UCLA Dragon Boat | Los Angeles | FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dragon Boat?

Originating in Southern China over 2000 years ago, Dragon Boating was traditionally for religious ceremonies and cultural festivals. Now, it has evolved into a competitive water sport involving narrow canoes with ten rows of two paddlers each, a steersman, and a drummer. With decorative dragon ornaments on the boats during competitions, teams work in unison to be the fastest boat in the water.

Is Dragon Boat like Rowing?

While both water sports involving boats, Dragon Boat and Rowing are largely different. Rowing derives from a Western background where rowers sit one per row with their back towards the direction of travel and oars on either side. On the other hand, Dragon Boaters face forward, two per row, paddling on only one side.

Who is eligible to join?

Anyone is welcome to try out for the team as long as they are a UCLA student. Check out our Recruitment page for more information.

Is experience needed?

No experience is needed to try out! All fitness levels welcome! We will teach you all you need to know and help you get stronger.

Can I try out more than once?

Of course!

What if I don't own my own equipment?

We have equipment (paddles and PFD's) that you can rent.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No! We wear PFD's on the boat.

What is the expected hourly commitment?

We expect team members to commit 15 - 17 hours in a normal week to practice and train with the team.

What are practices like?

We have practice every day throughout the week except Fridays. On Mondays and Wednesdays, we have small gym sessions in order to get stronger. Tuesdays and Thursday nights are land practices, where we work on endurance and practice as a whole team. On weekend mornings, we go to Mother's Beach in Long Beach (rides provided) to practice with our respective boats.

How often and where do we race?

We generally have one big race every quarter. During Fall, we attend College Cup in San Francisco. In the Winter, we race at Arizona Dragon Boat Festival in Tempe, Arizona. In Spring, we attend the Long Beach Spring Race in Long Beach. Over Summer, we go to the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival in Long Beach and also train for the Oakland Dragon Boat Festival as well as the LA Dragon Boat Festival that take place in the beginning of Fall.

How much are the fees?

Annual dues total up to about $260. These fees go towards race registration, jerseys and apparel, transportation to and from practice, team essentials, and other events. If you have any questions and concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.