BOSTON Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon Boat RACING
What is it?
Dragon boat racing is an traditional Chinese water paddle sport. It is a 40 foot long canoe-like boat that can weight over 800 pounds. Holding 22 athletes, it requires teamwork, timing, strength, and endurance to bring these boats distances of 100m sprints to 2000m endurance tests. Dragon boat is rapidly growing sport in the United States as you can find a race in almost every state.
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Come and join the Boston community of dragon boat racing! You and your team will get the opportunity to practice and race on the beautiful Charles River.​
Dragon Boat Racing in Boston
The Boston Dragon Boat Festival
This is our main event that occurs in early June. Racing is an aspect of the Festival where nearly 70 teams compete in sleek and colorful Hong Kong style dragon boats. They come from all over North America and compete over a 500-meter course in a series of energetic races to the finish line. They come from all walks of life and compete fiercely on the Charles River.
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Race Registration
If your organization, friends, or company are looking to compete in June, you need to register a team with us. We generally open early in the year and spots fill up very quickly. It is a team water sport, so recruit your team and be prepared to get wet.
Key information is found in our Registration FAQ.​
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Race Practice
Once you have registered and have been confirmed a team slot for our race, then you will be given the option to practice with us during the month of May. During this time, you will work together with your team to prepare. All racing equipment will be provided on practice location and all you have to do is attend.
Key information is found in our Practice FAQ.​
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Time Trials & Race Day
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After you and your team have completed practice then you will participate in Time Trials and Race Day. Time Trials is where you will race to seed your position for the big event that is Race Day.
Key information is found in our Time Trial FAQ and Race Day FAQ.​
Summer Programs & Local Festivals
Once the Festival is done, summer programs are available for interested teams that wish to continue their training to prep for next year or just to enjoy the bonds they made during their racing journey.
Summer Sessions
The summer session will start around the end of the Festival and last until mid-late August. Summer session are done at a more relaxed pace then the practice month. If you are interested, please sign up here.
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Team Building Services
If you have a corporate event or group that wish to do a one-time team building event, please contact us at race@bostondragonboat.org to learn more about what services we can provide.
Local Festivals
Dragon boat is a rapidly growing sport, you can find many festivals throughout the country. Give the other festivals a look if you have a team looking to compete.