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About Us
Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this team of women, ranging in age from 24 to 73, continues to shatter society’s preconceived notion of aging and to create great role models for women of all ages. The team employs coaches who work with all levels of paddlers, teaching the basic skills to beginners and refining the skills of experienced paddlers; preparing the team to be competitive at local, national and international events in premier (ages 18 and over), masters (40 and over) and grand masters (50 and over) divisions.
Our experienced coaches help us become stronger athletes during both the on-water and off-water seasons. The requirement for each team member is a commitment to challenge oneself to work hard as a part of a recreational and competitive team. |
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Meet the SD Coaching Staff!
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Aimee Rodriguez
Co-Coach |
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Joann Fegley
Co-Coach |
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Mary Hackett
Team Trainer |
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About Dragonboating
Dragon boat racing is one of the earliest known forms of boat racing and is celebrated at festivals and races throughout the world. This mythical celebration is a symbol of Chinese culture and spirit and is one of the three largest festivals in China. The roots of dragon boat racing go back over 2,000 years to the southern provinces of China. 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.
Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese Calendar, dragon boat racing is not only one of the most important Chinese traditions second to Chinese New Year, but now is an annual event held in over 40 countries. |
Boats and Races
A dragon boat is a large, canoe-like craft made from wood and fiberglass that is colorfully painted and decorated with a dragon's head on the front and a tail on the back. Size varies, but boats hold between 16 and 24 paddlers with an average of 20 paddlers. Paddlers are seated two per row and paddle continously on the same side for the duration of the race. A drummer and steersperson accompany the paddlers to motivate the crew and keep the boat on track. The average race course is 500 meters and can include between 4 and 10 boats.
Impressive Sight
It is easy to see why dragon boat racing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It is truly an impressive sight to see an elaborately adorned dragon boat surging towards the finish line with its engine of 20 paddlers pulling hard with every stroke in perfect unison to the drummer's beat and the calls of the steersperson. Combine the competition and excitement of the races with the fun and atmosphere of the cultural festivities that typically occur at a dragon boat festival, and you have a great event for participants and spectators of all ages.
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Saturday August 9,
2008
(rain or shine)
6th Annual Fundraiser
Paddle on the Schuylkill River in a Dragon Boat.
You can help the Schuylkill Dragons achieve our goals
and have a great time doing it!
Click here for our flyer.
Click here to reserve your spot!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
SDs Win Silver Medals
in Pittsburgh!
Click here for more photos.
The Schuylkill Dragons welcome strong and athletic women to join our team!
Contact our membership committee.
See Our 2008 Race Schedule
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