Dragon boating is a traditional Chinese sport that dates back over 2,000 years. The sport is said to have originated in ancient China as a way to honor the poet and patriot Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest of the corrupt government. According to legend, local fishermen raced out in their boats to try and save Qu Yuan, and beat drums and splashed their paddles in the water to keep fish and evil spirits away from his body.
In modern times, dragon boating has become a popular international sport, with teams competing in races around the world. The sport has also been adapted for therapeutic and recreational purposes, with many organizations using dragon boating as a way to promote physical activity, teamwork, and mental health.
Dragon boating is a team sport where 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steerer sit in a long canoe-like boat. They race against other teams on a straight course, typically 250 meters or 500 meters long. The sport is mostly popular in Asia, Australia and Europe, but it is also gaining popularity in North and South America.
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) was formed in 1991 and is the governing body for the sport worldwide. The IDBF organizes the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, which are held every two years.