I would like to write something on dragon boating for my overseas friends or for those who would like to have a better understanding on dragon boating.
A dragon boat is a long and narrow canoe-style boat powered by man. It is now used in the team paddling sport of dragon boat racing which originated in China over 2000 years ago.
I love dragon boating.
It’s a great way to stay fit. It’s good exercise that works out the upper body and the fastest way build up your stamina. This sport has gained enormous popularity and recognition in Singapore. I train once a week on Saturday and I row for my company.
Yesterday, we were participating in the AustCham 10km Challenge organized by the AustCham Dragons. Have you ever run continuously for 10km? How about rowing continuously for 10km under the hot sun? The feeling was sensational.
The start was chaotic. There were 25 teams participating in the race. We were fighting to take off from the narrow Kallang River. I was surprised that no boat capsized.
It was my maiden 10km race. I was being assigned to be the pacer for this race, first time be a pacer too. A pacer is the rower sitting on the first row. They set the pace so that the rest of the team members could follow. It is critical that all paddlers are synchronized.
We took off from the Kallang River, to the Marina Barrage, then to the Merlion, back to the starting point and finished at the Nicole Highway Bridge. We completed the race within 52mins and overtook three boats along the way. The feeling of overtaking people was awesome.
Good race, good team mates, good beer and good prawn noodles.
Team mates, I love you guys long time!
Ivory n Gold
P/S: Photos of my team mates and the route. Unfortunately we did not take any pictures on the boat/ during the race. The first two photos were taken few months ago.
A dragon boat is a long and narrow canoe-style boat powered by man. It is now used in the team paddling sport of dragon boat racing which originated in China over 2000 years ago.
I love dragon boating.
It’s a great way to stay fit. It’s good exercise that works out the upper body and the fastest way build up your stamina. This sport has gained enormous popularity and recognition in Singapore. I train once a week on Saturday and I row for my company.
Yesterday, we were participating in the AustCham 10km Challenge organized by the AustCham Dragons. Have you ever run continuously for 10km? How about rowing continuously for 10km under the hot sun? The feeling was sensational.
The start was chaotic. There were 25 teams participating in the race. We were fighting to take off from the narrow Kallang River. I was surprised that no boat capsized.
It was my maiden 10km race. I was being assigned to be the pacer for this race, first time be a pacer too. A pacer is the rower sitting on the first row. They set the pace so that the rest of the team members could follow. It is critical that all paddlers are synchronized.
We took off from the Kallang River, to the Marina Barrage, then to the Merlion, back to the starting point and finished at the Nicole Highway Bridge. We completed the race within 52mins and overtook three boats along the way. The feeling of overtaking people was awesome.
Good race, good team mates, good beer and good prawn noodles.
Team mates, I love you guys long time!
Ivory n Gold
P/S: Photos of my team mates and the route. Unfortunately we did not take any pictures on the boat/ during the race. The first two photos were taken few months ago.
