Dragons on the Water

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The Dragon Slayers dragon boat racing in Key Biscayne

Photo Credit: Joe Longobardi, DragonSlayersFL@gmail.com

With so many events around the Sunshine State, it’s easy to understand why dragon boat racing is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world.

Dragon boat racing is steeped in culture and tradition and guarantees plenty of fun. The boats are dramatic affairs: long and skinny, decked out with Chinese dragon heads and tails. They’re packed with as many as 20 paddlers per boat, churning the waters to the beat of a drum as spectators cheer onshore.

It’s fun to watch, and it’s fun to compete, and the Sunshine State is sizzling with shiploads of these events.

Tampa: Tampa Bay Dragon Boats is hosting multiple events in 2011, including the Pan American Club Crew Championships July 29-31 and the IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championship Aug. 1-7. tampabaydragonboats.com

Deerfield Beach: Just provide the people, and Synergy Dragon Boat Racing promises to provide the paddles, boat, drummer and steersperson. The good times are splashing into Deerfield Beach April 16, Sept. 10 and Nov. 19, 2011. soarteam.murphyslawfirm.net

Jacksonville: Paddle over to Metropolitan Park for the first Jacksonville Dragon Boat Festival. Check the website for dates. jacksonvilledragonboat.wordpress.com

Marathon: The Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival roars into Marathon in The Florida Keys on May 14, 2011. In this race, you launch directly from the beach in true tropical style! battleinthebay.org

Orlando: Longing for some Mickey Mouse paddling fun? The Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival, sailing into Walt Disney World® Resort Oct. 15, 2011, has your name on it. gwndragonboat.com

Miami: Float over to the historic Miami Marine Stadium for the Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Check the website for dates. miamidragon.com

Central Florida: Lake Dora was anything but placid when the Ninth Annual Central Florida Dragon Boat Festival sizzled into Tavares April 8-9, 2011. The event included Asian acrobats, an Awakening of the Dragon Ceremony and a traditional Dragon/Lion Dance. cfdragonboat.org