GETTING STARTED
Dragon Boat teams consist of 20 paddlers, one drummer and a trained steer-person provided by Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing. The minimum number of paddlers to qualify to race is 16. Teams should consider having alternate team members who may be substituted into races at any time throughout the day. A team may have up to three alternates. To avoid incurring times penalties, teams should have at least eight women per team. Team drummers are encouraged to dress in costume at the event and will participate in a Drummer's Parade during the Opening Ceremony.
ABOUT THE BOAT
Due to their design and size (46 feet in length), dragon boats are very stable and highly suitable for beginners. Many participants have never picked up a paddles before their first practice. Drums on the Dam participants must be at least 12 years of age to paddle for a team.
Each team will have one free practice session prior to the event. This is a mandatory practice for all paddlers who plan to compete on race day. The captain will select the time. Each practice time is about one hour.