\"Oswego Dragon Boat Festival\"](https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20130627090645\/http:\/\/oswegodragon.com\/aboutus.php). Oswegodragon.com. 2011-12-30. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/oswegodragon.com\/aboutus.php) on 2013-06-27. Retrieved 2013-03-06.\n14. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-14)**\n    [\"Dragon Boat\"](https:\/\/www.canoeicf.com\/disciplines\/dragon-boat). 21 July 2015.\n15. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-15)**\n    [\"Why Are People Still Dying in China's Dragon Boat Races?\"](https:\/\/www.sixthtone.com\/news\/1002471\/why-are-people-still-dying-in-chinas-dragon-boat-races). 18 June 2018.\n16. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-16)**\n    [\"Seventeen drown in Dragon Boat accident in China\"](https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2018\/04\/22\/seventeen-drown-in-dragon-boat-accident-in-china). 22 April 2018.\n17. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-17)**\n    Buckley, Chris (22 April 2018). [\"Dragon Boats Capsize in Southern China; 17 Rowers Drown\"](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2018\/04\/22\/world\/asia\/china-dragon-boat-accident-deaths.html). *The New York Times*.\n18. **[^](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-18)**\n    [\"Rowers drown in dragon boat accident in Philippines\"](https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2019\/9\/25\/rowers-drown-in-dragon-boat-accident-in-philippines).\n\n- [![Wikimedia Commons logo](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Commons-logo.svg\/20px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Commons-logo.svg) Media related to [Dragon boats](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:Dragon_boats \"commons:Category:Dragon boats\") at Wikimedia Commons","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	This article is about Dragon boats and racing. For the festivals and holidays associated with dragon boats, see Dragon Boat Festival . Dragon Boat Racing Dragon boat moving across the Danube river in Budapest , Hungary Highest governing body International Dragon Boat Federation First developed Ancient China Characteristics Contact No Team members 22 (regulation) Type Watercraft paddle sport Equipment Dragon boat, paddles, drum Presence Country or region Worldwide Olympic No World Games 2005 (invitational), 2009 (invitational) Dragon boat Traditional Chinese 龍舟 Simplified Chinese 龙舟 Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin lóngzhōu Wade–Giles lung 2 -chou 1 IPA [lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂóʊ] Southern Min Hokkien POJ lêng-chiu Alternative Chinese name Traditional Chinese 龍船 Simplified Chinese 龙船 Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin lóngchuán Wade–Giles lung 2 -chʻuan 2 IPA [lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂʰwǎn] Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization lùhngsyùhn Southern Min Hokkien POJ liông-chûn A dragon boat is a human-powered watercraft that originated in the Pearl River Delta region of southern China 's Guangdong Province . These were made of teak , but in other parts of China different kinds of wood are used. It is one of a family of traditional paddled long boats found throughout Asia , Africa , the Pacific islands, and Puerto Rico . The sport of dragon boat racing has its roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers, which dates back 2000 years throughout southern China, and even further to the original games of Olympia in ancient Greece . Both dragon boat racing and the ancient Olympiad included aspects of religious observances and community celebrations, along with competitions. Dragon boat racing has been a traditional Chinese paddled watercraft activity for over 2000 years and began as a modern international sport in Hong Kong in 1976. These boats are typically made of carbon fiber , fiberglass , and other lightweight materials. For competition events, dragon boats are generally rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails. At other times (such as during training), decorative regalia is usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard for drummers to practice. For races, there are 18-20 people in a standard boat, and 8-10 in a small boat, not including the steersperson (sweep) and the drummer. In December 2007, the central government of the People's Republic of China added the Dragon Boat Festival , along with the Qingming and Mid-Autumn festivals, to the schedule of national holidays. Design and construction [ edit ] This section needs expansion with: explain the shape, materials, and construction techniques of historical and current dragon boats. You can help by adding missing information . ( May 2023 ) The International Dragon Boat Federation defines a dragon boat, within competition regulations, to be: "a long displacement boat of an open design, that is based upon a rib-less carvel form of hull construction, with the following distinguishing characteristics; no stem , hard chine bilge; W in cross section, minimum freeboard , punt -like entry and exit; rocketed keel that is set back from the twin rail boards and curved sheet line with upsweep extremities". [ 1 ] Dragon boats vary in size: medium-sized boats can measure about 38 feet (11.5 meters), whereas larger boats can measure up to 90 feet (27.4 meters) in length. [ 2 ] The width and depth of the boat also varies, changing according to factors like the boat's length and purpose, as well as the number of people in its crew. [ 1 ] Some dragon boat craftsmen may also alter the width of the boats depending on the expertise of its paddlers, with narrower boats being constructed for more skilled dragon boaters. [ 3 ] The material used to build the main body of a dragon boat is diverse and has varied over the years. Before 1911, Ge wood, imported from countries like Myanmar , Thailand , and Vietnam was used. [ 4 ] From 1911 towards the end of the 1990s, dragon boats had been built using pine wood imported from the United States . [ 4 ] Since 2000, cedar wood from the Guizhou province of China had been used. [ 4 ] Today, the standard materials used to build the hull of these dragon boats are usually either teak wood or fiberglass. [ 4 ] [ 5 ] Teak wood is considerably adept at handling moisture. [ 2 ] For a majority of the year, dragon boats are stored out of the water, on dry land, where they tend to shrink slightly once dried. [ 2 ] When they are reintroduced back into the sea, teak allows their joints to expand, which allows the boat to close any gaps and further strengthen itself. [ 2 ] Sometime in the 1990s, China began its advocacy for the protection of its forests, causing a shortage in large timber resources. [ 5 ] Following this, China began to see a rise in fiberglass dragon boats which were often lighter and faster. [ 5 ] Over time, dragon boats made of fiberglass surpassed those made of wood, becoming a popular choice and the national standard for dragon boats in China. [ 5 ] As a result, while wooden paddles and teak wood boats are still used from time to time, dragon boat athletes often train regularly on fiberglass boats, with paddles made of carbon fiber. [ 5 ] The head and tail of a dragon is typically made of camphor wood. [ 4 ] The design of the dragon heads vary according to its location, as each region has their own specific features and colors to dedicate to it. [ 3 ] The head and tail are often hand-carved, likely with a chisel and hammer, before being hand-painted. [ 3 ] [ 2 ] [ 5 ] Such heads usually feature a pair of bulging eyes, two jumbo nostrils, a long snout, a stuck out tongue, 'feathers' or 'hairs' that appear frozen in a wave-like motion, and ferocious jaws that feature sharp, white teeth. [ 6 ] The head leads to the long, sleek, and low body of the dragon boat which represents the dragon's back. [ 6 ] This part also features a W-shaped belly that provides suction onto the water and helps to stabilize the boat. [ 2 ] On its stern is a curled tail with minutely carved scales. [ 6 ] Many consider the building of these dragon boats to be a combination of various art forms, including carpentry work, wood carving , oil painting , and marine architecture theory. [ 6 ] They also involve a fair amount of labor division where various craftsmen work on different parts of the boat. For example, wooden furniture makers would be engaged to carve the dragon's head and tail, while ship builders would be engaged to work on the dragon's body. [ 2 ] World's longest dragon boat ( Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei ) on display next to Royal Palace in Phnom Penh , Cambodia. Similar to the use of outrigger canoes or Polynesian va'a , dragon boat racing has a rich background of ancient ceremonial, ritualistic and religious traditions, and thus, the modern competitive aspect is but one small part of this complex dragon boat culture. The use of dragon boats for racing and dragon ceremonies is believed by scholars, sinologists , and anthropologists to have originated in southern central China more than 2500 years ago, in Dongting Lake and along the banks of the Chang Jiang (now called the Yangtze ) during the same era when the games of ancient Greece were being established at Olympia . [ 7 ] Dragon boat racing has been practiced continuously since this period as the basis for annual water rituals and festival celebrations, and for the traditional veneration of the Chinese dragon water deity . The celebration was an important part of the ancient Chinese agricultural society, celebrating the summer rice planting. Dragon boat racing was historically situated in the Chinese subcontinent's southern-central "rice bowl"; where there were rice paddies, so too there were dragon boats. Of the twelve animals which make up the traditional Chinese zodiac , only the Dragon is a mythical creature. All the rest are non-mythical animals, yet all twelve of the zodiac creatures were well known to members of ancient Chinese agrarian communities. Dragons were traditionally believed to be the rulers of water on earth: rivers, lakes, and seas; they were also thought to dominate the waters of the heavens: clouds, mists, and rains. There are earth dragons, mountain dragons, and sky or celestial dragons (Tian Long) in Chinese tradition. Mythical dragons and serpents are also found widely in many cultures around the world. Tang dynasty painting of a dragon boat race attributed to Li Zhaodao (675-758) Traditional dragon boat racing, in China, coincides with the 5th day of the 5th Chinese lunar month (varying from late May to June on the modern Gregorian Calendar). The summer solstice occurs around 21 June and is the reason why Chinese refer to their festival as "Duan Wu" or "Duen Ng". Both the sun and the dragon are considered to be male (the moon and the mythical phoenix, however, are considered to be female). The sun and the dragon are thought to be most potent during this time of the year, which provides a cause for observing this through ritual celebrations such as dragon boat racing. It is also the time of year when rice seedlings must be transplanted in rice paddy fields to allow for wet rice cultivation. Wu or Ng refers to the sun at its highest position in the sky during the day, the meridian of 'high noon'. Duan or Duen refers to upright or directly overhead. Thus, Duan Wu is an ancient reference to the maximum position of the sun in the northern hemisphere , the longest day of the year or the summer solstice. Venerating the dragon deity was meant to avert misfortune and calamity and to encourage rainfall , which is needed for the fertility of the crops and thus, the prosperity of an agrarian way of life. Celestial dragons were considered the controllers of rain, monsoons, winds, and clouds. The Emperor was "The Dragon" or the "Son of Heaven", and Chinese people sometimes refer to themselves as "dragons" because of its spirit of strength and vitality. Unlike dragons in European mythology , which are typically considered to be evil and demonic, Asian dragons are regarded as wholesome and benevolent, and thus worthy of veneration, not slaying. If rainfall is insufficient, however, drought and famine can result. Veneration of dragons in China seems to be associated with annual rituals to ensure life-giving water and bountiful rice harvests in south-central China. Another ritual called Awakening of the Dragon involves a Taoist priest dotting the bulging eyes of the carved dragon head attached to the boat. Doing so symbolizes the dragon ending its slumber and reenergizing its spirit, or ch'i. In modern dragon boat festivals, a representative can be invited to step forward to dot the eyes on a dragon boat head with a brush dipped in red paint. Dragon boats used in " Naha Hari/Hare " race (Ryukyu Islands) Not understanding the significance of Duanwu, 19th-century European observers of the racing ritual referred to the associated spectacle as a "dragon boat festival". This is the term that has become known in the West. Dragon boat racing, like Duanwu, is observed and celebrated in many areas of east Asia with a significant population of ethnic Chinese such as Singapore , Malaysia , and the Riau Islands , as well as having been adopted by the Ryukyu Islands since ancient times. The date on which races were held is referred to as the "double fifth", since Duanwu is reckoned as the fifth day of the fifth lunar month , which often falls in the Gregorian calendar month of June and occasionally in May or July. Duanwu is reckoned annually in accordance with the traditional calendar system of China , which is a combination of solar and lunar cycles, unlike the solar-based Gregorian calendar system. Bas relief scene from Bayon temple depicting a naval battle using dragon boats between the Khmer Empire and Champa . The Khmer Empire used dragon boats in their naval battles. Today, Cambodia honors the use of dragon boats by the Khmer Empire's navy by hosting dragon boat competitions at the Bon Om Touk water festival. [ 8 ] Laos which emerged from the Khmer Empire organizes a similar dragon boat festival on the Mekong River called Boun Suang Huea . The world's longest dragon boat is located in Cambodia and known as the Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei . Dragon boats with a tower and crew (14th c.) Dragon boat crews (14th c.) The crew of a standard dragon boat typically consists of 22 team members: 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and 1 steerer standing at the rear of the boat. [ 9 ] Dragon boats, however, do vary in length and the crew size changes accordingly, from small dragon boats with only 10 paddlers up to traditional boats which have upwards of 50 paddlers, plus drummer(s) and steerer. The pulsation of the drum beats produced by the drummer may be considered the " heartbeat " of the dragon boat. The drummer leads the paddlers throughout a race using the rhythmic drum beat to indicate the frequency and synchronization of all the paddlers' strokes (that is, the cadence, picking up or accelerating the pace, slowing the rate, etc.). The drummer may issue commands to the crew through a combination of hand signals and voice calls, and also generally exhorts the crew to perform at their peak. A drummer is typically mandatory during racing events, but if he or she is not present during training, it is typical for the sweep to direct the crew during a race. The drummer's role is both tactical and ceremonial. In official competitions, such as world championships, drummers must physically beat the drum, else the team may be issued a penalty. In other events or practices, the drummer of an experienced team may not hit the drum, as the team can paddle naturally together, without a drum beat. Good drummers should be able to synchronize their drumming with the strokes of the leading pair of paddlers, rather than the other way around. Pairs of paddlers sit facing forward in the boat, and use a specific type of paddle which, unlike equipment used in rowing, is not rigged to the boat in any way. The paddlers face the direction of boat-movement; dragon boaters thus "paddle," like a canoe, while rowers "row", travelling opposite the way they face as in Olympic sculling . The paddle now accepted by the International Dragon Boat Organization has a standardized, fixed blade surface area and distinctive shape derived from the paddle shapes characteristic of that used by inhabitants of the Pearl River delta region of Guangdong Province, China adjacent to Hong Kong. The IDBF [ 10 ] Paddle Specification 202a (PS202a) [ 11 ] has straight flared edges and circular arced shoulders, based geometrically on an equilateral triangle positioned between the blade face and the neck of the shaft. The first pair of paddlers, called "pacers," "strokes" or "timers," set the pace for the team and are responsible for synchronizing their strokes with one another, because it is critical that all paddlers are synchronized. The direction of the dragon boat while racing is set by the steerer, but for docking and other maneuvers, individual paddlers may be asked to paddle (while others either stop the boat or rest) according to the commands given by the drummer or steerer. There are generally three different strokes used by paddlers: a (normal) forward stroke, a backstroke, and a draw stroke. The direction of a dragon boat's movement is controlled by the steerer standing in the back of the boat. Many terms exist for the person steering the boat, such as steerer, steersperson, steerman, sweep, and helm. The steerer manipulates a long (typically 9-feet) straight oar, called a steering oar. The steering oar is situated in a mechanism that holds the oar in place, called oar lock. The oar lock can be in a variety of designs, so long as it holds the oar in place and allows it to pivot. It is housed on top of the steering arm, which sticks out perpendicularly on the back-left of a dragon boat. The oar is used to both steer the boat as it is moving and adjust the positioning of the boat. To steer, a steerer will put the blade of the oar into the water and either push the handle away from him/her, or pull it toward him/her. Doing so will turn the boat right or left, respectively. A steerer can also use the steering oar to adjust the position of the boat by cranking. When a steerer cranks the steering oar, the stern of the boat moves either to the left or right, spinning the boat. This is typically executed to turn the boat around at practice or to ensure a boat is lined up straight and pointing directly down a racecourse. A steerer uses calls to direct the paddlers. The steerer may call "paddles up" to prepare to paddle and "take it away!" to commence paddling. The steerer may use other calls such as "hold the boat" for the paddlers to brake using their paddles or "let it ride" for them to lift their paddles out of the water. The steerer also calls the demands in the race for paddlers to better their placement and time in the event that they are participating in. Dragon boats racing in Hong Kong HKDBA team being awarded the Guinness World Record in Hong Kong Modern dragon boat racing is organized at the international level by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), the world governing body for the sport. The IDBF is a member of the Global Association of International Sports Federations and is a founding federation of the AIMS Group (Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport) within GAISF. AIMS is an IOC -Recognized Multi Sports Organization. The International Canoe Federation (ICF) also has a dragon boat program for those of its Member Canoe Federations with an interest in dragon boat. [ 12 ] Both Sport and Festival racing are very competitive and many paddlers train year round, using paddling machines or pools in addition to on-water sessions. [ 13 ] A festival race is typically a sprint event of several hundred meters, with 500 meters being the most common. Races measuring 200, 1000, and 2000 meters are also standard distances in international competition. Races measuring 2000 meters are normally held on a 500-meter course, requiring teams to do two loops. Teams start and end at the same end of the course, and complete three 180-degree turns. Other distances may also be used in local festivals, such as 100 or 250 meters, or another distance, depending on the size of the body of water . Organizations, recognition and popular culture [ edit ] The established International Federation for dragon boat sport is the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). In 2007, the IDBF was recognized as a member of SportAccord (the former General Association of International Sports Federations , GAISF) which is part of the Olympic Movement , after SportAccord considered the historical and cultural backgrounds and identities of dragon boat sports. IDBF member associations or federations have been established in 89 countries or territories since 1991. The IDBF is not presently an Olympic International Federation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but the IOC is currently considering the IDBF application for Olympic Federation status. The International Canoe Federation , an IOC-recognized entity that governs many canoeing disciplines has also started to sanction Dragon Boat events. The ICF Dragon Boat World Championships have been held since 2006. [ 14 ] Accidents and incidents [ edit ] On 23 November 2007, a dragon boat capsized after colliding with a pontoon in Tonlé Sap , Cambodia killing five paddlers. On 17 January 2010, a dragon boat capsized while training in Penang , Malaysia killing six paddlers on board. On 11 February 2011, a dragon boat capsized while training due to wind in Præstø , Denmark killing one paddler. On 9 June 2016, three people drowned after their dragon boat capsized during a race in Fujian Province , China . [ 15 ] On 22 April 2018, seventeen people drowned in a dragon boat accident on the Taohua River in Guilin, China . [ 16 ] [ 17 ] On 25 September 2019, seven people drowned near Boracay , Philippines . [ 18 ] Nouka Baich Swan boat (racing) War canoe racing ^ a b "History & Culture" . International Dragon Boat Federation . Retrieved 2024-05-07 . ^ a b c d e f g Zanzanaini, Gabriella (2018-06-13). "Forgotten Icon: The Disappearing Art of Dragon Boat Building" . Zolima City Magazine . Retrieved 2024-05-07 . ^ a b c "The traditional family business of crafting a Tuen Ng festival dragon boat" . Young Post . 2018-06-11 . Retrieved 2024-05-07 . ^ a b c d e Ka-kuen, Lau. "Dragon Boat Festival: a feat of rhythm and athleticism" . South China Morning Post . Retrieved 2024-05-07 . ^ a b c d e f "Dragon boat festival: the composite materials of boats and paddles add technicity to an ancient tradition - JEC" . JEC . Retrieved 2024-05-07 . ^ a b c d Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (1983-07-01). "The Making of a Dragon Boat" . Taiwan Today . Retrieved 2024-05-07 . ^ Worcester, George. The Junks and Sampans of the Yangtze River , 1971. ^ ROBINSON, BELINDA. "Tens of thousands of Cambodians cheer for centuries-old boat races." China Daily, 12 Nov. 2019, www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201911/12/WS5dca1702a310cf3e35576cd7.html. Accessed 11 Aug. 2020. ^ "Dragon boat racing calls to beginners and pros alike" . Los Angeles Times . 2019-05-10 . Retrieved 2019-07-22 . ^ "IDBF Library" . International Dragon Boat Federation. Archived from the original on 2016-03-01 . Retrieved 2016-02-11 . ^ "IDBF Racing Paddle Scheme" (PDF) . International Dragon Boat Federation . Retrieved 2016-02-11 . [ permanent dead link ] ^ "Dragon Boat" . ^ "Oswego Dragon Boat Festival" . Oswegodragon.com. 2011-12-30. Archived from the original on 2013-06-27 . Retrieved 2013-03-06 . ^ "Dragon Boat" . 21 July 2015. ^ "Why Are People Still Dying in China's Dragon Boat Races?" . 18 June 2018. ^ "Seventeen drown in Dragon Boat accident in China" . 22 April 2018. ^ Buckley, Chris (22 April 2018). "Dragon Boats Capsize in Southern China; 17 Rowers Drown" . The New York Times . ^ "Rowers drown in dragon boat accident in Philippines" . Media related to Dragon boats at Wikimedia Commons
Markdown	[Jump to content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#bodyContent) Main menu Main menu move to sidebar hide Navigation - [Main page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page "Visit the main page [z]") - [Contents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents "Guides to browsing Wikipedia") - [Current events](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events "Articles related to current events") - [Random article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random "Visit a randomly selected article [x]") - [About Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About "Learn about Wikipedia and how it works") - [Contact us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contact_us "How to contact Wikipedia") Contribute - [Help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents "Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia") - [Learn to edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Introduction "Learn how to edit Wikipedia") - [Community portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Community_portal "The hub for editors") - [Recent changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChanges "A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]") - [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard "Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia") - [Special pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:SpecialPages "A list of all special pages [q]") [![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/icons/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) [Search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search "Search Wikipedia [f]") Appearance - [Donate](https://donate.wikimedia.org/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en) - [Create account](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Dragon+boat "You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory") - [Log in](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Dragon+boat "You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]") ## Contents move to sidebar hide - [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat) - [1 Design and construction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#Design_and_construction) - [2 History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#History) - [3 Crew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#Crew) Toggle Crew subsection - [3\.1 Drummer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#Drummer) - [3\.2 Paddlers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#Paddlers) - [3\.3 Steerer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#Steerer) - [4 Racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#Racing) - [5 Organizations, recognition and popular culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#Organizations,_recognition_and_popular_culture) - [6 Accidents and incidents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#Accidents_and_incidents) - [7 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#See_also) - [8 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#References) - [9 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#External_links) Toggle the table of contents # Dragon boat 35 languages - [Ænglisc](https://ang.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracabatfreols "Dracabatfreols – Old English") - [العربية](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%86 "قارب التنين – Arabic") - [Banjar](https://bjn.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parahu_naga "Parahu naga – Banjar") - [বাংলা](https://bn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A6%A1%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%A8_%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8C%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE "ড্রাগন নৌকা – Bangla") - [བོད་ཡིག](https://bo.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%BD%A0%E0%BD%96%E0%BE%B2%E0%BD%B4%E0%BD%82%E0%BC%8B%E0%BD%82%E0%BE%B2%E0%BD%B4%E0%BC%8D "འབྲུག་གྲུ། – Tibetan") - [Català](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bot_drag%C3%B3 "Bot dragó – Catalan") - [閩東語 / Mìng-dĕ̤ng-ngṳ̄](https://cdo.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%B9ng-s%C3%B9ng "Lùng-sùng – Mindong") - [Čeština](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dra%C4%8D%C3%AD_lo%C4%8F "Dračí loď – Czech") - [Deutsch](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drachenboot "Drachenboot – German") - [Esperanto](https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakboato "Drakboato – Esperanto") - [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barco_drag%C3%B3n "Barco dragón – Spanish") - [فارسی](https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%DA%AF%D9%88%D9%86_%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AA "دراگون بوت – Persian") - [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bateau-dragon_\(pirogue\) "Bateau-dragon (pirogue) – French") - [客家語 / Hak-kâ-ngî](https://hak.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li%C3%B9ng-s%C3%B2n "Liùng-sòn – Hakka Chinese") - [עברית](https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%AA_%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%9F "סירת דרקון – Hebrew") - [Magyar](https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A1rk%C3%A1nyhaj%C3%B3 "Sárkányhajó – Hungarian") - [Հայերեն](https://hy.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D5%8E%D5%AB%D5%B7%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%BE%D5%A5%D6%80 "Վիշապանավեր – Armenian") - [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perahu_naga "Perahu naga – Indonesian") - [Italiano](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonboat "Dragonboat – Italian") - [日本語](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B4%E3%83%B3%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88 "ドラゴンボート – Japanese") - [한국어](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%93%9C%EB%9E%98%EA%B3%A4%EB%B3%B4%ED%8A%B8 "드래곤보트 – Korean") - [Bahasa Melayu](https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perahu_naga "Perahu naga – Malay") - [Nederlands](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakenboot "Drakenboot – Dutch") - [Norsk bokmål](https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drageb%C3%A5t "Dragebåt – Norwegian Bokmål") - [Polski](https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smocze_%C5%82odzie "Smocze łodzie – Polish") - [Português](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barco-drag%C3%A3o "Barco-dragão – Portuguese") - [Русский](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%94%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BD_\(%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BA%D0%B0\) "Дракон (лодка) – Russian") - [Slovenčina](https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dra%C4%8Dia_lo%C4%8F "Dračia loď – Slovak") - [Svenska](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakb%C3%A5t "Drakbåt – Swedish") - [Türkçe](https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_teknesi "Dragon teknesi – Turkish") - [Українська](https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%92%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BB%D1%83%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8F_%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D1%87%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%85_%22%D0%94%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BD%22 "Веслування на човнах \"Дракон\" – Ukrainian") - 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[Get shortened URL](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FDragon_boat) Print/export - [Download as PDF](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=Dragon_boat&action=show-download-screen "Download this page as a PDF file") - [Printable version](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&printable=yes "Printable version of this page [p]") In other projects - [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat) - [Wikidata item](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q57589 "Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]") Appearance move to sidebar hide From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ancient Chinese boat This article is about Dragon boats and racing. For the festivals and holidays associated with dragon boats, see [Dragon Boat Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Boat_Festival "Dragon Boat Festival"). Not to be confused with [Dragon (keelboat)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_\(keelboat\) "Dragon (keelboat)"). \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![icon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/99/Question_book-new.svg/60px-Question_book-new.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Question_book-new.svg) \| This article needs additional citations for [verification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability "Wikipedia:Verifiability"). Please help [improve this article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Dragon_boat "Special:EditPage/Dragon boat") by [adding citations to reliable sources](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners "Help:Referencing for beginners"). Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: ["Dragon boat"](https://www.google.com/search?as_eq=wikipedia&q=%22Dragon+boat%22) – [news](https://www.google.com/search?tbm=nws&q=%22Dragon+boat%22+-wikipedia&tbs=ar:1) · [newspapers](https://www.google.com/search?&q=%22Dragon+boat%22&tbs=bkt:s&tbm=bks) · [books](https://www.google.com/search?tbs=bks:1&q=%22Dragon+boat%22+-wikipedia) · [scholar](https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%22Dragon+boat%22) · [JSTOR](https://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Query=%22Dragon+boat%22&acc=on&wc=on) (January 2020) ([Learn how and when to remove this message](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Maintenance_template_removal "Help:Maintenance template removal")) \| \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg/500px-Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg)Dragon boat moving across the [Danube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube "Danube") river in [Budapest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapest "Budapest"), [Hungary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungary "Hungary") \| \| \| Highest [governing body](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_governing_body "Sports governing body") \| [International Dragon Boat Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation "International Dragon Boat Federation") \| \| First developed \| Ancient China \| \| Characteristics \| \| \| Contact \| No \| \| Team members \| 22 (regulation) \| \| Type \| Watercraft paddle sport \| \| Equipment \| Dragon boat, paddles, drum \| \| Presence \| \| \| Country or region \| Worldwide \| \| [Olympic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Games "Olympic Games") \| No \| \| [World Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Games "World Games") \| [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_World_Games "2005 World Games") (invitational), [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_World_Games "2009 World Games") (invitational) \| \| Dragon boat \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [Traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters") \| 龍舟 \| \| [Simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters") \| 龙舟 \| \| Transcriptions \| \| \| [Standard Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Chinese "Standard Chinese") \| \| \| [Hanyu Pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanyu_Pinyin "Hanyu Pinyin") \| lóngzhōu \| \| [Wade–Giles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade%E2%80%93Giles "Wade–Giles") \| lung2\-chou1 \| \| [IPA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Mandarin "Help:IPA/Mandarin") \| [\[lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂóʊ\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Mandarin "Help:IPA/Mandarin") \| \| [Southern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Min "Southern Min") \| \| \| [Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [POJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī") \| lêng-chiu \| \| Alternative Chinese name \| \| \| [Traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters") \| 龍船 \| \| [Simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters") \| 龙船 \| \| Transcriptions \| \| \| [Standard Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Chinese "Standard Chinese") \| \| \| [Hanyu Pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanyu_Pinyin "Hanyu Pinyin") \| lóngchuán \| \| [Wade–Giles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade%E2%80%93Giles "Wade–Giles") \| lung2\-chʻuan2 \| \| [IPA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Mandarin "Help:IPA/Mandarin") \| [\[lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂʰwǎn\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Mandarin "Help:IPA/Mandarin") \| \| [Yue: Cantonese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantonese "Cantonese") \| \| \| [Yale Romanization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese "Yale romanization of Cantonese") \| lùhngsyùhn \| \| [Southern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Min "Southern Min") \| \| \| [Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [POJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī") \| liông-chûn \| A dragon boat is a [human-powered watercraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human-powered_watercraft "Human-powered watercraft") that originated in the [Pearl River Delta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_River_Delta "Pearl River Delta") region of southern [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China "China")'s [Guangdong Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guangdong_Province "Guangdong Province"). These were made of [teak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teak "Teak"), but in other parts of China different kinds of wood are used. It is one of a family of traditional paddled long boats found throughout [Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia "Asia"), [Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa "Africa"), the Pacific islands, and [Puerto Rico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rico "Puerto Rico"). The sport of dragon boat racing has its roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers, which dates back 2000 years throughout southern China, and even further to the original games of [Olympia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia,_Greece "Olympia, Greece") in [ancient Greece](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece "Ancient Greece"). Both dragon boat racing and the ancient [Olympiad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympiad "Olympiad") included aspects of religious observances and community celebrations, along with competitions. Dragon boat racing has been a traditional Chinese paddled watercraft activity for over 2000 years and began as a modern international sport in [Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong "Hong Kong") in 1976. These boats are typically made of [carbon fiber](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_fiber "Carbon fiber"), [fiberglass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiberglass "Fiberglass"), and other lightweight materials. For [competition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competition "Competition") events, dragon boats are generally rigged with decorative [Chinese dragon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_dragon "Chinese dragon") heads and tails. At other times (such as during training), decorative regalia is usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard for drummers to practice. For races, there are 18-20 people in a standard boat, and 8-10 in a small boat, not including the steersperson (sweep) and the drummer. In December 2007, the central government of the People's Republic of China added the [Dragon Boat Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Boat_Festival "Dragon Boat Festival"), along with the [Qingming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qingming_Festival "Qingming Festival") and [Mid-Autumn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_festival "Mid-Autumn festival") festivals, to the schedule of national holidays. ## Design and construction \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Design and construction")\] \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![\[icon\]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg/20px-Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) \| This section needs expansion with: explain the shape, materials, and construction techniques of historical and current dragon boats. You can help by [adding missing information](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=). (May 2023) \| The [International Dragon Boat Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation "International Dragon Boat Federation") defines a dragon boat, within competition regulations, to be: "a long displacement boat of an open design, that is based upon a rib-less [carvel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carvel_\(boat_building\) "Carvel (boat building)") form of hull construction, with the following distinguishing characteristics; no [stem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_\(ship\) "Stem (ship)"), hard [chine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chine_\(boating\) "Chine (boating)") bilge; W in cross section, minimum [freeboard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeboard_\(nautical\) "Freeboard (nautical)"), [punt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punt_\(boat\) "Punt (boat)")\-like entry and exit; rocketed [keel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keel "Keel") that is set back from the twin rail boards and curved sheet line with upsweep extremities".[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:0-1) Dragon boats vary in size: medium-sized boats can measure about 38 feet (11.5 meters), whereas larger boats can measure up to 90 feet (27.4 meters) in length.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) The width and depth of the boat also varies, changing according to factors like the boat's length and purpose, as well as the number of people in its crew.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:0-1) Some dragon boat craftsmen may also alter the width of the boats depending on the expertise of its paddlers, with narrower boats being constructed for more skilled dragon boaters.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3) The material used to build the main body of a dragon boat is diverse and has varied over the years. Before 1911, Ge wood, imported from countries like [Myanmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myanmar "Myanmar"), [Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand "Thailand"), and [Vietnam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam "Vietnam") was used.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) From 1911 towards the end of the 1990s, dragon boats had been built using [pine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine "Pine") wood imported from the [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States").[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) Since 2000, cedar wood from the [Guizhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guizhou "Guizhou") province of China had been used.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) Today, the standard materials used to build the hull of these dragon boats are usually either [teak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teak "Teak") wood or fiberglass.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4)[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Teak wood is considerably adept at handling moisture.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) For a majority of the year, dragon boats are stored out of the water, on dry land, where they tend to shrink slightly once dried.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) When they are reintroduced back into the sea, teak allows their joints to expand, which allows the boat to close any gaps and further strengthen itself.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) Sometime in the 1990s, China began its advocacy for the protection of its forests, causing a shortage in large timber resources.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Following this, China began to see a rise in fiberglass dragon boats which were often lighter and faster.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Over time, dragon boats made of fiberglass surpassed those made of wood, becoming a popular choice and the national standard for dragon boats in China.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) As a result, while wooden paddles and teak wood boats are still used from time to time, dragon boat athletes often train regularly on fiberglass boats, with paddles made of carbon fiber.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) The head and tail of a dragon is typically made of [camphor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camphora_officinarum "Camphora officinarum") wood.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) The design of the dragon heads vary according to its location, as each region has their own specific features and colors to dedicate to it.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3) The head and tail are often hand-carved, likely with a chisel and hammer, before being hand-painted.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2)[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Such heads usually feature a pair of bulging eyes, two jumbo nostrils, a long snout, a stuck out tongue, 'feathers' or 'hairs' that appear frozen in a wave-like motion, and ferocious jaws that feature sharp, white teeth.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) The head leads to the long, sleek, and low body of the dragon boat which represents the dragon's back.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) This part also features a W-shaped belly that provides suction onto the water and helps to stabilize the boat.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) On its stern is a curled tail with minutely carved scales.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) Many consider the building of these dragon boats to be a combination of various art forms, including [carpentry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpentry "Carpentry") work, [wood carving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_carving "Wood carving"), [oil painting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_painting "Oil painting"), and marine architecture theory.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) They also involve a fair amount of labor division where various craftsmen work on different parts of the boat. For example, wooden furniture makers would be engaged to carve the dragon's head and tail, while ship builders would be engaged to work on the dragon's body.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) ## History \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section: History")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_%28front%29.jpg/250px-Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_%28front%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_\(front\).jpg) World's longest dragon boat ([Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei "Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei")) on display next to [Royal Palace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace,_Phnom_Penh "Royal Palace, Phnom Penh") in [Phnom Penh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phnom_Penh "Phnom Penh"), Cambodia. Similar to the use of [outrigger canoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outrigger_canoe "Outrigger canoe") or [Polynesian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynesians "Polynesians") [va'a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Va%27a "Va'a"), dragon boat racing has a rich background of ancient ceremonial, ritualistic and religious traditions, and thus, the modern competitive aspect is but one small part of this complex dragon boat culture. The use of dragon boats for racing and dragon ceremonies is believed by scholars, [sinologists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinologists "Sinologists"), and anthropologists to have originated in southern central China more than 2500 years ago, in [Dongting Lake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongting_Lake "Dongting Lake") and along the banks of the Chang Jiang (now called the [Yangtze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangtze_River "Yangtze River")) during the same era when the games of [ancient Greece](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece "Ancient Greece") were being established at [Olympia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia,_Greece "Olympia, Greece").[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-7) Dragon boat racing has been practiced continuously since this period as the basis for annual water rituals and festival celebrations, and for the traditional veneration of the [Chinese dragon water deity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_king "Dragon king"). The celebration was an important part of the ancient Chinese agricultural society, celebrating the summer rice planting. Dragon boat racing was historically situated in the Chinese subcontinent's southern-central "rice bowl"; where there were rice paddies, so too there were dragon boats. Of the twelve animals which make up the traditional [Chinese zodiac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac "Chinese zodiac"), only the [Dragon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_\(zodiac\) "Dragon (zodiac)") is a mythical creature. All the rest are non-mythical animals, yet all twelve of the zodiac creatures were well known to members of ancient Chinese agrarian communities. Dragons were traditionally believed to be the rulers of water on earth: rivers, lakes, and seas; they were also thought to dominate the waters of the heavens: clouds, mists, and rains. There are earth dragons, mountain dragons, and sky or celestial dragons (Tian Long) in Chinese tradition. Mythical dragons and serpents are also found widely in many cultures around the world. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum%2C_Beijing.jpg/250px-Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum%2C_Beijing.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum,_Beijing.jpg) [Tang dynasty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_dynasty "Tang dynasty") painting of a dragon boat race attributed to Li Zhaodao (675-758) Traditional dragon boat racing, in China, coincides with the 5th day of the 5th [Chinese lunar month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar") (varying from late May to June on the modern Gregorian Calendar). The [summer solstice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_solstice "Summer solstice") occurs around 21 June and is the reason why Chinese refer to their festival as "Duan Wu" or "Duen Ng". Both the sun and the dragon are considered to be male (the moon and the mythical phoenix, however, are considered to be female). The sun and the dragon are thought to be most potent during this time of the year, which provides a cause for observing this through ritual celebrations such as dragon boat racing. It is also the time of year when rice seedlings must be transplanted in rice paddy fields to allow for wet rice cultivation. Wu or Ng refers to the sun at its highest position in the sky during the day, the meridian of 'high noon'. Duan or Duen refers to upright or directly overhead. Thus, Duan Wu is an ancient reference to the maximum position of the sun in the [northern hemisphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Hemisphere "Northern Hemisphere"), the longest day of the year or the summer solstice. Venerating the dragon deity was meant to avert misfortune and calamity and to encourage [rainfall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainfall "Rainfall"), which is needed for the fertility of the crops and thus, the prosperity of an agrarian way of life. Celestial dragons were considered the controllers of rain, monsoons, winds, and clouds. The Emperor was "The Dragon" or the "Son of Heaven", and Chinese people sometimes refer to themselves as "dragons" because of its spirit of strength and vitality. Unlike dragons in [European mythology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_mythology "European mythology"), which are typically considered to be evil and demonic, Asian dragons are regarded as wholesome and benevolent, and thus worthy of veneration, not slaying. If rainfall is insufficient, however, drought and famine can result. Veneration of dragons in China seems to be associated with annual rituals to ensure life-giving water and bountiful rice harvests in south-central China. Another ritual called [Awakening of the Dragon](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Awakening_of_the_Dragon&action=edit&redlink=1 "Awakening of the Dragon (page does not exist)") involves a [Taoist priest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daoshi "Daoshi") dotting the bulging eyes of the carved dragon head attached to the boat. Doing so symbolizes the dragon ending its slumber and reenergizing its spirit, or ch'i. In modern dragon boat festivals, a representative can be invited to step forward to dot the eyes on a dragon boat head with a brush dipped in red paint. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg/250px-NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg) Dragon boats used in "[Naha Hari/Hare](https://visitokinawajapan.com/discover/events/naha-hari-hare/)" race (Ryukyu Islands) Not understanding the significance of Duanwu, 19th-century European observers of the racing ritual referred to the associated spectacle as a "dragon boat festival". This is the term that has become known in the West. Dragon boat racing, like Duanwu, is observed and celebrated in many areas of east Asia with a significant population of [ethnic Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Chinese "Overseas Chinese") such as [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore "Singapore"), [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia "Malaysia"), and the [Riau Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riau_Islands "Riau Islands"), as well as having been adopted by the [Ryukyu Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryukyu_Islands "Ryukyu Islands") since ancient times. The date on which races were held is referred to as the "double fifth", since Duanwu is reckoned as the fifth day of the fifth [lunar month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_calendar "Lunar calendar"), which often falls in the [Gregorian calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar "Gregorian calendar") month of June and occasionally in May or July. Duanwu is reckoned annually in accordance with the traditional [calendar system of China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar"), which is a combination of solar and lunar cycles, unlike the solar-based [Gregorian calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar "Gregorian calendar") system. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Bayonnavalbat01.JPG/250px-Bayonnavalbat01.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bayonnavalbat01.JPG) Bas relief scene from [Bayon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayon "Bayon") temple depicting a naval battle using dragon boats between the [Khmer Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Empire "Khmer Empire") and [Champa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champa "Champa"). The [Khmer Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Empire "Khmer Empire") used dragon boats in their naval battles. Today, Cambodia honors the use of dragon boats by the Khmer Empire's navy by hosting dragon boat competitions at the [Bon Om Touk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_Om_Touk "Bon Om Touk") water festival.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-8) [Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laos "Laos") which emerged from the [Khmer Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Empire "Khmer Empire") organizes a similar dragon boat festival on the Mekong River called [Boun Suang Huea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boun_Suang_Huea "Boun Suang Huea"). The world's longest dragon boat is located in Cambodia and known as the [Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei "Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei"). ## Crew \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Crew")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg/500px-%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg) Dragon boats with a tower and crew (14th c.) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg/500px-%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg) Dragon boat crews (14th c.) The [crew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crew "Crew") of a standard dragon boat typically consists of 22 team members: 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and 1 steerer standing at the rear of the boat.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-9) Dragon boats, however, do vary in length and the crew size changes accordingly, from small dragon boats with only 10 paddlers up to traditional boats which have upwards of 50 paddlers, plus drummer(s) and steerer. ### Drummer \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Drummer")\] The pulsation of the [drum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum "Drum") beats produced by the drummer may be considered the "[heartbeat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulse "Pulse")" of the dragon boat. The drummer leads the paddlers throughout a race using the rhythmic drum beat to indicate the frequency and synchronization of all the paddlers' strokes (that is, the cadence, picking up or accelerating the pace, slowing the rate, etc.). The drummer may issue commands to the crew through a combination of hand signals and voice calls, and also generally exhorts the crew to perform at their peak. A drummer is typically mandatory during racing events, but if he or she is not present during training, it is typical for the sweep to direct the crew during a race. The drummer's role is both tactical and ceremonial. In official competitions, such as world championships, drummers must physically beat the drum, else the team may be issued a penalty. In other events or practices, the drummer of an experienced team may not hit the drum, as the team can paddle naturally together, without a drum beat. Good drummers should be able to [synchronize](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronize "Synchronize") their drumming with the strokes of the leading pair of paddlers, rather than the other way around. ### Paddlers \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Paddlers")\] Pairs of paddlers sit facing forward in the boat, and use a specific type of [paddle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle "Paddle") which, unlike equipment used in rowing, is not rigged to the boat in any way. The paddlers face the direction of boat-movement; dragon boaters thus "paddle," like a canoe, while rowers "row", travelling opposite the way they face as in Olympic [sculling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sculling "Sculling"). The paddle now accepted by the [International Dragon Boat Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=International_Dragon_Boat_Organization&action=edit&redlink=1 "International Dragon Boat Organization (page does not exist)") has a standardized, fixed blade surface area and distinctive shape derived from the paddle shapes characteristic of that used by inhabitants of the [Pearl River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_River_\(China\) "Pearl River (China)") delta region of Guangdong Province, China adjacent to Hong Kong. The IDBF[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-10) Paddle Specification 202a (PS202a)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-11) has straight flared edges and circular arced shoulders, based geometrically on an equilateral triangle positioned between the blade face and the neck of the shaft. The first pair of paddlers, called "pacers," "strokes" or "timers," set the pace for the team and are responsible for synchronizing their strokes with one another, because it is critical that all paddlers are synchronized. The direction of the dragon boat while racing is set by the steerer, but for docking and other maneuvers, individual paddlers may be asked to paddle (while others either stop the boat or rest) according to the commands given by the drummer or steerer. There are generally three different strokes used by paddlers: a (normal) forward stroke, a backstroke, and a draw stroke. ### Steerer \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Steerer")\] The direction of a dragon boat's movement is controlled by the steerer standing in the back of the boat. Many terms exist for the person steering the boat, such as steerer, steersperson, steerman, sweep, and helm. The steerer manipulates a long (typically 9-feet) straight oar, called a steering oar. The steering oar is situated in a mechanism that holds the oar in place, called oar lock. The oar lock can be in a variety of designs, so long as it holds the oar in place and allows it to pivot. It is housed on top of the steering arm, which sticks out perpendicularly on the back-left of a dragon boat. The oar is used to both steer the boat as it is moving and adjust the positioning of the boat. To steer, a steerer will put the blade of the oar into the water and either push the handle away from him/her, or pull it toward him/her. Doing so will turn the boat right or left, respectively. A steerer can also use the steering oar to adjust the position of the boat by cranking. When a steerer cranks the steering oar, the stern of the boat moves either to the left or right, spinning the boat. This is typically executed to turn the boat around at practice or to ensure a boat is lined up straight and pointing directly down a racecourse. A steerer uses calls to direct the paddlers. The steerer may call "paddles up" to prepare to paddle and "take it away!" to commence paddling. The steerer may use other calls such as "hold the boat" for the paddlers to brake using their paddles or "let it ride" for them to lift their paddles out of the water. The steerer also calls the demands in the race for paddlers to better their placement and time in the event that they are participating in. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg/1920px-Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg "‪Dragon Boat Regatta by Wang Zhenpeng (14th c., Yuan dynasty)‬") Dragon Boat Regatta by [Wang Zhenpeng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_Zhenpeng_\(painter\) "Wang Zhenpeng (painter)") (14th c., [Yuan dynasty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuan_dynasty "Yuan dynasty")) ## Racing \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Racing")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg/250px-Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg) Dragon boats racing in Hong Kong [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg/250px-HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg) HKDBA team being awarded the Guinness World Record in Hong Kong Modern dragon boat racing is organized at the international level by the [International Dragon Boat Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation "International Dragon Boat Federation") (IDBF), the world governing body for the sport. The IDBF is a member of the [Global Association of International Sports Federations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Association_of_International_Sports_Federations "Global Association of International Sports Federations") and is a founding federation of the AIMS Group (Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport) within GAISF. AIMS is an [IOC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Olympic_Committee "International Olympic Committee")\-Recognized Multi Sports Organization. The [International Canoe Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Canoe_Federation "International Canoe Federation") (ICF) also has a dragon boat program for those of its Member Canoe Federations with an interest in dragon boat.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-12) Both Sport and Festival racing are very competitive and many paddlers train year round, using paddling machines or pools in addition to on-water sessions.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-13) A festival race is typically a sprint event of several hundred meters, with 500 meters being the most common. Races measuring 200, 1000, and 2000 meters are also standard distances in international competition. Races measuring 2000 meters are normally held on a 500-meter course, requiring teams to do two loops. Teams start and end at the same end of the course, and complete three 180-degree turns. Other distances may also be used in local festivals, such as 100 or 250 meters, or another distance, depending on the size of the [body of water](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_of_water "Body of water"). ## Organizations, recognition and popular culture \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Organizations, recognition and popular culture")\] The established International Federation for dragon boat sport is the [International Dragon Boat Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation "International Dragon Boat Federation") (IDBF). In 2007, the IDBF was recognized as a member of [SportAccord](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SportAccord "SportAccord") (the former General Association of International Sports Federations, GAISF) which is part of the [Olympic Movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Movement "Olympic Movement"), after SportAccord considered the historical and cultural backgrounds and identities of dragon boat sports. IDBF member associations or federations have been established in 89 countries or territories since 1991. The IDBF is not presently an Olympic International Federation of the [International Olympic Committee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Olympic_Committee "International Olympic Committee") (IOC), but the IOC is currently considering the IDBF application for Olympic Federation status. The [International Canoe Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Canoe_Federation "International Canoe Federation"), an IOC-recognized entity that governs many canoeing disciplines has also started to sanction Dragon Boat events. The ICF Dragon Boat World Championships have been held since 2006.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-14) ## Accidents and incidents \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section: Accidents and incidents")\] - On 23 November 2007, [a dragon boat capsized after colliding with a pontoon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Tonl%C3%A9_Sap_dragon_boat_accident "2007 Tonlé Sap dragon boat accident") in [Tonlé Sap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonl%C3%A9_Sap "Tonlé Sap"), Cambodia killing five paddlers. - On 17 January 2010, [a dragon boat capsized while training](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Penang_dragon_boat_tragedy "2010 Penang dragon boat tragedy") in [Penang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang "Penang"), [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia "Malaysia") killing six paddlers on board. - On 11 February 2011, [a dragon boat capsized while training due to wind](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Pr%C3%A6st%C3%B8_Fjord_dragon_boat_accident "2011 Præstø Fjord dragon boat accident") in [Præstø](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pr%C3%A6st%C3%B8 "Præstø"), [Denmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denmark "Denmark") killing one paddler. - On 9 June 2016, three people drowned after their dragon boat capsized during a race in [Fujian Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujian_Province "Fujian Province"), [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China "China").[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-15) - On 22 April 2018, seventeen people drowned in a dragon boat accident on the Taohua River in Guilin, [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China "China").[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-16)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-17) - On 25 September 2019, seven people drowned near [Boracay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boracay "Boracay"), [Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines "Philippines").[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-18) ## See also \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=10 "Edit section: See also")\] - [Nouka Baich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nouka_Baich "Nouka Baich") - [Swan boat (racing)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_boat_\(racing\) "Swan boat (racing)") - [War canoe racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_canoe_racing "War canoe racing") ## References \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=11 "Edit section: References")\] 1. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:0_1-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:0_1-1) ["History & Culture"](https://www.dragonboat.sport/about-us/history-culture/). International Dragon Boat Federation. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 2. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-4) [f](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-5) [g](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-6) Zanzanaini, Gabriella (2018-06-13). ["Forgotten Icon: The Disappearing Art of Dragon Boat Building"](https://zolimacitymag.com/forgotten-icon-the-disappearing-art-of-dragon-boat-building/). Zolima City Magazine. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 3. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-2) ["The traditional family business of crafting a Tuen Ng festival dragon boat"](https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/features/article/3072825/traditional-family-business-crafting-tuen-ng). Young Post. 2018-06-11. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 4. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-4) Ka-kuen, Lau. ["Dragon Boat Festival: a feat of rhythm and athleticism"](https://multimedia.scmp.com/infographics/lifestyle/article/3001002/dragon-boat/index.html?src=social). South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 5. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-4) [f](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-5) ["Dragon boat festival: the composite materials of boats and paddles add technicity to an ancient tradition - JEC"](https://www.jeccomposites.com/news/by-jec/dragon-boat-festival-the-composite-materials-of-boats-and-paddles-add-technicity-to-an-ancient-tradition/). JEC. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 6. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-3) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (1983-07-01). ["The Making of a Dragon Boat"](https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=12&post=22708). Taiwan Today. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-7)* Worcester, George. The Junks and Sampans of the Yangtze River, 1971. 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-8) ROBINSON, BELINDA. "Tens of thousands of Cambodians cheer for centuries-old boat races." China Daily, 12 Nov. 2019, www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201911/12/WS5dca1702a310cf3e35576cd7.html. Accessed 11 Aug. 2020. 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-9) ["Dragon boat racing calls to beginners and pros alike"](https://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-outdoors-dragon-boat-racing-starting-from-zero-20190510-story.html). Los Angeles Times. 2019-05-10. Retrieved 2019-07-22. 10. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-10) ["IDBF Library"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160301120426/http://idbf.org/library.php). International Dragon Boat Federation. Archived from [the original](http://www.idbf.org/library.php) on 2016-03-01. Retrieved 2016-02-11. 11. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-11) ["IDBF Racing Paddle Scheme"](https://dl.dropbox.com/u/135293428/IDBF_Racing_Paddle_Scheme.pdf) (PDF). International Dragon Boat Federation. Retrieved 2016-02-11. \[[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot "Wikipedia:Link rot")\] 12. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-12) ["Dragon Boat"](http://www.canoeicf.com/discipline/dragon-boat). 13. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-13) ["Oswego Dragon Boat Festival"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130627090645/http://oswegodragon.com/aboutus.php). Oswegodragon.com. 2011-12-30. Archived from [the original](http://oswegodragon.com/aboutus.php) on 2013-06-27. Retrieved 2013-03-06. 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-14) ["Dragon Boat"](https://www.canoeicf.com/disciplines/dragon-boat). 21 July 2015. 15. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-15) ["Why Are People Still Dying in China's Dragon Boat Races?"](https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1002471/why-are-people-still-dying-in-chinas-dragon-boat-races). 18 June 2018. 16. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-16) ["Seventeen drown in Dragon Boat accident in China"](https://www.euronews.com/2018/04/22/seventeen-drown-in-dragon-boat-accident-in-china). 22 April 2018. 17. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-17) Buckley, Chris (22 April 2018). ["Dragon Boats Capsize in Southern China; 17 Rowers Drown"](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/22/world/asia/china-dragon-boat-accident-deaths.html). The New York Times. 18. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-18) ["Rowers drown in dragon boat accident in Philippines"](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/9/25/rowers-drown-in-dragon-boat-accident-in-philippines). ## External links \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=12 "Edit section: External links")\] - [![Wikimedia Commons logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/20px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg) Media related to [Dragon boats](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Dragon_boats "commons:Category:Dragon boats") at Wikimedia Commons \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Canoeing_and_kayaking "Template:Canoeing and kayaking") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Canoeing_and_kayaking "Template talk:Canoeing and kayaking") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Canoeing_and_kayaking "Special:EditPage/Template:Canoeing 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medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Olympic_medalists_in_canoeing_\(men\) "List of Olympic medalists in canoeing (men)") [Female medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Olympic_medalists_in_canoeing_\(women\) "List of Olympic medalists in canoeing (women)") [Venues](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Olympic_venues_in_canoeing "List of Olympic venues in canoeing") \| \| Other disciplines \| [Creeking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creeking "Creeking") [Dragon boating]() [Nouka Baich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nouka_Baich "Nouka Baich") [Paddleboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddleboarding "Paddleboarding") [Surf skiing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surf_ski "Surf ski") [Surf kayaking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surf_kayaking "Surf kayaking") [Snow boating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_boating "Snow boating") [Squirt boating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squirt_boating "Squirt boating") [Standup paddleboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standup_paddleboarding "Standup paddleboarding") \| \| [ICF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Canoe_Federation "International Canoe Federation") championships \| [Sprint](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships "ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships") ([Men's Canadian medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_Canadian "List of ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in men's Canadian") [Women's Canadian medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_Canadian "List of ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in women's Canadian") [Men's kayak medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_kayak "List of ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in men's kayak") [Women's kayak medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_kayak "List of ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in women's kayak") [Paracanoe medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Sprint_World_Championships_medalists_in_paracanoe "List of ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships medalists in paracanoe")) [Slalom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships "ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships") ([Men's canoe medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_canoe "List of ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medalists in men's canoe") [Women's canoe medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_canoe "List of ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medalists in women's canoe") [Men's kayak medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_kayak "List of ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medalists in men's kayak") [Women's kayak medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_kayak "List of ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medalists in women's kayak") [Mixed canoe medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Slalom_World_Championships_medalists_in_mixed_canoe "List of ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medalists in mixed canoe")) [Slalom Junior & U23](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_World_Junior_and_U23_Canoe_Slalom_Championships "ICF World Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom Championships") [Marathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championship "ICF Canoe Marathon World Championship") ([Men's canoe medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_canoe "List of ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships medalists in men's canoe") [Women's canoe medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_canoe "List of ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships medalists in women's canoe") [Men's kayak medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championships_medalists_in_men%27s_kayak "List of ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships medalists in men's kayak") [Women's kayak medalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ICF_Canoe_Marathon_World_Championships_medalists_in_women%27s_kayak "List of ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships medalists in women's kayak")) [Ocean Racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICF_Canoe_Ocean_Racing_World_Championships "ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships") [Wildwater canoeing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildwater_Canoeing_World_Championships "Wildwater Canoeing World Championships") \| \| Recreation \| [Small-craft sailing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small-craft_sailing "Small-craft sailing") [Whitewater canoeing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitewater_canoeing "Whitewater canoeing") / [kayaking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitewater_kayaking "Whitewater kayaking") [Sea kayaking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_kayak "Sea kayak") [Canoe camping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_camping "Canoe camping") [Kayak fishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayak_fishing "Kayak fishing") [Canoe and kayak diving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_and_kayak_diving "Canoe and kayak diving") [Dongola racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongola_racing "Dongola racing") [Canoe orienteering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_orienteering "Canoe orienteering") [Canoe livery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_livery "Canoe livery") \| \| Modern boats \| [Canoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe "Canoe") [Kayak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayak "Kayak") [Concrete canoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_canoe "Concrete canoe") [Flyak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyak "Flyak") [Folding kayak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folding_kayak "Folding kayak") [International Canoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Canoe "International Canoe") [Malia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malia_\(canoe\) "Malia (canoe)") [Recreational kayak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreational_kayak "Recreational kayak") [Sprint canoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprint_canoe "Sprint canoe") \| \| Traditional boats \| [Aleutian kayak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleutian_kayak "Aleutian kayak") [Cayuco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cayuco "Cayuco") [Chundan vallam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chundan_vallam "Chundan vallam") [Dugout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dugout_canoe "Dugout canoe") [Fur brigade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fur_brigade "Fur brigade") [Outrigger canoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outrigger_canoe "Outrigger canoe") [Pacific Northwest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Northwest_canoes "Pacific Northwest canoes") [Rabaska](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabaska "Rabaska") [Sturgeon-nosed canoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturgeon-nosed_canoe "Sturgeon-nosed canoe") [Taimen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taimen_\(kayak\) "Taimen (kayak)") [Umiak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umiak "Umiak") [Waka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waka_\(canoe\) "Waka (canoe)") [War canoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_canoe "War canoe") [Swan boat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_boat_\(racing\) "Swan boat (racing)") \| \| [Techniques](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Kayaking_techniques "Category:Kayaking techniques") \| [Canoe paddle strokes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_paddle_strokes "Canoe paddle strokes") [Eskimo Rescue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskimo_Rescue "Eskimo Rescue") [Kayak roll](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayak_roll "Kayak roll") [Portage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portage "Portage") \| \| [Equipment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Canoeing_and_kayaking_equipment "Category:Canoeing and kayaking equipment") \| [Albano buoy system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albano_buoy_system "Albano buoy system") [Outrigger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outrigger "Outrigger") [Paddle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle "Paddle") [Paddle float](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle_float "Paddle float") [Paddle leash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle_leash "Paddle leash") [Royalex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royalex "Royalex") [Sea sock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_sock "Sea sock") [Spray deck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spray_deck "Spray deck") [Tuilik](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuilik "Tuilik") \| \| Venues \| [Artificial whitewater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_whitewater "Artificial whitewater") [Canoeing and kayaking venues](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Canoeing_and_kayaking_venues "Category:Canoeing and kayaking venues") \| \| Competitions \| [List of world records in canoeing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_world_records_in_canoeing "List of world records in canoeing") [Adirondack Canoe Classic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adirondack_Canoe_Classic "Adirondack Canoe Classic") [Au Sable River Canoe Marathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Au_Sable_River_Canoe_Marathon "Au Sable River Canoe Marathon") [Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devizes_to_Westminster_International_Canoe_Marathon "Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon") [Dusi Canoe Marathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dusi_Canoe_Marathon "Dusi Canoe Marathon") [Hawkesbury Canoe Classic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawkesbury_Canoe_Classic "Hawkesbury Canoe Classic") [Liffey Descent Canoe Race](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liffey_Descent_Canoe_Race "Liffey Descent Canoe Race") [Massive Murray Paddle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massive_Murray_Paddle "Massive Murray Paddle") [National Student Rodeo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Student_Rodeo "National Student Rodeo") [Thameside Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thameside_Series "Thameside Series") [Waterside Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterside_Series "Waterside Series") [Riverland Paddling Marathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riverland_Paddling_Marathon "Riverland Paddling Marathon") \| \| Festivals \| [Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_International_Dragon_Boat_Festival "Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival") [Duanwu Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duanwu_Festival "Duanwu Festival") [Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Dragon_Boat_Festival_in_New_York "Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York") [Houston Dragon Boat Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Dragon_Boat_Festival "Houston Dragon Boat Festival") [Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lethbridge_Dragon_Boat_Festival "Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival") [Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa_Dragon_Boat_Festival "Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival") [Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_International_Dragon_Boat_Race_Festival "Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival") \| \| [Governing bodies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Canoeing_organizations "Category:Canoeing organizations") \| [European Canoe Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Canoe_Association "European Canoe Association") [American Canoe Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Canoe_Association "American Canoe Association") [Paddle Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle_Australia "Paddle Australia") [Paddle UK](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle_UK "Paddle UK") [British Dragon Boat Racing Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Dragon_Boat_Racing_Association "British Dragon Boat Racing Association") [Canoe Kayak Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_Kayak_Canada "Canoe Kayak Canada") [Canoe Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_Wales "Canoe Wales") [Croatian Canoe Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_Canoe_Federation "Croatian Canoe Federation") [Israel Canoe Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Canoe_Association "Israel Canoe Association") [Scottish Canoe Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Canoe_Association "Scottish Canoe Association") [Portuguese Canoe Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Canoe_Federation "Portuguese Canoe Federation") \| \| [Other organisations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Canoeing_organizations "Category:Canoeing organizations") \| [Canadian Canoe Museum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Canoe_Museum "Canadian Canoe Museum") [International Dragon Boat Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation "International Dragon Boat Federation") [Sir Alexander Mackenzie Canada Sea-to-Sea Bicentennial Expeditions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Alexander_Mackenzie_Canada_Sea-to-Sea_Bicentennial_Expeditions "Sir Alexander Mackenzie Canada Sea-to-Sea Bicentennial Expeditions") [UK Rivers Access Campaign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivers_Access_Campaign "Rivers Access Campaign") \| \| [Media](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Canoeing_mass_media "Category:Canoeing mass media") \| [La Chasse-galerie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chasse-galerie "Chasse-galerie") [Paddle-to-the-Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle-to-the-Sea "Paddle-to-the-Sea") ([film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle_to_the_Sea "Paddle to the Sea")) [The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_Great_Lakes "The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes") [Waterwalker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterwalker "Waterwalker") \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Global_thinking.svg/20px-Global_thinking.svg.png) [Outline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_canoeing_and_kayaking "Outline of canoeing and kayaking") \| \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Water_sports "Template:Water sports") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Water_sports "Template talk:Water sports") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Water_sports "Special:EditPage/Template:Water sports")[Water sports and activities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_water_sports "List of water sports") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [Activities in water](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_water_sports "List of water sports") \| [Aquajogging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquajogging "Aquajogging") [Diving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_\(sport\) "Diving (sport)") [synchronized](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronized_diving "Synchronized diving") [Flyboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyboarding "Flyboarding") [Freediving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freediving "Freediving") [Scuba diving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuba_diving "Scuba diving") [Snorkeling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snorkeling "Snorkeling") [Swimming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_\(sport\) "Swimming (sport)") [Synchronized swimming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronized_swimming "Synchronized swimming") [Water aerobics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_aerobics "Water aerobics") \| \| [Activities on water](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_surface_water_sports "List of surface water sports") \| [Boating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boating "Boating") [Bodyboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodyboarding "Bodyboarding") [Bodysurfing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodysurfing "Bodysurfing") [Cable skiing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_skiing "Cable skiing") [Canoeing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe "Canoe") [Fishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing "Fishing") [Kayaking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayaking "Kayaking") [Kiteboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiteboarding "Kiteboarding") [Kiteboating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiteboating "Kiteboating") [Kneeboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kneeboarding_\(towsport\) "Kneeboarding (towsport)") [Paddleboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddleboarding "Paddleboarding") [Standup paddleboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standup_paddleboarding "Standup paddleboarding") [Parasailing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasailing "Parasailing") [Rafting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafting "Rafting") [Riverboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riverboarding "Riverboarding") [Rowing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowing_\(sport\) "Rowing (sport)") [Sailing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing "Sailing") [Skimboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skimboarding "Skimboarding") [Skurfing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skurfing "Skurfing") [Stone skipping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_skipping "Stone skipping") [Surfing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfing "Surfing") [Tubing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubing_\(recreation\) "Tubing (recreation)") [Wakeboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakeboarding "Wakeboarding") [Wakeskating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakeskating "Wakeskating") [Wakesurfing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakesurfing "Wakesurfing") [Water skiing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_skiing "Water skiing") [barefoot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barefoot_skiing "Barefoot skiing") [Windsurfing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsurfing "Windsurfing") [Yachting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yachting "Yachting") \| \| [Team sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_water_sports "List of water sports") \| [Canoe polo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_polo "Canoe polo") [Dinghy racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinghy_racing "Dinghy racing") [Dragon boat racing]() [Outrigger canoe racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outrigger_boat#Racing "Outrigger boat") [Synchronized diving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronized_diving "Synchronized diving") [Synchronized swimming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronized_swimming "Synchronized swimming") [Waboba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waboba "Waboba") [Water basketball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_basketball "Water basketball") [Water polo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_polo "Water polo") [Water volleyball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_volleyball "Water volleyball") \| \| Competitions \| [Boat racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_racing "Boat racing") [Modern pentathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_pentathlon "Modern pentathlon") [Sailing races](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing_\(sport\) "Sailing (sport)") [Triathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triathlon "Triathlon") [Yacht racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yacht_racing "Yacht racing") \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Water_sports "Category:Water sports") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/20px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg "Commons page") [Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Water_sports "commons:Category:Water sports") \| \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Sports_of_the_World_Games_program "Template:Sports of the World Games program") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Sports_of_the_World_Games_program "Template talk:Sports of the World Games program") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Sports_of_the_World_Games_program "Special:EditPage/Template:Sports of the World Games program")[Sports of the World Games program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Games_sports "World Games sports") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Artistic and dance sports \| [Cheerleading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheerleading "Cheerleading") [Dancesport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancesport "Dancesport") [Inline freestyle skating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freestyle_slalom_skating "Freestyle slalom skating") [Gymnastics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnastics "Gymnastics") [Acrobatic gymnastics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrobatic_gymnastics "Acrobatic gymnastics") [Aerobic gymnastics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerobic_gymnastics "Aerobic gymnastics") [Parkour](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkour "Parkour") [Trampolining](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trampolining "Trampolining") [Tumbling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumbling_\(sport\) "Tumbling (sport)") \| \| Ball sports \| [Beach handball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_handball "Beach handball") [Canoe polo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_polo "Canoe polo") [Fistball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fistball "Fistball") [Flag football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_football "Flag football") [Floorball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floorball "Floorball") [Korfball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korfball "Korfball") [Lacrosse sixes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacrosse_sixes "Lacrosse sixes") [Racquetball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racquetball "Racquetball") [Softball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softball "Softball") [Squash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squash_\(sport\) "Squash (sport)") \| \| Martial arts \| [Ju-jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jujutsu "Jujutsu") [Karate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate "Karate") [Kickboxing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kickboxing "Kickboxing") [Muaythai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai "Muay Thai") [Sambo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambo_\(martial_art\) "Sambo (martial art)") [Wushu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wushu_\(sport\) "Wushu (sport)") \| \| Precision sports \| [Archery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archery "Archery") [Billiard sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cue_sports "Cue sports") [Boules sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boules "Boules") \| \| Strength sports \| [Powerlifting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerlifting "Powerlifting") [Tug of war](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tug_of_war "Tug of war") \| \| Trend sports \| [Air sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_sports "Air sports") [Drone racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drone_racing "Drone racing") [Canoe sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoeing "Canoeing") [Canoe marathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canoe_marathon "Canoe marathon") [Dragon boat]() [Duathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duathlon "Duathlon") [Finswimming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finswimming "Finswimming") [Flying disc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_disc "Flying disc") [Disc golf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_golf "Disc golf") [Ultimate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_\(sport\) "Ultimate (sport)") [Inline hockey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_in-line_hockey "Roller in-line hockey") [Lifesaving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifesaving_\(sport\) "Lifesaving (sport)") [Orienteering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orienteering "Orienteering") [Powerboating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_racing#Motorboat_racing "Boat racing") [Speed roller skating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_sports "Roller sports") [Road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_skating "Road skating") [Track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inline_speed_skating "Inline speed skating") [Sport climbing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competition_climbing "Competition climbing") [Water skiing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_skiing "Water skiing") [Wakeboarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakeboarding "Wakeboarding") \| \| Past official sports \| [Air sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_sports "Air sports") [Parachuting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachuting "Parachuting") [Paragliding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paragliding "Paragliding") [Paramotoring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramotoring "Paramotoring") [Gliding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliding "Gliding") [Artistic roller skating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artistic_roller_skating "Artistic roller skating") [Badminton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badminton "Badminton") [Baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball "Baseball") [Beach volleyball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_volleyball "Beach volleyball") [Bodybuilding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodybuilding "Bodybuilding") [Bowling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowling "Bowling") [Casting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casting_\(fishing\) "Casting (fishing)") [Field lacrosse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_lacrosse "Field lacrosse") (women) [Gymnastics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnastics "Gymnastics") [Rhythmic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhythmic_gymnastics "Rhythmic gymnastics") [Indoor cycling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_cycling "Indoor cycling") [Artistic cycling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artistic_cycling "Artistic cycling") [Cycle ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycle_ball "Cycle ball") [Netball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netball "Netball") [Raffa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raffa_\(boules\) "Raffa (boules)") [Roller hockey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_hockey_\(quad\) "Roller hockey (quad)") [Rugby sevens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_sevens "Rugby sevens") [Sumo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumo "Sumo") [Taekwondo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taekwondo "Taekwondo") [Triathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triathlon "Triathlon") [Weightlifting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_weightlifting "Olympic weightlifting") (women) [Wheelchair rugby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair_rugby "Wheelchair rugby") \| \| Invitational sports (never made official) \| [Aikido](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido "Aikido") [American football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_football "American football") [Baton twirling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baton_twirling "Baton twirling") [Boomerang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boomerang "Boomerang") [Equestrian vaulting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equestrian_vaulting "Equestrian vaulting") [Gateball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateball "Gateball") [Indoor field hockey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_hockey "Indoor hockey") [Indoor motorcycle trials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_trials "Motorcycle trials") [Indoor rowing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_rowing "Indoor rowing") [Military pentathlon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_pentathlon "Military pentathlon") [Minigolf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minigolf "Minigolf") [Motocross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motocross "Motocross") [Motorcycle speedway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_speedway "Motorcycle speedway") [Pesäpallo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pes%C3%A4pallo "Pesäpallo") [Tchoukball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tchoukball "Tchoukball") [Water polo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_polo "Water polo") (women) \| \| ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Sports at the World Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Sports_at_the_World_Games "Category:Sports at the World Games") [International World Games Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_World_Games_Association "International World Games Association") \| \| \| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Overseas_Chinese "Template:Overseas Chinese") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Overseas_Chinese "Template talk:Overseas Chinese") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Overseas_Chinese "Special:EditPage/Template:Overseas Chinese")[Overseas Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Chinese "Overseas Chinese") \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Africa \| \| \| \| \| \| North \| [Algeria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Algeria "Chinese people in Algeria") [Egypt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Egypt "Chinese people in Egypt") [Libya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Libya "Chinese people in Libya") [Morocco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Morocco "Chinese people in Morocco") \| \| West \| [Cape Verde](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Cape_Verde "Chinese people in Cape Verde") [Ghana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Ghana "Chinese people in Ghana") [Mali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Mali "Chinese people in Mali") [Nigeria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Nigeria "Chinese people in Nigeria") [Senegal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Senegal "Chinese people in Senegal") \| \| East \| [Ethiopia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Ethiopia "Chinese people in Ethiopia") [Kenya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Kenya "Chinese people in Kenya") [Tanzania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Tanzania "Chinese people in Tanzania") [Uganda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Uganda "Chinese people in Uganda") \| \| Central \| [Cameroon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Cameroon "Chinese people in Cameroon") [Democratic Republic of Congo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_the_DRC "Chinese people in the DRC") [Republic of Congo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_the_Republic_of_Congo "Chinese people in the Republic of Congo") \| \| Southern \| [Angola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Angola "Chinese people in Angola") [Botswana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Botswana "Chinese people in Botswana") [Lesotho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Lesotho "Chinese people in Lesotho") [Madagascar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Madagascar "Chinese people in Madagascar") [Malawi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Malawi "Chinese people in Malawi") [Mauritius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauritians_of_Chinese_origin "Mauritians of Chinese origin") [Mozambique](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Mozambique "Ethnic Chinese in Mozambique") [Namibia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Namibia "Chinese people in Namibia") [Réunion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinois_\(R%C3%A9union\) "Chinois (Réunion)")1 [Seychelles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Seychellois "Sino-Seychellois") [South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_South_Africans "Chinese South Africans") [Zambia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Zambia "Chinese people in Zambia") [Zimbabwe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Zimbabwe "Chinese people in Zimbabwe") \| \| Americas \| \| \| \| \| \| [Caribbean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Caribbean_people "Chinese Caribbean people") \| [Belize](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Belize "Ethnic Chinese in Belize") [Caribbean Chinese cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_Chinese_cuisine "Caribbean Chinese cuisine") [Cuba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Cubans "Chinese Cubans") [Dominican Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_Chinese_in_the_Dominican_Republic "Ethnic Chinese in the Dominican Republic") [Guyana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Guyanese "Chinese Guyanese") [Haiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Haitians "Chinese Haitians") [Jamaica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Jamaicans "Chinese Jamaicans") [Puerto Rico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_immigration_to_Puerto_Rico "Chinese immigration to Puerto Rico") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rican_Chinese_cuisine "Puerto Rican Chinese cuisine") [Suriname](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Surinamese "Chinese Surinamese") [Trinidad and Tobago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Trinidadians_and_Tobagonians "Chinese Trinidadians and Tobagonians") \| \| [North](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America "North America") \| [Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Canadians "Chinese Canadians") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Chinese_cuisine "Canadian Chinese cuisine") [from Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Canadians "Hong Kong Canadians") [from Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_Canadians "Taiwanese Canadians") [British Columbia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Canadians_in_British_Columbia "Chinese Canadians in British Columbia") ([Vancouver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Canadians_in_Greater_Vancouver "Chinese Canadians in Greater Vancouver")) [Toronto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Canadians_in_the_Greater_Toronto_Area "Chinese Canadians in the Greater Toronto Area") [Mexico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_immigration_to_Mexico "Chinese immigration to Mexico") [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Americans "Chinese Americans") [American-born Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American-born_Chinese "American-born Chinese") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Chinese_cuisine "American Chinese cuisine") [Chinese American church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_American_church "Chinese American church") [from Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Americans "Hong Kong Americans") [from Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_Americans "Taiwanese Americans") [from Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_Americans "Malaysian Americans") [from Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singaporean_Americans "Singaporean Americans") [Fuzhounese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuzhounese_Americans "Fuzhounese Americans") [History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Chinese_Americans "History of Chinese Americans") [Tibetan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Americans "Tibetan Americans") [Hakka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakka_Americans "Hakka Americans") [Hoklo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoklo_Americans "Hoklo Americans") [by city and state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Chinese_Americans_by_location "Template:Chinese Americans by location") \| \| Central \| [Costa Rica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Costa_Rica "Chinese people in Costa Rica") [Nicaragua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Nicaraguans "Chinese Nicaraguans") [Panama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Panama "Ethnic Chinese in Panama") \| \| South \| [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Argentines "Chinese Argentines") [Brazil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Brazilians "Chinese Brazilians") [Chinese Latin American cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Latin_American_cuisine "Chinese Latin American cuisine") [Chile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Chile "Chinese people in Chile") [Guyana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Guyanese "Chinese Guyanese") [Peru](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Peruvians "Chinese Peruvians") [Chifa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chifa "Chifa") [Suriname](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Surinamese "Chinese Surinamese") [Uruguay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Uruguay "Chinese people in Uruguay") [Venezuela](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Venezuelans "Chinese Venezuelans") \| \| Asia \| \| \| \| \| \| Central \| [Kazakhstan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Kazakhstan "Chinese people in Kazakhstan") [Kyrgyzstan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Kyrgyzstan "Chinese people in Kyrgyzstan") \| \| East \| [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Japan "Chinese people in Japan") [Cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Chinese_cuisine "Japanese Chinese cuisine") [Shippoku](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shippoku "Shippoku") [Korea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Korea "Chinese people in Korea") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Chinese_cuisine "Korean Chinese cuisine") [Mongolia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Mongolia "Ethnic Chinese in Mongolia") \| \| Southeast \| [Brunei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Brunei "Ethnic Chinese in Brunei") [Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Cambodian "Chinese Cambodian") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodian_Chinese_cuisine "Cambodian Chinese cuisine") [Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodian_Hokkien "Cambodian Hokkien") [Timor-Leste](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Timor-Leste "Chinese people in Timor-Leste") [Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Indonesians "Chinese Indonesians") [Benteng Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benteng_Chinese "Benteng Chinese") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Indonesian_cuisine "Chinese Indonesian cuisine") [Peranakan Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peranakans "Peranakans") [Bangka-Belitung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_in_Bangka-Belitung_Islands "Chinese in Bangka-Belitung Islands") [Bali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balinese_Chinese "Balinese Chinese") [Maluku](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Maluku "Chinese Maluku") [Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laotian_Chinese "Laotian Chinese") [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_Chinese "Malaysian Chinese") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_Chinese_cuisine "Malaysian Chinese cuisine") [Peranakan / Baba Nyonya / Straits Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peranakans "Peranakans") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peranakan_cuisine "Peranakan cuisine") [Sino-Native](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Native "Sino-Native") [Myanmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Myanmar "Chinese people in Myanmar") [Kokang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokang_people "Kokang people") [Panthay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panthay "Panthay") [Pashu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peranakans "Peranakans") [Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Filipino "Chinese Filipino") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_Chinese_cuisine "Filipino Chinese cuisine") [Sangley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangley "Sangley") [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Singaporeans "Chinese Singaporeans") [Chinese nationals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_nationals_in_Singapore "Chinese nationals in Singapore") [Straits-Born Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peranakans "Peranakans") [Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Chinese "Thai Chinese") [Chin Haw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chin_Haw "Chin Haw") [Phuket Baba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peranakans "Peranakans") [Vietnam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoa_people "Hoa people") [Minh Hương](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minh_H%C6%B0%C6%A1ng "Minh Hương") [Sán Dìu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diu_people "San Diu people") [Ngái](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ng%C3%A1i_people "Ngái people") [Hoa Nùng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_N%C3%B9ng "Chinese Nùng") \| \| South \| [Bangladesh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Bangladesh "Chinese people in Bangladesh") [India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_community_in_India "Chinese community in India") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Chinese_cuisine "Indian Chinese cuisine") [Pakistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Pakistan "Chinese people in Pakistan") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistani_Chinese_cuisine "Pakistani Chinese cuisine") [Sri Lanka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Sri_Lanka "Chinese people in Sri Lanka") \| \| West \| [Iran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Iran "Chinese people in Iran") [Israel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Israel "Chinese people in Israel") [Turkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Turkey "Chinese people in Turkey") [United Arab Emirates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates "Chinese people in the United Arab Emirates") \| \| Europe \| \| \| \| \| \| Northern \| [Denmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Denmark "Chinese people in Denmark") [Finland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Finland "Chinese people in Finland") [Norway](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chinese_people_in_Norway&action=edit&redlink=1 "Chinese people in Norway (page does not exist)") [Sweden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Sweden "Chinese people in Sweden") \| \| Western \| [Belgium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Belgium "Chinese people in Belgium") [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_diaspora_in_France "Chinese diaspora in France") [Paris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_community_in_Paris "Chinese community in Paris") [Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Germany "Chinese people in Germany") [Nazi era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Chinese_people_in_Nazi_Germany "Persecution of Chinese people in Nazi Germany") [Ireland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Ireland "Chinese people in Ireland") [Netherlands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_the_Netherlands "Chinese people in the Netherlands") [United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Chinese "British Chinese") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Chinese_cuisine "British Chinese cuisine") [from Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_people_in_the_United_Kingdom "Hong Kong people in the United Kingdom") [London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_community_in_London "Chinese community in London") [Triads](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triads_in_the_United_Kingdom "Triads in the United Kingdom") \| \| Southern \| [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Italy "Chinese people in Italy") [Portugal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Portugal "Chinese people in Portugal") [Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Spain "Chinese people in Spain") \| \| Eastern \| [Bulgaria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Bulgaria "Chinese people in Bulgaria") [Czech Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_the_Czech_Republic "Chinese people in the Czech Republic") [Romania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_of_Romania "Chinese of Romania") [Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_Chinese_in_Russia "Ethnic Chinese in Russia") [Soviet deportations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_deportations_of_Chinese_people "Soviet deportations of Chinese people") [Serbia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Serbia "Chinese people in Serbia") [Turkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Turkey "Chinese people in Turkey") \| \| Oceania \| [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Australians "Chinese Australians") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Chinese_cuisine "Australian Chinese cuisine") [restaurants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_restaurants_in_Australia "Chinese restaurants in Australia") [Chinese Methodist Church in Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Methodist_Church_in_Australia "Chinese Methodist Church in Australia") [Hong Kong Australians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Australians "Hong Kong Australians") [Taiwanese Australians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_Australians "Taiwanese Australians") [Fiji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_in_Fiji "Chinese in Fiji") [Hawaii](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_immigration_to_Hawaii "Chinese immigration to Hawaii") [Palau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_in_Palau "Chinese in Palau") [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Zealanders "Chinese New Zealanders") [cuisine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_Chinese_cuisine "New Zealand Chinese cuisine") [Papua New Guinea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_people_in_Papua_New_Guinea "Chinese people in Papua New Guinea") [Samoa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_in_Samoa "Chinese in Samoa") [Tonga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_in_Tonga "Chinese in Tonga") \| \| People \| [List of British Chinese people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_Chinese_people "List of British Chinese people") [List of Chinese diaspora people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Chinese_diaspora_people "List of Chinese diaspora people") [List of Chinese Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Chinese_Americans "List of Chinese Americans") [List of foreign politicians of Chinese descent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_foreign_politicians_of_Chinese_descent "List of foreign politicians of Chinese descent") [List of heads of state and government of Chinese descent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_heads_of_state_and_government_of_Chinese_descent "List of heads of state and government of Chinese descent") [List of naturalised Olympic table tennis players from China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_naturalised_Olympic_table_tennis_players_from_China "List of naturalised Olympic table tennis players from China") [List of Malaysians of Chinese descent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Malaysians_of_Chinese_descent "List of Malaysians of Chinese descent") \| \| Organizations \| [All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-China_Federation_of_Returned_Overseas_Chinese "All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese") [Association of Chinese Professionals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_of_Chinese_Professionals "Association of Chinese Professionals") [Asiatic Exclusion League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asiatic_Exclusion_League "Asiatic Exclusion League") [Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Consolidated_Benevolent_Association "Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association") [Chinese Congress on World Evangelization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Congress_on_World_Evangelization "Chinese Congress on World Evangelization") [Chinese Empire Reform Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Empire_Reform_Association "Chinese Empire Reform Association") [Chinese Hand Laundry Alliance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Hand_Laundry_Alliance "Chinese Hand Laundry Alliance") [Chinese Music Society of North America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Music_Society_of_North_America "Chinese Music Society of North America") [Chinese Students and Scholars Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Students_and_Scholars_Association "Chinese Students and Scholars Association") [Citizen Power Initiatives for China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_Power_Initiatives_for_China "Citizen Power Initiatives for China") [Confucius Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius_Institute "Confucius Institute") [Criticism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Confucius_Institutes "Criticism of Confucius Institutes") [Eng Suey Sun Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eng_Suey_Sun_Association "Eng Suey Sun Association") [Free Tibet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Tibet "Free Tibet") [Gin Family Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gin_Family_Association "Gin Family Association") [Hanban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanban "Hanban") [Lung Kong Tin Yee Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lung_Kong_Tin_Yee_Association "Lung Kong Tin Yee Association") [List of Chinese American associations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Chinese_American_associations "List of Chinese American associations") [Overseas Chinese Affairs Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Chinese_Affairs_Office "Overseas Chinese Affairs Office") [Overseas Chinese banks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Chinese_banks "Overseas Chinese banks") [Overseas Chinese History Museum of 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Readable Markdown	This article is about Dragon boats and racing. For the festivals and holidays associated with dragon boats, see [Dragon Boat Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Boat_Festival "Dragon Boat Festival"). \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg/500px-Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dragon_boat_budapest_2010.jpg)Dragon boat moving across the [Danube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube "Danube") river in [Budapest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapest "Budapest"), [Hungary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungary "Hungary") \| \| \| Highest [governing body](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_governing_body "Sports governing body") \| [International Dragon Boat Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation "International Dragon Boat Federation") \| \| First developed \| Ancient China \| \| Characteristics \| \| \| Contact \| No \| \| Team members \| 22 (regulation) \| \| Type \| Watercraft paddle sport \| \| Equipment \| Dragon boat, paddles, drum \| \| Presence \| \| \| Country or region \| Worldwide \| \| [Olympic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Games "Olympic Games") \| No \| \| [World Games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Games "World Games") \| [2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_World_Games "2005 World Games") (invitational), [2009](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_World_Games "2009 World Games") (invitational) \| \| Dragon boat \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [Traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters") \| 龍舟 \| \| [Simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters") \| 龙舟 \| \| Transcriptions \| \| \| [Standard Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Chinese "Standard Chinese") \| \| \| [Hanyu Pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanyu_Pinyin "Hanyu Pinyin") \| lóngzhōu \| \| [Wade–Giles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade%E2%80%93Giles "Wade–Giles") \| lung2\-chou1 \| \| [IPA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Mandarin "Help:IPA/Mandarin") \| [\[lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂóʊ\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Mandarin "Help:IPA/Mandarin") \| \| [Southern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Min "Southern Min") \| \| \| [Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [POJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī") \| lêng-chiu \| \| Alternative Chinese name \| \| \| [Traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters "Traditional Chinese characters") \| 龍船 \| \| [Simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters "Simplified Chinese characters") \| 龙船 \| \| Transcriptions \| \| \| [Standard Mandarin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Chinese "Standard Chinese") \| \| \| [Hanyu Pinyin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanyu_Pinyin "Hanyu Pinyin") \| lóngchuán \| \| [Wade–Giles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade%E2%80%93Giles "Wade–Giles") \| lung2\-chʻuan2 \| \| [IPA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Mandarin "Help:IPA/Mandarin") \| [\[lʊ̌ŋ.ʈʂʰwǎn\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Mandarin "Help:IPA/Mandarin") \| \| [Yue: Cantonese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantonese "Cantonese") \| \| \| [Yale Romanization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yale_romanization_of_Cantonese "Yale romanization of Cantonese") \| lùhngsyùhn \| \| [Southern Min](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Min "Southern Min") \| \| \| [Hokkien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkien "Hokkien") [POJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%CC%8Dh-%C5%8De-j%C4%AB "Pe̍h-ōe-jī") \| liông-chûn \| A dragon boat is a [human-powered watercraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human-powered_watercraft "Human-powered watercraft") that originated in the [Pearl River Delta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_River_Delta "Pearl River Delta") region of southern [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China "China")'s [Guangdong Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guangdong_Province "Guangdong Province"). These were made of [teak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teak "Teak"), but in other parts of China different kinds of wood are used. It is one of a family of traditional paddled long boats found throughout [Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia "Asia"), [Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa "Africa"), the Pacific islands, and [Puerto Rico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rico "Puerto Rico"). The sport of dragon boat racing has its roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers, which dates back 2000 years throughout southern China, and even further to the original games of [Olympia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia,_Greece "Olympia, Greece") in [ancient Greece](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece "Ancient Greece"). Both dragon boat racing and the ancient [Olympiad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympiad "Olympiad") included aspects of religious observances and community celebrations, along with competitions. Dragon boat racing has been a traditional Chinese paddled watercraft activity for over 2000 years and began as a modern international sport in [Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong "Hong Kong") in 1976. These boats are typically made of [carbon fiber](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_fiber "Carbon fiber"), [fiberglass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiberglass "Fiberglass"), and other lightweight materials. For [competition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competition "Competition") events, dragon boats are generally rigged with decorative [Chinese dragon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_dragon "Chinese dragon") heads and tails. At other times (such as during training), decorative regalia is usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard for drummers to practice. For races, there are 18-20 people in a standard boat, and 8-10 in a small boat, not including the steersperson (sweep) and the drummer. In December 2007, the central government of the People's Republic of China added the [Dragon Boat Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Boat_Festival "Dragon Boat Festival"), along with the [Qingming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qingming_Festival "Qingming Festival") and [Mid-Autumn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_festival "Mid-Autumn festival") festivals, to the schedule of national holidays. ## Design and construction \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Design and construction")\] \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [![\[icon\]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg/20px-Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) \| This section needs expansion with: explain the shape, materials, and construction techniques of historical and current dragon boats. You can help by [adding missing information](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=). (May 2023) \| The [International Dragon Boat Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation "International Dragon Boat Federation") defines a dragon boat, within competition regulations, to be: "a long displacement boat of an open design, that is based upon a rib-less [carvel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carvel_\(boat_building\) "Carvel (boat building)") form of hull construction, with the following distinguishing characteristics; no [stem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_\(ship\) "Stem (ship)"), hard [chine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chine_\(boating\) "Chine (boating)") bilge; W in cross section, minimum [freeboard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeboard_\(nautical\) "Freeboard (nautical)"), [punt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punt_\(boat\) "Punt (boat)")\-like entry and exit; rocketed [keel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keel "Keel") that is set back from the twin rail boards and curved sheet line with upsweep extremities".[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:0-1) Dragon boats vary in size: medium-sized boats can measure about 38 feet (11.5 meters), whereas larger boats can measure up to 90 feet (27.4 meters) in length.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) The width and depth of the boat also varies, changing according to factors like the boat's length and purpose, as well as the number of people in its crew.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:0-1) Some dragon boat craftsmen may also alter the width of the boats depending on the expertise of its paddlers, with narrower boats being constructed for more skilled dragon boaters.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3) The material used to build the main body of a dragon boat is diverse and has varied over the years. Before 1911, Ge wood, imported from countries like [Myanmar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myanmar "Myanmar"), [Thailand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand "Thailand"), and [Vietnam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam "Vietnam") was used.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) From 1911 towards the end of the 1990s, dragon boats had been built using [pine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine "Pine") wood imported from the [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States").[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) Since 2000, cedar wood from the [Guizhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guizhou "Guizhou") province of China had been used.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) Today, the standard materials used to build the hull of these dragon boats are usually either [teak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teak "Teak") wood or fiberglass.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4)[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Teak wood is considerably adept at handling moisture.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) For a majority of the year, dragon boats are stored out of the water, on dry land, where they tend to shrink slightly once dried.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) When they are reintroduced back into the sea, teak allows their joints to expand, which allows the boat to close any gaps and further strengthen itself.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) Sometime in the 1990s, China began its advocacy for the protection of its forests, causing a shortage in large timber resources.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Following this, China began to see a rise in fiberglass dragon boats which were often lighter and faster.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Over time, dragon boats made of fiberglass surpassed those made of wood, becoming a popular choice and the national standard for dragon boats in China.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) As a result, while wooden paddles and teak wood boats are still used from time to time, dragon boat athletes often train regularly on fiberglass boats, with paddles made of carbon fiber.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) The head and tail of a dragon is typically made of [camphor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camphora_officinarum "Camphora officinarum") wood.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:3-4) The design of the dragon heads vary according to its location, as each region has their own specific features and colors to dedicate to it.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3) The head and tail are often hand-carved, likely with a chisel and hammer, before being hand-painted.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:2-3)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2)[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:4-5) Such heads usually feature a pair of bulging eyes, two jumbo nostrils, a long snout, a stuck out tongue, 'feathers' or 'hairs' that appear frozen in a wave-like motion, and ferocious jaws that feature sharp, white teeth.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) The head leads to the long, sleek, and low body of the dragon boat which represents the dragon's back.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) This part also features a W-shaped belly that provides suction onto the water and helps to stabilize the boat.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) On its stern is a curled tail with minutely carved scales.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) Many consider the building of these dragon boats to be a combination of various art forms, including [carpentry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpentry "Carpentry") work, [wood carving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_carving "Wood carving"), [oil painting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_painting "Oil painting"), and marine architecture theory.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:5-6) They also involve a fair amount of labor division where various craftsmen work on different parts of the boat. For example, wooden furniture makers would be engaged to carve the dragon's head and tail, while ship builders would be engaged to work on the dragon's body.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-:1-2) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_%28front%29.jpg/250px-Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_%28front%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei_\(front\).jpg) World's longest dragon boat ([Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei "Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei")) on display next to [Royal Palace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace,_Phnom_Penh "Royal Palace, Phnom Penh") in [Phnom Penh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phnom_Penh "Phnom Penh"), Cambodia. Similar to the use of [outrigger canoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outrigger_canoe "Outrigger canoe") or [Polynesian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynesians "Polynesians") [va'a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Va%27a "Va'a"), dragon boat racing has a rich background of ancient ceremonial, ritualistic and religious traditions, and thus, the modern competitive aspect is but one small part of this complex dragon boat culture. The use of dragon boats for racing and dragon ceremonies is believed by scholars, [sinologists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinologists "Sinologists"), and anthropologists to have originated in southern central China more than 2500 years ago, in [Dongting Lake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongting_Lake "Dongting Lake") and along the banks of the Chang Jiang (now called the [Yangtze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangtze_River "Yangtze River")) during the same era when the games of [ancient Greece](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece "Ancient Greece") were being established at [Olympia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia,_Greece "Olympia, Greece").[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-7) Dragon boat racing has been practiced continuously since this period as the basis for annual water rituals and festival celebrations, and for the traditional veneration of the [Chinese dragon water deity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_king "Dragon king"). The celebration was an important part of the ancient Chinese agricultural society, celebrating the summer rice planting. Dragon boat racing was historically situated in the Chinese subcontinent's southern-central "rice bowl"; where there were rice paddies, so too there were dragon boats. Of the twelve animals which make up the traditional [Chinese zodiac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac "Chinese zodiac"), only the [Dragon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_\(zodiac\) "Dragon (zodiac)") is a mythical creature. All the rest are non-mythical animals, yet all twelve of the zodiac creatures were well known to members of ancient Chinese agrarian communities. Dragons were traditionally believed to be the rulers of water on earth: rivers, lakes, and seas; they were also thought to dominate the waters of the heavens: clouds, mists, and rains. There are earth dragons, mountain dragons, and sky or celestial dragons (Tian Long) in Chinese tradition. Mythical dragons and serpents are also found widely in many cultures around the world. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum%2C_Beijing.jpg/250px-Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum%2C_Beijing.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Attributed_to_Li_Zhaodao_Dragon-boat_Race._Palace_Museum,_Beijing.jpg) [Tang dynasty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_dynasty "Tang dynasty") painting of a dragon boat race attributed to Li Zhaodao (675-758) Traditional dragon boat racing, in China, coincides with the 5th day of the 5th [Chinese lunar month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar") (varying from late May to June on the modern Gregorian Calendar). The [summer solstice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_solstice "Summer solstice") occurs around 21 June and is the reason why Chinese refer to their festival as "Duan Wu" or "Duen Ng". Both the sun and the dragon are considered to be male (the moon and the mythical phoenix, however, are considered to be female). The sun and the dragon are thought to be most potent during this time of the year, which provides a cause for observing this through ritual celebrations such as dragon boat racing. It is also the time of year when rice seedlings must be transplanted in rice paddy fields to allow for wet rice cultivation. Wu or Ng refers to the sun at its highest position in the sky during the day, the meridian of 'high noon'. Duan or Duen refers to upright or directly overhead. Thus, Duan Wu is an ancient reference to the maximum position of the sun in the [northern hemisphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Hemisphere "Northern Hemisphere"), the longest day of the year or the summer solstice. Venerating the dragon deity was meant to avert misfortune and calamity and to encourage [rainfall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainfall "Rainfall"), which is needed for the fertility of the crops and thus, the prosperity of an agrarian way of life. Celestial dragons were considered the controllers of rain, monsoons, winds, and clouds. The Emperor was "The Dragon" or the "Son of Heaven", and Chinese people sometimes refer to themselves as "dragons" because of its spirit of strength and vitality. Unlike dragons in [European mythology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_mythology "European mythology"), which are typically considered to be evil and demonic, Asian dragons are regarded as wholesome and benevolent, and thus worthy of veneration, not slaying. If rainfall is insufficient, however, drought and famine can result. Veneration of dragons in China seems to be associated with annual rituals to ensure life-giving water and bountiful rice harvests in south-central China. Another ritual called [Awakening of the Dragon](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Awakening_of_the_Dragon&action=edit&redlink=1 "Awakening of the Dragon (page does not exist)") involves a [Taoist priest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daoshi "Daoshi") dotting the bulging eyes of the carved dragon head attached to the boat. Doing so symbolizes the dragon ending its slumber and reenergizing its spirit, or ch'i. In modern dragon boat festivals, a representative can be invited to step forward to dot the eyes on a dragon boat head with a brush dipped in red paint. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg/250px-NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NAHA_City_Okinawa_Prefecture_Japan_5th_September_2023_04.jpg) Dragon boats used in "[Naha Hari/Hare](https://visitokinawajapan.com/discover/events/naha-hari-hare/)" race (Ryukyu Islands) Not understanding the significance of Duanwu, 19th-century European observers of the racing ritual referred to the associated spectacle as a "dragon boat festival". This is the term that has become known in the West. Dragon boat racing, like Duanwu, is observed and celebrated in many areas of east Asia with a significant population of [ethnic Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Chinese "Overseas Chinese") such as [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore "Singapore"), [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia "Malaysia"), and the [Riau Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riau_Islands "Riau Islands"), as well as having been adopted by the [Ryukyu Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryukyu_Islands "Ryukyu Islands") since ancient times. The date on which races were held is referred to as the "double fifth", since Duanwu is reckoned as the fifth day of the fifth [lunar month](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_calendar "Lunar calendar"), which often falls in the [Gregorian calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar "Gregorian calendar") month of June and occasionally in May or July. Duanwu is reckoned annually in accordance with the traditional [calendar system of China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar "Chinese calendar"), which is a combination of solar and lunar cycles, unlike the solar-based [Gregorian calendar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar "Gregorian calendar") system. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Bayonnavalbat01.JPG/250px-Bayonnavalbat01.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bayonnavalbat01.JPG) Bas relief scene from [Bayon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayon "Bayon") temple depicting a naval battle using dragon boats between the [Khmer Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Empire "Khmer Empire") and [Champa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champa "Champa"). The [Khmer Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Empire "Khmer Empire") used dragon boats in their naval battles. Today, Cambodia honors the use of dragon boats by the Khmer Empire's navy by hosting dragon boat competitions at the [Bon Om Touk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_Om_Touk "Bon Om Touk") water festival.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-8) [Laos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laos "Laos") which emerged from the [Khmer Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Empire "Khmer Empire") organizes a similar dragon boat festival on the Mekong River called [Boun Suang Huea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boun_Suang_Huea "Boun Suang Huea"). The world's longest dragon boat is located in Cambodia and known as the [Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kambojika_Putta_Khemara_Tarei "Kambojika Putta Khemara Tarei"). [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg/500px-%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204601_CRD.jpg) Dragon boats with a tower and crew (14th c.) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg/500px-%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E5%85%83_%E4%BD%9A%E5%90%8D_%E8%87%A8%E7%8E%8B%E6%8C%AF%E9%B5%AC_%E9%87%91%E6%98%8E%E6%B1%A0%E5%9C%96_%E5%8D%B7-Dragon_Boat_Regatta_on_Jinming_Lake_MET_DP204603.jpg) Dragon boat crews (14th c.) The [crew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crew "Crew") of a standard dragon boat typically consists of 22 team members: 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and 1 steerer standing at the rear of the boat.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-9) Dragon boats, however, do vary in length and the crew size changes accordingly, from small dragon boats with only 10 paddlers up to traditional boats which have upwards of 50 paddlers, plus drummer(s) and steerer. The pulsation of the [drum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum "Drum") beats produced by the drummer may be considered the "[heartbeat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulse "Pulse")" of the dragon boat. The drummer leads the paddlers throughout a race using the rhythmic drum beat to indicate the frequency and synchronization of all the paddlers' strokes (that is, the cadence, picking up or accelerating the pace, slowing the rate, etc.). The drummer may issue commands to the crew through a combination of hand signals and voice calls, and also generally exhorts the crew to perform at their peak. A drummer is typically mandatory during racing events, but if he or she is not present during training, it is typical for the sweep to direct the crew during a race. The drummer's role is both tactical and ceremonial. In official competitions, such as world championships, drummers must physically beat the drum, else the team may be issued a penalty. In other events or practices, the drummer of an experienced team may not hit the drum, as the team can paddle naturally together, without a drum beat. Good drummers should be able to [synchronize](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronize "Synchronize") their drumming with the strokes of the leading pair of paddlers, rather than the other way around. Pairs of paddlers sit facing forward in the boat, and use a specific type of [paddle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle "Paddle") which, unlike equipment used in rowing, is not rigged to the boat in any way. The paddlers face the direction of boat-movement; dragon boaters thus "paddle," like a canoe, while rowers "row", travelling opposite the way they face as in Olympic [sculling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sculling "Sculling"). The paddle now accepted by the [International Dragon Boat Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=International_Dragon_Boat_Organization&action=edit&redlink=1 "International Dragon Boat Organization (page does not exist)") has a standardized, fixed blade surface area and distinctive shape derived from the paddle shapes characteristic of that used by inhabitants of the [Pearl River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_River_\(China\) "Pearl River (China)") delta region of Guangdong Province, China adjacent to Hong Kong. The IDBF[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-10) Paddle Specification 202a (PS202a)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-11) has straight flared edges and circular arced shoulders, based geometrically on an equilateral triangle positioned between the blade face and the neck of the shaft. The first pair of paddlers, called "pacers," "strokes" or "timers," set the pace for the team and are responsible for synchronizing their strokes with one another, because it is critical that all paddlers are synchronized. The direction of the dragon boat while racing is set by the steerer, but for docking and other maneuvers, individual paddlers may be asked to paddle (while others either stop the boat or rest) according to the commands given by the drummer or steerer. There are generally three different strokes used by paddlers: a (normal) forward stroke, a backstroke, and a draw stroke. The direction of a dragon boat's movement is controlled by the steerer standing in the back of the boat. Many terms exist for the person steering the boat, such as steerer, steersperson, steerman, sweep, and helm. The steerer manipulates a long (typically 9-feet) straight oar, called a steering oar. The steering oar is situated in a mechanism that holds the oar in place, called oar lock. The oar lock can be in a variety of designs, so long as it holds the oar in place and allows it to pivot. It is housed on top of the steering arm, which sticks out perpendicularly on the back-left of a dragon boat. The oar is used to both steer the boat as it is moving and adjust the positioning of the boat. To steer, a steerer will put the blade of the oar into the water and either push the handle away from him/her, or pull it toward him/her. Doing so will turn the boat right or left, respectively. A steerer can also use the steering oar to adjust the position of the boat by cranking. When a steerer cranks the steering oar, the stern of the boat moves either to the left or right, spinning the boat. This is typically executed to turn the boat around at practice or to ensure a boat is lined up straight and pointing directly down a racecourse. A steerer uses calls to direct the paddlers. The steerer may call "paddles up" to prepare to paddle and "take it away!" to commence paddling. The steerer may use other calls such as "hold the boat" for the paddlers to brake using their paddles or "let it ride" for them to lift their paddles out of the water. The steerer also calls the demands in the race for paddlers to better their placement and time in the event that they are participating in. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg/1920px-Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wang_Zhenpeng_-_Dragon_Boat_Regatta.jpg "‪Dragon Boat Regatta by Wang Zhenpeng (14th c., Yuan dynasty)‬") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg/250px-Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dragon_boat_racing_in_Hong_Kong.jpg) Dragon boats racing in Hong Kong [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg/250px-HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HKDBA_Guinness_World_Record.jpg) HKDBA team being awarded the Guinness World Record in Hong Kong Modern dragon boat racing is organized at the international level by the [International Dragon Boat Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation "International Dragon Boat Federation") (IDBF), the world governing body for the sport. The IDBF is a member of the [Global Association of International Sports Federations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Association_of_International_Sports_Federations "Global Association of International Sports Federations") and is a founding federation of the AIMS Group (Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport) within GAISF. AIMS is an [IOC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Olympic_Committee "International Olympic Committee")\-Recognized Multi Sports Organization. The [International Canoe Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Canoe_Federation "International Canoe Federation") (ICF) also has a dragon boat program for those of its Member Canoe Federations with an interest in dragon boat.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-12) Both Sport and Festival racing are very competitive and many paddlers train year round, using paddling machines or pools in addition to on-water sessions.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-13) A festival race is typically a sprint event of several hundred meters, with 500 meters being the most common. Races measuring 200, 1000, and 2000 meters are also standard distances in international competition. Races measuring 2000 meters are normally held on a 500-meter course, requiring teams to do two loops. Teams start and end at the same end of the course, and complete three 180-degree turns. Other distances may also be used in local festivals, such as 100 or 250 meters, or another distance, depending on the size of the [body of water](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_of_water "Body of water"). ## Organizations, recognition and popular culture \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Organizations, recognition and popular culture")\] The established International Federation for dragon boat sport is the [International Dragon Boat Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dragon_Boat_Federation "International Dragon Boat Federation") (IDBF). In 2007, the IDBF was recognized as a member of [SportAccord](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SportAccord "SportAccord") (the former General Association of International Sports Federations, GAISF) which is part of the [Olympic Movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Movement "Olympic Movement"), after SportAccord considered the historical and cultural backgrounds and identities of dragon boat sports. IDBF member associations or federations have been established in 89 countries or territories since 1991. The IDBF is not presently an Olympic International Federation of the [International Olympic Committee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Olympic_Committee "International Olympic Committee") (IOC), but the IOC is currently considering the IDBF application for Olympic Federation status. The [International Canoe Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Canoe_Federation "International Canoe Federation"), an IOC-recognized entity that governs many canoeing disciplines has also started to sanction Dragon Boat events. The ICF Dragon Boat World Championships have been held since 2006.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-14) ## Accidents and incidents \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dragon_boat&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section: Accidents and incidents")\] - On 23 November 2007, [a dragon boat capsized after colliding with a pontoon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Tonl%C3%A9_Sap_dragon_boat_accident "2007 Tonlé Sap dragon boat accident") in [Tonlé Sap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonl%C3%A9_Sap "Tonlé Sap"), Cambodia killing five paddlers. - On 17 January 2010, [a dragon boat capsized while training](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Penang_dragon_boat_tragedy "2010 Penang dragon boat tragedy") in [Penang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang "Penang"), [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia "Malaysia") killing six paddlers on board. - On 11 February 2011, [a dragon boat capsized while training due to wind](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Pr%C3%A6st%C3%B8_Fjord_dragon_boat_accident "2011 Præstø Fjord dragon boat accident") in [Præstø](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pr%C3%A6st%C3%B8 "Præstø"), [Denmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denmark "Denmark") killing one paddler. - On 9 June 2016, three people drowned after their dragon boat capsized during a race in [Fujian Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujian_Province "Fujian Province"), [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China "China").[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-15) - On 22 April 2018, seventeen people drowned in a dragon boat accident on the Taohua River in Guilin, [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China "China").[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-16)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-17) - On 25 September 2019, seven people drowned near [Boracay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boracay "Boracay"), [Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines "Philippines").[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_note-18) - [Nouka Baich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nouka_Baich "Nouka Baich") - [Swan boat (racing)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_boat_\(racing\) "Swan boat (racing)") - [War canoe racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_canoe_racing "War canoe racing") 1. ^ [*a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:0_1-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:0_1-1) ["History & Culture"](https://www.dragonboat.sport/about-us/history-culture/). International Dragon Boat Federation. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 2. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-4) [f](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-5) [g](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:1_2-6) Zanzanaini, Gabriella (2018-06-13). ["Forgotten Icon: The Disappearing Art of Dragon Boat Building"](https://zolimacitymag.com/forgotten-icon-the-disappearing-art-of-dragon-boat-building/). Zolima City Magazine. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 3. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:2_3-2) ["The traditional family business of crafting a Tuen Ng festival dragon boat"](https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/features/article/3072825/traditional-family-business-crafting-tuen-ng). Young Post. 2018-06-11. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 4. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:3_4-4) Ka-kuen, Lau. ["Dragon Boat Festival: a feat of rhythm and athleticism"](https://multimedia.scmp.com/infographics/lifestyle/article/3001002/dragon-boat/index.html?src=social). South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 5. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-3) [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-4) [f](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:4_5-5) ["Dragon boat festival: the composite materials of boats and paddles add technicity to an ancient tradition - JEC"](https://www.jeccomposites.com/news/by-jec/dragon-boat-festival-the-composite-materials-of-boats-and-paddles-add-technicity-to-an-ancient-tradition/). JEC. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 6. ^ [a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-0) [b](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-1) [c](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-2) [d](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-:5_6-3) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (1983-07-01). ["The Making of a Dragon Boat"](https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=12&post=22708). Taiwan Today. Retrieved 2024-05-07. 7. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-7)* Worcester, George. The Junks and Sampans of the Yangtze River, 1971. 8. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-8) ROBINSON, BELINDA. "Tens of thousands of Cambodians cheer for centuries-old boat races." China Daily, 12 Nov. 2019, www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201911/12/WS5dca1702a310cf3e35576cd7.html. Accessed 11 Aug. 2020. 9. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-9) ["Dragon boat racing calls to beginners and pros alike"](https://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-outdoors-dragon-boat-racing-starting-from-zero-20190510-story.html). Los Angeles Times. 2019-05-10. Retrieved 2019-07-22. 10. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-10) ["IDBF Library"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160301120426/http://idbf.org/library.php). International Dragon Boat Federation. Archived from [the original](http://www.idbf.org/library.php) on 2016-03-01. Retrieved 2016-02-11. 11. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-11) ["IDBF Racing Paddle Scheme"](https://dl.dropbox.com/u/135293428/IDBF_Racing_Paddle_Scheme.pdf) (PDF). International Dragon Boat Federation. Retrieved 2016-02-11. \[[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot "Wikipedia:Link rot")\] 12. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-12) ["Dragon Boat"](http://www.canoeicf.com/discipline/dragon-boat). 13. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-13) ["Oswego Dragon Boat Festival"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130627090645/http://oswegodragon.com/aboutus.php). Oswegodragon.com. 2011-12-30. Archived from [the original](http://oswegodragon.com/aboutus.php) on 2013-06-27. Retrieved 2013-03-06. 14. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-14) ["Dragon Boat"](https://www.canoeicf.com/disciplines/dragon-boat). 21 July 2015. 15. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-15) ["Why Are People Still Dying in China's Dragon Boat Races?"](https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1002471/why-are-people-still-dying-in-chinas-dragon-boat-races). 18 June 2018. 16. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-16) ["Seventeen drown in Dragon Boat accident in China"](https://www.euronews.com/2018/04/22/seventeen-drown-in-dragon-boat-accident-in-china). 22 April 2018. 17. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-17) Buckley, Chris (22 April 2018). ["Dragon Boats Capsize in Southern China; 17 Rowers Drown"](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/22/world/asia/china-dragon-boat-accident-deaths.html). The New York Times. 18. [^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat#cite_ref-18) ["Rowers drown in dragon boat accident in Philippines"](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/9/25/rowers-drown-in-dragon-boat-accident-in-philippines). - [![Wikimedia Commons logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/20px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg) Media related to [Dragon boats](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Dragon_boats "commons:Category:Dragon boats") at Wikimedia Commons
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