Dragon boating is the world's fastest growing water sport – and the Chesapeake Boathouse is bringing it to Oklahoma! Dragon boats have been popular for centuries in Asian countries and in recent years have been celebrated in festivals around the world. In the US, you'll find dragon boats on the water from Boston and Philadelphia to Tampa Bay, Seattle and Austin...and now in Oklahoma City.

Originating from Chinese fishing vessels, these festive boats are decorated with fierce dragon heads, colorful bodies and elaborate tails. The longest boats measure18 meters long, are almost the length of a large metro bus and carry a team of 20 paddlers plus a drummer! Smaller boats carry teams of 10 paddlers and a drummer.

Dragon boating can be purely recreational or a highly competitive sport. Races are usually 250 to 1,000 meters in length. A seasoned dragon boat crew will have a rate of 70 to 80 strokes per minute and rumor has it, a world class dragon boat crew can actually pull up a water skier!


NEW! Be among the first to join our new Corporate Dragon Boat league. Practices begin Fall, 2009, with racing at the Oklahoma Regatta Festival the weekend of October 4-5. The season is four weeks long and you can join with as few as 10 people. We have limited number of memberships in this inaugural league.. Contact us now for details: email or call (405) 552-4040.

Just for Fun
We're now offering Dragon Boating on Saturdays, 11 am to noon, August 16 through October 25, 2008. Bring a group of family or friends with you, and we'll show you everything you need to know to get on the water in just minutes. We provide a steerer so all you do is paddle away!

Appropriate for ages 8+ Cost: $5 per person on Saturdays

Note: it requires a minimum of eight people to launch a dragon boat. You may either bring a group of eight or more paddlers, or come to the boathouse and dragon boat with other people from the community.

Private dragon boating outings are also available! Contact the Chesapeake Boathouse by email or call (405) 552-4040 to learn more.
 

 

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