01. What is dragon boating?
A team sport originally from China that has been enjoyed by competitors for over 2,000 years around the world. A 45 foot long canoe powered by 20 paddlers and adorned with an elaborate dragon’s head and tail race for the winners circle.
02. What association handles the local dragon boat teams?
Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) is the association that handles the dragon boat teams in the country succeeding Amateur Rowing Association of the Philippines (ARAP). PDBF is a member of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC); South East Asian Traditional Boat Federation (SEATBF); Asian Dragon Boat Federation (ADBF); and International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).
03. What are the basic requirements to be a member of any of the club/ school teams?
Mostly, club or school team does not require much for an applicant. As long as the person is interested, determined and patient to learn the sport, he/she may join any of the existing teams. This of course, exempts those with health problem that are advised by their doctors not to do this physically strenuous sport. For a more detailed requirement, please contact your desired team/s to join. Please see contact details of these teams here:: PDBF members.
04. How can I join the National Dragon Boat Men and Women Teams?
Please see requirements to join these teams.
Requirements and application form download
You may email accomplished application form to info@pdbf.com
05. Must I know how to swim?
Not really, but most teams prefer applicants who know how to swim. But if one doesn’t know, there are teams who offer for free swimming lessons to its members. Or take the initiative to learn, as it is important for one’s safety on boat training.
06. What equipment is used in dragon boating?
Dragon boat (either China or Singaporean) which is provided by the PDBF to its team members and paddle (usually provided by the team or you can buy your own).
07. What should I wear during training?
It is advisable to wear light clothing like shirt and short, rubber shoes for land training and sandals for boat training.
08. Where do training take place?
Boat training is generally done in Manila Bay along the stretch of Manila Yacht Club and US embassy.
09. What are the training schedules?
Schedules differ from each team to what days and time they set to practice. But almost all teams call time starts as early as 5am to 6am, where training usually last from 1 to 2 hours.
10. Is there age requirement?
Not really, as long as one is capable of doing the sport, age is not a factor. There are even teams with members who are in the late 30s, 40s, and 50s. But for those who are below the legal age or 18, they should have their parents sign a waiver of liability. No one is too young or too old to join this sport.
