Pictured: The Veterans Dragon Boat team paddling on their lake. Photo Courtesy of Nathan Benderson Park

This summer, beat the heat and get out on the water with one of the oldest forms of boat racing. The sport of Dragon boat racing–in which contenders square off in human-powered longboats adorned with the designs of dragons–dates back 2,000 years to Southern China, where contending villages would race one another. Now, the sport can be found all over the world, with rich traditions having been formed throughout not only Asia, but in Africa, the Pacific Islands and in Puerto Rico as well.

This ancient sport has made its way to Sarasota, where Nathan Benderson Park and its world-renowned rowing facilities, have made it a haven for the burgeoning sport. Dragon Boat 101, offered through July at the lake in Nathan Benderson Park, presents participants with the chance to engage in a fun and vigorous form of exercise in a supportive environment. “Everyone is always looking for that up and coming sport, pickleball was the thing a couple of years ago and Dragon boating is kind of this cool thing that’s been slowly creeping up and reaching all over the world,” says Marnie Buchsbaum, Marketing Director of Nathan Benderson Park. “So many people, however, can be intimidated by the Dragon boat or don’t know where to start, so this class is really just a smaller group on a smaller level where you can come out, try it and see if it’s for you.”

Nathan Benderson Park offers multiple Dragon boating opportunities beyond just Dragon Boat 101, with multiple teams that travel nationally and internationally to compete in Dragon boat races. There’s the NBP Survivors in Sync team, comprised of breast-cancer survivors, the NBP Dragons Competitive team that competes internationally year-round, the NBP Dragons Recreational team and the NBP Veterans team. “Dragon boating it’s great, it builds camaraderie, you see these people of all different ages and physical abilities and they love it,” says Buschbaum. “Dragon Boat 101 offers different sessions throughout the month where participants can meet some of the paddlers, get in the boat, learn some techniques and really see what it’s all about.”

Pictured: The Veterans Dragon Boat team paddling on their lake. Photo Courtesy of Nathan Benderson Park

For more information, click here: