Can you say, "paddle''? Better yet, can you "paddle''?
The
2010 Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Races fielded 65 teams of 20 paddlers, a steerperson, and a drummer straining to race 42-foot-long boats through the 500-meter course and served as a warmup for next year when Tampa will play host to the
2011 IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championship.The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) has already selected Tampa Bay to host the upcoming championship in August of 2011 on Seddon Channel in downtown Tampa based on consistently enthusiastic crowds of onlookers and terrific weather that makes for a perfect water sports environment.
The Dragon Boat races are part of a larger Tampa Asia Fest, a day-long celebration of all things Asian -- food, music, dance, arts and crafts such as colorful umbrellas and lanterns.
This year's festivities along the
Tampa Riverwalk centered around
Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park and the
Waterside Marriott. Booths also offered International beers, fashions, martial arts demonstrations and cultural performances.
Want to field a team for next year? Check out the
Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Institute's training video.
Julie Busch is managing photographer for 83 Degrees. Comments? Contact 83 Degrees.
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