Year of the dragon
Dragon boat racing comes to Flathead Lake
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Flessie has some competition. The renowned Flathead Lake Monster might want to steer clear of Bigfork’s Flathead Lake Lodge come September, because these waters will be teeming with dragons — dragon boats, that is.
For the first time, more than 1,000 paddlers will converge at the lakeside dude ranch for a day of dragon boat racing on Sept. 8 at the Montana Dragon Boat Festival. What’s a dragon boat, you say?
Similar to an outrigger canoe or a small Viking ship, the boats are powered by 20 paddlers. They’re joined on board by a drummer, whose beats keep the paddlers in sync, and a “sweep,” who steers from the rear of the vessel. Traditionally during competition, a dragon head and tail adorns the bow and stern of each boat.
Dragon boat racing originated in southern China as early as 2,000 years ago, and the ritual emerged as a modern sport in 1976 in Hong Kong. Today, dragon boat racing is the world’s eighth fastest-growing sport, with a significant following in Canada and growing interest across the U.S.
In Chinese astrology, 2012 is the year of the water dragon, which signifies strength and good fortune, according to Rob Brisendine of the Kalispell Convention and Visitors Bureau.
It’s the perfect time to introduce dragon boat racing to Montana, and that’s what the festival is all about.
With 54 teams from around North America signed up — 10 are coming from Canada — the Kalispell bureau expects more than 2,000 spectators and plenty of excitement.
“It’s gonna be a fast and furious day,” said Brisendine, who’s been helping plan the event for more than a year.
Boats for the races as well as safety gear and instruction are provided by Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing, a producer of similar races around the country, so anyone interested in paddling need only get a team together and sign up at montanadragonboat.com.
Proceeds from the festival, which runs from 8:30 a.m. until the 4 p.m. championship heats are completed, will benefit the Flathead Valley’s breast cancer awareness initiative “Save a Sister,” as well as other local organizations that teams are supporting. The races are free to spectators and will feature a made-in-Montana food and artisan showcase.
