Events - Dragon Boat Youth and Adult Championships September 2011 - 24/09/2011 to 25/09/2011

Come and join in on our very popular Dragon Boat Championships, with teams coming from all over the UK to compete for the coveted Moon Dragon Trophy.

Racing will take place over a course of approximately 450m. You are welcome to make a weekend of it and camp with us too.

A short history of Dragon Boating-

Dragon Boat Racing has ancient Chinese origins and it's history has been traced back more than 2000 years. The first participants were superstitious Chinese villagers who celebrated the 5th day of the 5th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. Racing was held to avert misfortune and encourage the rains needed for prosperity - and the object of their worship was the dragon. The dragon of Asia has traditionally been a symbol of water. It is said to rule the rivers and seas and dominate the clouds and rains.

Today Dragon Boat racing involves teams of a minimum number of 12 people and a maximum of up to 18 paddlers (Youth) and 16 (Adult) in a 40 foot boat paddling frantically to beat the other teams down the course. Each boat needs a drummer and a helm (who must be 18 or over). The drums, shouting and colourful boats make it an impressive and exciting sport both to watch and to compete in.

Unless you have a qualified steersman, the steersman will be provided from a central pool made up of Longridge team members.

The Youth Championship is taking place on Saturday 24th September 2011. 

9am-6pm.

Saturday's entries welcome all scouts, guides, schools and youth groups. You don't need to be an expert paddler as the day starts with practice runs in the morning.

Age groups are:

1. 14 and under- All crew members, including the drummer, must be 14 or under; except the steersman, who must be 18 or over.

2. 24 and under- Open to all those under 24.

3. Mixed Age- At least half the crew must be 15 and under.

The Adult Championship is taking place on Sunday 25th September 2011 - entries welcome from all adult teams.

11am-6pm

From 11am there will be practice sessions (not compulsory- let us know if you would like to have one though), then racing will start at 1pm over the 450m course. The finals should be around 5pm, depending on how many teams take part in total. 

This is a perfect team building activity, great fun for all and a fantastic excuse to spend the day on the river with friends and family supporting. 

Finally, if you do fancy entering a team for either of these days, then please follow the relevant link to download your entry form. 

To enter a Youth Team- Click here

To enter an Adult Team- Click here

For more information or to request an application sent via email to enter a team, please contact us on either bookings@longridge-uk.org

or the Event Organiser sophia.king@longridge-uk.org 

You can also call us on 01628 483252