12th Annual World Beat
Dragon Boat Races
Dragon Boat Racing is an ancient Chinese sport consisting of a “longboat” decorated with a dragon’s
head and tail, up to 20 paddlers sitting 10 on either side of the boat, a “tiller” who steers the boat,
and a “caller” who bangs out a paddling rhythm and encourages the crew to paddle as hard as they
can. What better way to get involved in a unique cultural activity! Our 12th annual races this year
are a joint effort between the World Beat Dragon Boat Volunteer Committee, DragonSports USA,
Willamette Queen, the Tacoma Dragon Boat Association, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Polk County
Sheriff’s Office.
The start point is the south side of the road bridge connecting West Salem with downtown Salem.
The finish line is at the Riverfront Park dock. The Races have two divisions: women’s teams and
mixed crews.
Interested local teams and paddlers can sign up to practice in the World Beat’s own boat, named
Melas, all summer long. Find us at the event, or call us at the World Beat office.
Event Schedule
Saturday June 25, 2016
(times subject to change)
8-9:15 am
Team Check-in Onsite
9:30 am
Captain’s Meeting
9:30 am
White Lotus Lion Dance —
Opening ceremonies and White
Lotus Lion Dance. The lion dance
is a traditional ritual based on the
mythological animal. According
to legend, the lion dance was
developed to combat supernatural
forces, and through the years it
has become a symbol of good luck
used to chase away evil spirits.
10-3 pm
2016 Dragon Boat Race Teams
Blind Ambition
Castaways
Catch 22
Destiny Dragons
Dragon Fuel
Race Heats
3-5 pm
Race Finals
5-6 pm
Awards
Angry Unicorns
Mighty Women
OWLS Dragonflies
2
Mixed
ECDB Flying Monkeys
Fire Breathing
Blowfish
Golden Dragons
Highland Dragons
Peace Dragon Warriors
Queen’s Dragon Riders
Sun Dragons
Team Fusion
Women
Rip City Paddlers
Sirens Paddling Club
Sun Dragons
Women On Water
Unsinkable Survivors’
Association