18th Annual Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival

Description

The 18th Annual Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival (www.sfdragonboat.com) on Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15, 2013, will take place on Treasure Island, with racing from 8am – 5pm, and an on-land Festival of Dragon Boat cultural and related activities from 10am – 5pm both days. This family-oriented event is open to the public and offers FREE admission.

After 18 years, the California Dragon Boat Association is now the largest dragon boating organization in the Bay Area and organizes one of the largest competitive dragon boat festivals in the United States.

Dragon boat racing is one of the earliest known forms of aquatic competition and is celebrated at festivals and races throughout the world. This mythical celebration is a symbol of Chinese culture and spirit. With its roots going back over 2,000 years, legend has it that Qu Yuan, a scholar and advisor to the emperor of the Chu Kingdom, jumped into the Mei Lo (Mi Luo) River in despair and protest against government corruption. Local fishermen raced out in their boats to save him. They beat drums and pounded their paddles on the river's waters and threw rice dumplings wrapped in silk into the river to distract the water dragons and keep them from eating from Qu Yuan's body. Dragon boating evolved from the re-enactment of this legend at annual festivals.

A Dragon Boat crew consists of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steers person paddling to cross the finish faster than their competition. It's a team sport in its purest form that encompasses the elements of power, speed, synchronization and endurance. Dragon boating today is the fastest growing international team water sport. Each year, race festivals are held around the world in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States. The appeal to dragon boating is mainly contributed to the sport’s ability to accommodate a wide spectrum of skill levels ranging from novice to competitive. At the novice and recreational level, teams often form as a means of social outlet, team building and an alternative means of exercise. For the spectator, the true display of the sport’s intensity and skill is witnessed in the competitive ranks.

What: The 18th Annual Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival
When: September 14 & 15, 2013. Racing from 8am – 5pm, and an on-land Festival of Dragon Boat cultural and related activities from 10am – 5pm both days.
Where: California Avenue & Avenue D, Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA 94130 Map: http://y.ahoo.it/5Ty425ps
Cost: FREE and all ages admitted.
More Info: http://www.sfdragonboat.com

More Info

Link

http://www.sfdragonboat.com

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(415) 693-0583

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