There are some silly myths floating around about dragon boat. These ideas often prevent people from joining the team and experiencing a very awesome sport!

1. You have to be Asian because Dragon Boat is an Asian sport. 

We can’t stress how wrong (and absurd) this is enough. Yes, dragon boat began in ancient China, but as the fastest growing international sport, it now involves people of every race, age and gender. If you look at any of the international teams, it’s a mixture, including the USA and Canadian teams.

And even if was seen as an “Asian” sport, who cares? Modern times, folks. Get on the boat and start paddling.

 2. Dragon boat is all upper body strength.

Negative, ghostwriter. Dragon boat is designed to work your core. If you’re using your arms, you’re doing it wrong. If your lower back burns the next day, you’re doing it right. Push off with your feet and tighten the core when tired. Big arms are great, but it won’t be the thing that sustains you on a 1000m run. And as our dear friend George said, “it gives me a nice back.”

 3. Row, row, row your boat.

Anytime a true dragon boater hears “row,” it’s like nails on chalkboard. As previously mentioned, it’s never rowing, always paddling. Rowing uses oars that sit in an oarlock; rowers sit backwards in the boat so they face the stern. Paddlers sit facing the front of the boat and use free-standing paddles while moving toward the direction of travel. So remember: hell, no, we don’t row!

4. Steering is easy.

Steering plays a big part in paddling, especially in a race. Who else is going to keep 20 paddlers and a 40ft boat in a straight line? If the steerer falls in (which we’ve experienced) or loses control, the boat veers. If you’re going into a cluster, steering well is the only way you’re going to get out.