The 2012 Dragon Boat Challenge is taking place on Saturday 16th June 2012 at Mayflower Park, Southampton when teams taking part will be racing and raising funds for Wessex Heartbeat.No experience required, just plenty of team spirit!
What is Dragon Boat Racing?
The sport dates back more than 2,000 years where it began on China’s Mi-Lo river at about 400 BC. Today, with over one million teams competing worldwide it is the second most popular sport on the planet. Dragon boats are long, elaborately decorated canoes with a dragon’s head and tail attached. There are wooden benches for the crew as well as room at the bow for the drummer and a space at the stern for the steersperson, known as a helm, to stand. It caters for all ages in one crew, male and female. The sport organisers provide all the boats, instruction, flotation aids and safety systems.
Crews
Crews must comprise of a maximum of 15 paddlers plus a drummer, squads may be up to 20 people and those with disabilities are encouraged to take part. Crews can be mixed, all female or all male and organisations may enter more than one crew. The minimum age is 12 and no previous experience is required as full training will be given. All crew members must be comfortable in water wearing an approved personal flotation device (buoyancy aid) which will be supplied to all participants and compete entirely at their own risk. Qualified helms, buoyancy aids and water safety cover are provided by the organisers.
There will be a professional Race Commentator, and will conclude with a prize giving ceremony. There will be bankside entertainment including funfair, inflatable games, children’s activities, food stalls and bar.
Entry Cost
If you would like to join a boat each team member is encouraged to raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship with boat cost of £350 for the team , alternatively, you can enter your own team.
Please contact Sandra King (25759) or email [email protected] for application forms/more details or follow this link http://www.heartbeat.co.uk/dragon-boat-festival-2012