DORIAN GEIGER
Sports Editor

Though ancient Asian culture isn’t typically associated with the South Saskatchewan River, the sport of dragon boating is bringing some cultural spice to the shores of Saskatoon.

    Originating in China some two thousand years ago, dragon boating is both a popular sport across the globe and remains a highly symbolic cultural ceremony in Eastern culture. The sport gains its “Westernized” name from the ornamental dragon’s head that is placed at the bow or front of each boat which traditionally measure 12 metres in length and weigh 1,500 lbs.

    Dragon boating is primarily practiced recreationally rather than competitively in Saskatoon but the city hosted the Saskatoon Dragon Boat Festival on July 23 and 24. The festival included 35 community teams to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan.

    “I’ve always wanted to be a part of a sport with a mythical fire-breathing beast in its name,” said avid dragon boater James Pepler.

    What really makes the sport of dragon boating both alluring and enticing is the musical element the sport encompasses. Aside from handfuls of rowers, a dragon boats tempo and speed are literally fuelled by the drumbeats of the boat’s drummer whose position lies at the front of the boat. The drummer is also often referred to as the “heartbeat” of the dragon boat.

    “The appeal stems from watching a team race up a river to a drum beat. [It’s] simple stuff and anyone can do it,” added Pepler.

    Surprisingly, Pepler detests water sports but somehow manages to quite enjoy dragon boating — perhaps a testament to the sport’s universal appeal.

    “Actually, I hate water sports and boating. But this is different. You get the serenity of being afloat but you are the master of your speed and you are never in the water. It’s perfect for someone who dislikes water sports,” commented the anti-aquatic athlete.

    Dragon boats typically seat 18 to 20 rowers, one drummer and one steer-person and races are often split into three boat heats. Ranking within the races is determined by time and each race lasts approximately two and a half minutes.

    However, Pepler seemed to be confused as to the actual origins of the sport’s name but offered his perspective on nomenclature.

“The ”˜dragon’ comes from the fact that everyone has to dress in ”˜drag’ while ”˜on’ the boat. Or maybe because there’s a dragon head attached to the front of the boat,” Pepler added.

Since autumn is on the doorstep, dragon boat racing will slowly come to a halt on the banks of the South Saskatchewan but once again will reach a peak of activity in the city next summer for the Saskatoon Dragon Boat Festival.