Dragon boat racing is a 2,500 year-old Chinese sport that has become a global phenomenon with over 10,000 teams in more than 50 countries.

Dragon boat racing made it's Olympic debut as a demonstration sport at the 2000 summer Games in Sydney, Australia.

According to the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF), there were over 70 dragon boat festivals, 3,300 dragon boat teams and more than 50,000 paddlers in the US during 2004. 

Dragon boats are 4 feet wide and 40 feet long, beautifully colored and shaped like a dragon with a dragon's head and tail.  Each boat holds 20 paddlers moving in perfect unison, a steersman navigating the boat, and a drummer pounding a rhythm to keep the team in sync.

Command given when it is necessary to move the boat sideways; usually directional on one side only.  The paddler reaches out perpendicular to the hull and pulls water toward the boat. 

Similar to a coxswain in rowing; the drummer beats the drum during the race and calls out commands to the paddlers.  Usually someone small with a big voice.

Festival Racing is informal competitive racing that takes place at a traditional Dragon Boat Festival, or at events of a similar nature, or purpose, such as corporate events and events for Charity. 

The upper edge of the side of a boat. 

Command used to stop the boat.  Paddlers drag their paddle blades through the water creating resistance and slowing the boat.

The frame of body of the boat, usually one piece and made of either teak wood or molded fiberglass. 

International Dragon Boat Federation.  The world governing body for the sport of dragon boat racing.  The United States is one of the founding members of the IDBF.

Command given to stop paddling and rest the paddle on the gunnel.  The boat will continue to glide (run) after the paddling stops. 

Dragon boat paddles have a very distinct shape and must be between 41 and 51 inches in length.  They are made of wood or composite materials like carbon fiber.

Command to prepare the team to start paddling.  Paddlers raise their paddles in the ready position and wait for the command to start paddling.

Personal Flotation Device – Life jacket.  Required by some events and usually optional at championship events.   Must be US Coast Guard approved Type III or higher.  Passive or self inflating PFD’s should not be used in competition.

Command given to stabilize the boat in rough conditions or when people are moving in the boat.  Paddles are extended to the side of the boat and the blade is held on top of the water.  Side to side motion is absorbed by the paddles.

Person who steers the boat by moving a long steering oar that is attached to the boat on the back left side.  The boat is controlled by sweeping the oar opposite the direction desired.