Boat Basics

The Boats
Dragon boats, like the people paddling them, come in many different shapes and sizes. There are small boats seating as few as 10 paddlers and large boats that seat 40 or more. [The ones used at the Marine Stadium at Long Beach typically seat 20 paddlers. These boats are narrow and quite cozy.] Teamwork and coordination are required to keep from hitting your neighbor.

Traditional Dragon Boat Terms
Port - Left 
Starboard - Right
Bow - Front
Stern - Back
Gunnels (or gunwales) - Sides of the boat
Freeboard - Distance from the gunnels to the water
Dressing - Attaching the dragon head and tail for racing (boats without them are undressed)

Next: Positions >>