Dragon boats play on the water

For the third year in a row, the Olympia Dragon Boat Club hosted the Olympia Dragon Boat Festival at Port Plaza on July 10-11. 

The origin of dragon boats racing centers on the tale of Qu Yuan, a revered ancient Chinese poet and statesman. An advisor to King Huai of Chu during the Warring States period (475–221 B.C.), Qu Yuan was exiled for proposing a strategic alliance to counter an impending invasion.

After his predictions came true with the king’s capture (and ultimate death in captivity), Qu Yuan took his own life by jumping into the Miluo River — an act of ultimate loyalty to his sovereign. 

Nearby fishermen, beating drums and throwing rice dumplings into the water, raced their boats to keep fish from devouring his body.  Their actions are believed to be the start of a tradition that continues to present day. 

“This is an exciting and engaging event,” explained Niki Bilideau, a club member and organizer for the race, “because spectators are exposed to dragon boats and to the history and diversity behind this wonderful sport.  Besides, it’s fun — at play on the water.” 

A dragon boat is long and narrow with a decorative Chinese dragon head that leads to the long, sleek and low body of the boat ending with a curled tail on the stern.  

During races, teams of 20 paddlers per boat will stroke together, accompanied by a drum to set the tempo, in an attempt to cover 250-meter course in the least amount of time through speed, rhythm and endurance. 

This year’s race drew 42 teams from Washington and Oregon, as well as one from Kansas. Kansas?

“Yes,” Bilideau said.  “They are looking for competition.” 

Located in Kansas City, Kansas, the coach of the SLAP Dragons KC Dragon Boat Club wanted the team to participate in a festive and competitive environment. 

“As you can imagine, there are not a lot of dragon boats in the Midwest, but we’re here,” began Kari Rydalch, the club’s president, “ but we sure love Olympia and are looking toward to the competition.” 

The 42 teams were happy to oblige, and of them the Catch-22 Hurricane Dragon Boat Team from Vancouver, Washington, proved to be the biggest challenge.   From start to finish, the two crews rowed to join three others in the final race of the day. 

After covering 250 meters of open water in that race, SLAP Dragons KC nudged out Catch-22 Hurricane by 0.02 seconds.  The SAKE Paddle Club, Seattle Flying Dragons and Gig Harbor Storm took the next three places, respectively. 

“This has been an amazing festival,” Rydalch said. “But I think what is most important is the warm welcome and gracious assistance from the Olympia Dragon Boat Club.  We were provided with tents, chairs and welcome basket — everything we needed.  The club is a classy and welcoming organization.”