outdoors
Return of the dragons Your guide to Dragon Boat Festival, by Eric Ho.
G
et ready for drumming and thunderous cheers as Dragon Boat Festival returns to Sai Kung. Also known as Tuen Ng, the public holiday falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunisolar calendar - which happens to be May 30 this year. Voted “Best Annual Event” for three consecutive years, the Dragon Boat Festival sees thousands of spectators line along the Sai Kung Promenade to watch around 180 teams compete it out for the top prize. Itching to start paddling? Join one of many teams competing in the Sai Kung races. Dragon boating not only helps get your body in tip top shape ready for the summer, but is also a fantastic way to delve in and experience a large part of the local Hong Kong culture.
JOIN THE CLUB Blue Sky Water Sports Club
Blazing Paddles
The club’s dragon boat team, MVision Blue Sky, is no stranger to winning. Members train all year round with sessions on Monday and Wednesday evening, and Saturday mornings at Sha Ha Beach. There are men’s, women’s and mixed teams as well as a youth training programme. Start by registering for a trial lesson. 2791 0806, info@bluesky-sc.com, bluesky-sc.com
An all-female dragon boat team which comprises mainly Sai Kung mums. Training takes place every Saturday morning at Sha Ha Beach. Blazing Paddles has trial dates for new members at the beginning of the season, plus an introductory session. wincymarner@hotmail.com
HKA Dragonflies HKA Dragonflies, started back in 2006, has always been inclusive, without tryouts. HKA Dragonflies is made up of teachers, faculty and friends of Hong Kong Academy School. Training sessions are predominantly held in Sai Kung. benjamin.thomas@hkacademy.edu.hk, hkadragonflies.weebly.com
Blue Sky Water Sports Club Way Young Dragon Boat Club Founded in 2006, Way Young Dragon Boat Club is a non-profit sporting organization whose objective is to become a driving force for promoting Hong Kong’s dragon boating sport. 2566 9988, www.wayyoungdragon.com
Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association The large organisation has a training centre in Sha Tin which offers training courses for elementary, intermediate and advanced levels in Cantonese and English. 5233 5299 www.hkcdba.org
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