• Length - 11.66 m (ranging from 38 - 48 ft)
• Width - 1.06 m (3 ft 6 in)
• Depth - 43.18 cm (17 in)
• Weight - about 700 - 800 lbs

Paddles:

• Length - 105-130 cm
• Blade Width - 18 cm
• Handle Width (T-grip) - 10 cm

Dragon boat racing is fast, exciting and spectacular. Normally each team is made up of 22 people: 20 paddlers, a drummer who tries to keep them in time and a sweep (steersperson) whose job it is to keep the boat in a straight line. The object is to paddle the 12-metre dragon boat down a 300- to 500-metre course. Style, rhythm, timing and endurance are most important.

The dragon boat features the head and tail of a dragon during race festivals. The dragon, a mythological creature, was regarded by the Chinese as having dominion over the waters and control of rainfall. These heads and tails are kept ashore during the season and used only for the race festivals.

The Dragon Boat Festival is an entertaining and enjoyable event. It gives the observer an opportunity to glimpse a part of the rich Chinese cultural heritage.  To experience a dragon boat race, by either watching or participating, is a thrill in itself and can be enjoyed by everyone. Dragon boating is the fastest growing sport in the world.