Houston: 9th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival

[J Eddington]

9th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Allen's Landing - Downtown Houston
8:30am - 4:30pm

http://www.texasdragonboat.com/

What is Dragon Boating?
Dragon boat racing is the world's fastest growing water sport. It combines tradition with modern day teamwork, enthusiasm, and strategy.

How do you Dragon Boat?
We provide traditional Hong Kong style BuK Dragon Boats for our event. These boats measure 40 feet in length, 4 feet in width, and carry 20 paddlers, 1 drummer, and 1 steersperson. On average, these boats weigh 500 pounds.

Teams will race down course ranging from 250m – 1000m on the day of the regatta. Teams are provided with practice sessions prior to race day.

No prior experience is necessary to race dragon boats! The important thing to have is a competitive spirit and the ability to work together as a team. Synchronicity is more important than strength.

What is the purpose of the festival and regatta?
The purpose of the annual Dragon Boat Festival and regatta is to promote the tradition and sport of dragon boat racing, sharing this dramatic aspect of Asian culture with the greater Houston community. In addition, the Dragon Boat Festival will showcase the remarkable renovations happening along our own Buffalo Bayou. Proceeds from the festival and regatta will go towards promotion of dragon boat racing in Texas and charitable activities. It is also a way of encouraging Houstonians to become more physically fit, while enjoying the outdoor opportunities of our city.

[Steelsun]

Attended this a few years ago when I covered it for In Town magazine. Lots of photo ops, great fun.