Dragon Boating - Fun and Fitness on the Water

So, that’s it, I confess – I am stuck on watersports at the moment. Well, we are having such a beautiful summer here in Ontario and with so many beautiful lakes around us, who can blame me? This week, we will take a look at the sport of Dragon Boating.

What is Dragon Boating?

Dragon Boating is a team sport and it involves a boat of 20 paddlers, a steers person and a drummer competing against other boats at races and festivals. It encompasses endurance, speed, power and synchronization. Dragon boating began over 2,000 years ago in Southern China and it is the fastest growing international team water sport in the world. Races and Festivals are held worldwide.

Dragon Boating appeals to many as the sport can accommodate a wide spectrum of skill levels ranging from novice to competitive. It provides a social outlet and a team building experience, all while getting exercise.
 

What are the Fitness Benefits of Dragon Boating?

It’s a whole body workout. Your legs anchor you and thereby work to stabilize you, while the muscles in your arms, shoulders and back drag the paddle through the water.

Dragon Boating is great for strengthening your core muscles.

Cardiovascular fitness: your endurance and stamina will quickly build with continued Dragon Boat training.

Along with increased endurance and strength, Dragon Boating will build your coordination as everyone in the boat has to paddle in a synchronized manner.

As with many other sports and fitness activities, you will experience improvements in mood, self esteem and confidence. An example of this is well documented amongst the breast cancer survivors who participate in the sport.

Finally, of course, for water babies like myself, there is the ultimate benefit of being on the water and outside in nature.

What are you waiting for? Get out there!