Racing The Regatta by Dragon Boat Club

Dragon boat is a test of brains and brawn. Several elements have to be coordinated very precisely in order to move a boat efficiently and several more elements are needed for the boat to move fast.

When the coach says "Paddles Up," a rush of excitement, fear of failing and drive to paddle your heart out consumes you all at once. Then, you start paddling those deliberately long strokes and you're reaching as far as possible, clinching teeth, straining, not even feeling the energy of the boat until it feels like you're gliding. Many who try dragon boating do so only once. As a first-timer, you literally jump in at the deep end, and the first few practice sessions are gruelling, especially if you are out of shape. This is no light tour of the Singapore River.

There are eight international teams in Singapore - from the US, Australia, Britain, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Hong Kong and Japan. The sport welcomes men and women, locals and expats, young and old. Teams race in both men's, women's and mixed categories, in both open and international divisions.

Racing is the addictive part of dragon boating, and the main reason people get hooked on the sport. With each team racing towards the finish line, the adrenalin rush is electric. In Singapore, it is never too long until the next race, with the calendar split into two major regattas in the year - an 800m race in June at Bedok Reservoir and a 200m event in November, held at Boat Quay. There are many secondary-level regattas and series too, plus a number of offshoot events that explore different variations on the same theme.

Are you in2 dragon boat racing Check out in2it.sg's Dragon Boat Club if you are. While you are it, swing by our forum to join in the discussions on the latest movies and what's upcoming!

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