Howzit!

This blog focuses on paddling locally here in Hawaii as well as elsewhere. As a long time paddler with Anuenue Canoe Club, there's lots of good fun talk story time with Nappy and others on our crew. We even get around to some issues that get a lot of comments from the paddling community and need attention to improve our sport.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Upside Down Dragons!

Dragon boat racing in Hawaii took a step forward this past weekend with new boats available for racing for the first time. Crews had been practicing in the old barge lead sled versions first brought here during Mayor Jeremy Harris's time. With practically no time to get used to the new boats, the result was predictable and amusing. It was an action packed dragon boat festival marked by hulis, missed flags, and other mishaps on the water. Anuenue paddlers have been helping out with practices for the crews since the event began, and this year, veteran steerers Nappy, Hardy and Baby Bell had some adventures trying to keep from going for a swim. The new boats with their different design are definitely tippy as everyone found out in a hurry! It got to the point where the decorative dragon heads were removed due to the frequent drenchings.

Of course dragon boat racing is serious business especially in Asia with world championships held every other year since 1995. In Hong Kong for example, dragon boat racing is the main event while outriggers are secondary for their paddling clubs. For more info on the cultural aspects and history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat

Next year with practice time available there should be a big improvement! In the meantime, three old boats with their newly painted heads await their fate. Anyone need an old dragon boat to decorate their backyard and bring good luck?