Originating in Southern China over 2000 years ago, dragon boating was traditionally used for religious ceremonies and cultural festivals. Now, it has evolved into a competitive water sport involving narrow canoes with ten rows of two paddlers each, a steersman, and a drummer. With decorative dragon ornaments on the boats during competitions, teams work in unison to be the fastest boat in the water.
While both water sports involving boats, dragon boat and rowing are largely different. Rowing derives from a Western background where rowers sit one per row with their back towards the direction of travel and oars on either side. On the other hand, dragon boaters face forward, two per row, paddling on only one side.
Anyone is welcome to try out for the team as long as they are a UCLA student! Check out our Recruitment page for more information.
Nope! We'll teach you how to paddle and after that, techniques and training to help you become a stronger paddler.
Of course!
We have team equipment (paddles and life jackets) that you can rent or purchase.
Nope! We wear life jackets on the boat.
We have practice every day throughout the week except Fridays. On Mondays and Wednesdays, we have small gym sessions in order to get stronger. Land practices are held Tuesdays and Thursday evenings, where we work on endurance and practice together as an entire team. On weekends, we have boat practices to practice paddling on the water.
We generally have one big race every quarter. During Fall, we attend College Cup in San Francisco. In Winter Quarter, we race at Arizona Dragon Boat Festival in Tempe, Arizona. For Spring Quarter, we compete in the Long Beach Spring Race in Long Beach. Over the Summer, we race at the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival in Long Beach, while training for the Oakland Dragon Boat festival as well as the LA Dragon Boat Festival that take place in the beginning of Fall.
Annual dues total up to about $250. These fees go towards race registration, jerseys and apparel, transportation to and from practice, team essentials, and other events. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Cabinet.