Growing up, many of us were taught by our gym teachers that team sports instill numerous desirable traits such as cooperation, drive and good sportsmanship. One sport that requires all of these is dragon boat racing, which is gaining popularity in the United Arab Emirates. Anyone can take part, as long as you are able to work as part of a team.
Although not internationally recognized as a professional sport, participants do take competition very seriously. And the next one will be taking place on the beach of the Shangri-La Hotel on October 5 and 6. This year will be the fourth annual Dragon Boat Festival the hotel has hosted, in association with the UAE Dragon Boat Association and under the umbrella of the UAE Sailing & Rowing Association.
One of the dragon boat trainers took a few moments to talk with Time Out Abu Dhabi about the experience. Rodolfo Verdida Jr has been racing for almost five years and has competed in local and international competitions. Already an athlete, Rodolfo tells us that, ‘when the dragon boat race was first introduced to Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi in 2008, I got excited about the idea of forming a team of racers within the hotel.’ In particular, Rodolfo enjoys the team spirit, which creates a special bond between rowers.
Dragon boat racing is steeped in history. It originated in China over 2,000 years ago. Traditionally, the boats are carved out of wood, with the front decorated with dragon faces. The crew is typically 22 strong; with 20 paddlers, a drummer or caller and a person who steers at the back of the boat. The paddlers all face the front, where a drummer guides the rhythm of the rowing. Although having a drummer is more traditional, some boats will just employ a caller, who uses a megaphone to help the team row in unison. The size of the dragon boat can vary, carrying as many as 40 or 50 crew members.
The races can cover areas from 200 to over 1,000 metres and often are full of adrenaline because they are so closely contested.
Dragon boat racing is very similar to other human-powered water races, such as canoeing, but the main distinguishing factor is that the rowers use a paddle, which is not attached to the boat in any way, rather than an oar. Using the paddles means the rowers have to train to move in a synchronized manner and must make shorter and sharper movements to move the boat along. In this regard, dragon boat racing is not only strenuous exercise but is great for teaching people the importance of working together as a team.
When we asked him about the necessary qualities needed to be a successful dragon boat racer, Rodolfo told us: ‘a successful racer should show passion and sincere commitment to the sport, have indomitable focus and self-discipline. Above all, he should serve as an inspiration to the team.’
This is a great sport and healthy outlet for meeting people and getting fit while have fun in the process. We recommend you try it out.
If you fancy learning more about the sport or if you are interested in signing up as a rower for future events, contact the UAE Dragon Boat association email uaedragonboat@gmail.com. To learn more about this year’s event or to register a team, contact Siren Events info@sirenevents.com (04 453 4620).
