Banff Dragon Boat Festival by K Gordon Schultz May 11, 2010 written by K Gordon Schultz May 11, 2010 0 comment 0FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail 865 Go watch the Chinese-Canadian Dragon Boats in Banff National Park, Alberta The Banff Dragon Boat Festival is an annual event that draws as many as 600+ participants to the waters of Lake Minnewanka. The Chinese dragon boats race across the lake with twenty-two rowers moving in perfect synchronicity. Any break in the rhythm could cost them the race. In fact, many races end with split second photo finishes! The dragon boats have been part of Chinese culture because in mythological tradition, dragons are believed to be the rulers of rivers and seas as well as dominating the clouds and rains. The Chinese mythological traditions blend with a traditional Canadian legend on Lake Minnewanka, which is also known as โLake of the Evil Water Spirits.โ The Stoney First Nations people called the lake this because of a myth about a half-human creature that was believed to prey upon unsuspecting boaters. Talk about race motivation! The boats themselves are 12 meters (40 feet) long plus a dragon head and tail. The crew members are one drummer, one person in charge of steering and twenty paddlers. The paddlers have three sections (the pacers/strokes, the engine room and the rockets).They are very stable boats, so even beginners can safely race. The pacers, you guessed it, set the pace. The drummers follow their lead and communicate the pace to the rest of the paddlers. The drum beats help the paddlers motivate when their arms get tired and help keep them in sync. The event is fun for the cheering crowd on land as well. Excitement builds as the boats approach the finish line the drums get louder and dragon heads closer! Once teams pay and register they can start practicing. Professional coaches can be assigned to inexperienced teams, or you can register with your own. Fast, sleek Dynasty Dragon Boats are supplied by The Alberta Dragon Boat Race Foundation for the festival. A great family event! 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail K Gordon Schultz K Gordon Schultz is a well-known figure in the golf community and currently serves as the President of the Canmore Golf & Curling Club in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having spent many years working in the golf industry. Schultz has been a member of the Canmore Golf & Curling Club for over 40 years and has been actively involved in the clubโs operations since he joined. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2001, becoming Club President in 2005. In 2019, he was acclaimed as Club Vice-President, assuming the role of Club President again in 2022. In addition to his work at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Schultz is also an avid traveler. He has visited over 30 countries around the world, on all continents. But his most enjoyable travel experiences have come from within Canada, visiting many of Canada's National Parks including Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Grasslands National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park and Pacific Rim National Park. Along with golf, he enjoys scuba diving, biking, hiking and relaxing with a fine Pinot Noir. previous post Banff Culture Walk Weekend next post Subaru Banff International Triathalon You may also like Kick Up Your Kilts with The Canmore Highland... August 28, 2023 Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival October 30, 2014 Canada Day Celebrations in Banff National Park June 26, 2014 Ice Magic Festival May 12, 2010 Banff WinterStart Festival May 12, 2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival & Book Fair May 12, 2010 Subaru Banff International Triathalon May 11, 2010 Banff Culture Walk Weekend May 11, 2010 Banff National Park Bike Fest May 11, 2010 Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival May 11, 2010