2300 sports paddlers, the best that each state and territory has to offer, are converging on Canberra for a momentous battle of the dragons at the 2011 Australian Dragon Boat Championships.
Chinese dragon boat racing is the fastest growing water sport in Australia and the world’s fastest growing team sport. Visually impressive with 20 perfectly synchronized paddlers powering the dragon-headed boat to a dramatic drum-beat it is an event of pageantry and spectacle.
The explosive growth of the sport and the kudos of this annual event was recognised for the first time with an Opening Ceremony held on Wednesday 30th March at Commonwealth Place.
The opening was a truly multicultural experience that included awakening of the dragon via the eye dotting which is a Chinese tradition stretching back thousands of years, an Indigenous smoking ceremony, procession of flag bearers from all States and Territories and the Australian National Anthem.
Thursday 31 March to Sunday 3rd April will bear witness to nail biting moments as competitors endeavour to thrash the waters of Lake Burley Griffin into submission as they via for the highly coveted title of Australian Dragon Boat Champions with often only a dragons whisker between the boats.
This is a great opportunity to see Dragon Boating at its best with the top crews fighting it out for a place at the 2012 World Club Crew Championships in Hong Kong. Spectators will see racing over 200, 500 and 2000 metres.
The best vantage point is Commonwealth Place – from 7.30 am Friday, Saturday and Sunday – a great day out for the whole family – and if you fancy trying the sport yourself, there are lots of dragon boat clubs in Canberra that are always keen to welcome new paddlers.
Entry to the event is FREE.
