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Why Dragon Boating is So Special for the ESEA Community

If you’re Asian, you probably have tried Dragon Boating. Perhaps it was a one-off event, or you were committed to a club and attended regularly. Dragon Boating has been around for 2,000 years, and its spirit is kept alive by young overseas Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipinos and other ESEAs. 

Dragon Boat Festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th month in the Lunar Calendar. Today, races and events are managed by the International Dragon Boat Federation. Why do young people still participate in Dragon Boating, despite it being a niche sport in Western countries?

Meeting Friends while Keeping Fit

A Dragon Boat typically sits 20-22 people. The speed of the boat depends on the team paddling in rhythm. A drummer bangs the drum at the front and the whole boat “reaches” and paddles in sync. A cultural sport, it’s likely that other Asians participate. This attracts those that want to share the cultural sport with others from a similar cultural background. 

Dragon Boat clubs usually have other fitness related events to prepare for competitions - from group gym sessions, to other related sport events, such as badminton. Joining a team opens up many other physical activities, which promotes healthy living. This is a major attraction for people who prefer socials which don’t include going to a bar and getting drunk. 

The International Dragon Boat Federation organises competitions internationally, and teams will travel abroad together to compete, which further strengthens the bond in the team. Dragon Boating has built such strong connections, this has even led to marriage! It is well known in the community that some couples met on the boat.

Many clubs allow paddlers to join on a pay as you go basis with no commitment. However, if you find yourself paddling frequently, membership may work out cheaper.

Choosing the Right Club

A simple Google search will reveal clubs near you. But which one do you join? Firstly, finding a club that is located near you is important, to ensure you can get to training easily. However, some will be more serious than others. If you are a ‘social paddler’, who wants to paddle just for fun, then there will be teams who take a more relaxed approach. However, there will be clubs who are very serious about competing. They may have a ‘second team’ for the more casual paddlers. The best way to understand which is the right fit is to talk to the captains, and have a trial session. 
Dragon Boat racing often opens the door to many other socials - from kick off parties, to international trips. If you’re looking to meet other Asians, it can be a fantastic way to find new friends (or more!). These events aren’t just about the sport; they’re about building bridges between different cultures and celebrating our unique identities. 

Maccha: Promoting Cultural and ESEA Events

Dragon Boating is just one way to meet other Asians. If you have other interests, you can discover something that suits you at Maccha. We’re all about pushing cultural events and activities that bring the ESEA community together. Whether it’s Dragon Boating, food events, or club nights, our community app serves as an ESEA hub for sharing these incredible experiences. We believe in building links among the ESEA community and backing local projects that celebrate our varied heritages. Through the Maccha app, you can quickly find and join cultural events, meet new friends, and get involved in activities that show your shared identity. Let’s amplify our voices and showcase the beauty of our cultures together!