About Dragon Boating Dragon boating is one of the oldest sports in the world dating back 2000 years to Southern China. Originally held to commemorate the life and death of Qu Yuan (Chinese minister & poet) dragon boating has spread around the world from Canada and America, to countries all over Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and here in Australia. In Australia, dragon boating began over 25 years ago when the Western Australian Surf Life Saving Association was invited to the Penang Festival. Since then State Dragon Boat Associations and a number of clubs have been formed around Australia. In Queensland 18 clubs represent more than 1000 members. Regular regattas are held around the south east with crews of mixed, womens and mens teams competing in junior, premier and masters categories. Races are held over distances ranging from 200m to 2000m with four to six boats in each race. The end of each season culminates in the Queensland State Titles where clubs from around Queensland compete. Clubs can also choose to compete at the Australian National Titles held annually in a different state each year. Corporate events are also held giving small and large organisations the chance to bond and work as a team while experiencing all the spectacle and colour of a dragon boat regatta. WHAT IS A DRAGON BOAT? A dragon boat is a long paddling boat approximately 12 metres long. Each dragon boat holds twenty paddlers seated in pairs, one drummer at the front who keeps time and one sweep at the back who keeps the boat on course.