Buffalo Dragon Boat Festival

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dragon Boating ?
What is a Dragon Boat ?
What is the Significance of the Dragon Boat Festival ?
How much does it Cost to Enter a Team?
What do my fees include?
How much does it Cost to Watch the Dragon Boat Races?
How can I get more Information ?

Q -What is Dragon Boating ?

Dragon Boating is an ancient Chinese festival in which crews of 20 paddlers, paced by a drummer at the bow, and guided by a steerperson at the stern, combine power and rhythm to achieve maximum acceleration and speed over a 500 meter course.

Back to Top

Q - What is a Dragon Boat ?

Dragon Boats are the largest flat water racing canoes in the world and range in size from 12 to 27 meters. The boats used in most modern day events are 12 metres in length, constructed of solid teak and weigh approximately 1500lbs. Each boat is decorated with a Dragon head and tail.

Back to Top

Q - What is the Significance of the Buffalo Dragon Boat Festival ?

The 2000 Buffalo Dragon Boat Festival is a multicultural event, steeped in the richness and diversity of the Asian culture. The event not only helps to mesh Western Culture with Asian culture, but provides the people of Buffalo  with an opportunity to appreciate and experience an exciting Chinese Festival. Above all, Dragon Boating is a fun, community-building event!
The 2000 Buffalo Dragon Boat Festival is being held in support of  local Community Charities.

Dragon Boat Tid Bit -The Mythical Dragon
Dragon - An imaginary creature common to many mythologies, the dragon has a reptilian body covered with scales. Many dragons have wings or the head and forelegs of a lion or bird at prey. They usually breathe fire and are associated with water. Most dragons are a symbol of evil, but in China some are beneficent, and the dragon was the symbol of the emperor. Dragons are commonly associated with the Gods and in Christian symbolism they are seen as creatures of the devil.

For more information...

Back to Top

Q - What does it cost to enter a team?
The cost to enter a team in the 2000 Buffalo Dragon Boat Festival is $750.00 (includes GST). A Team Registration Form must be completed and payment must be received before a team is officially for the Festival.
Individuals who would like to participate in the Dragon Boat Races, but are not part of a corporation are encouraged to get a group of friends, family and/or neighbors together to form a team. In the past enterprising teams have held their own fundraising events to off-set the entry costs.
You may also want to look at finding a sponsor for the team, and offer them some advertising through the team name or shirts worn.

Back to Top

Q - What do my fees include?
Your registration fees includes the following:

               3 practices - 1 with a coach
                                  PFD's (life jackets) - their use is mandatory!
                                  paddles
                                  dragon boat

**NOTE** your team is responsible for any damage done to the equipment during their session - practice or race- and you will be billed accordingly

Your fees do NOT include:

                 team uniforms or costumes

                 food/ beverages

Race Information | Sponsors | Teams |
How to get involved | Buffalo | Race Schedule | Home |
FAQ's | Registration | Dragon Boat Information | Trophy |
Rules and Regulations | Kaleidoscope Events