Dragons have featured in Chinese folklore for thousands of years, revered for their auspicious power, and can be seen throughout Chinese culture, art and myths. Along with the Phoenix they were the symbol for Chinese emperors and are the only mythical creature to be represented on the Chinese Zodiac (if you were born after Chinese New Year in 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, or multiples of 12 years thereafter - you are a dragon!).
Similarly here in Hong Kong, dragons are just as important to local culture and can be seen throughout the territory. Kowloon was so named after the 9 dragons (gow =9, lung= dragon), that are depicted by the 9 peaks around the area. Even with new buildings, considerations with regards to dragons were thought to be taken into consideration. A famous residential development in Repulse Bay was built with a large hole in the middle which some believed was done to allow the dragon from the hills above to fly down to the sea unobstructed to drink - which of course is ridiculous, as dragons do not drink seawater. However it underscores the importance that dragons play even in modern day Chinese culture.
Today, dragons, or dragon boats more precisely, could be seen all over Hong Kong, out in their full glory to celebrate the Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) festival. All the months of hard training today paid off for the hundreds of teams taking part in the races being held across the Territory. Having failed in our endeavours to get a company team to enter the event (the other original company participants all cried off early on in the training regime as it was too hard going), I turned up in Sai Kung at 7:00am to support the Hong Kong Amatuer Dragon Boat Association (with whom I have been training with these past few months) in their pursuit of honours over the 500m long course, in various classes.
I ended up paddling for the mixed 12's, coming in 4th in the final after a photo finish. All I will say that it was extremely hard going, through very choppy water over a very long course (they race over 275m at Stanley), - we were not even allowed a swim afterwards as sharks had been spotted in the area.
Despite our performance in the mixed 12's, the HKDBA did well all in all, enough to win several roast pigs and a few crates of San Miguel which were soon polished off afterwards!
So it is the international races at Tsim Sha Tsui this coming weekend. I have been invited to come along, however, this is serious stuff now so I do not fancy my chances of getting to race, anyway we shall wait and see. Will post some pics of today's event when I get them.
Showing posts with label Dragon Boat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dragon Boat. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Sai Kung - Scorchio!
Well, with the Dragon Boat festival is fast approaching (June 19th) and training for the event is really heating up - quite literally. Summer is most definitely here in Hong Kong and the conditions out on the water in Sai Kung can only be described as absolutely scorching!
With only a couple of weeks left to practice, the training session commenced half an hour earlier than normal and started with the usual warm up (quite ironic considering the weather) on the beach. At the start of the session another gweilo turned up and asked to join the training, (bit late now I thought), however, as the HKADBA are a very amicable bunch he was welcomed and told that he could join - just as long as he filled out the form providing his emergency contact details first. Whilst slathering myself in sunscreen, I overheard the chap mention that he used to take part in outrigger canoe racing, and had done a bit of dragon boat racing before, so this should be no problem for him (ahh I thought - this should be interesting!).
Out on the water, training consisted of the normal speed trials, anaerobic sessions, practice on paddling technique, as well as paddling with lumps of wood tied to the bow of the boat to increase drag and generally make it tougher to paddle ( I thought that the blaring sun was doing quite a good job of this). We also had a couple of bouts of paddling with your eyes closed - which actually is not as daft as it sounds. (It is aimed at making you feel the paddle rate and how the boat is moving, which becomes particularly important during a race as it is absolute chaos - drums going, people shouting, lots of barricking between boats, all with the aim of trying to put other teams off their rythym, so it is important not to loose concentration). Dragon boating is not without it's fair share of dirty tricks it would appear.
The 'crack' on the boat during practice was fierce (for anyone reading this who is not from the UK, please see the footnote with regards to the meaning of 'crack'). There is a lot of joking and mickey taking in a mix of Cantonese and English in between bouts of paddling frenetically. The new chap struggles somewhat with his paddling technique, so the drill seargent and his second in command make their way to the back of the boat to put him right. I ignore the shouts from the other paddlers to give the chap instruction and show him how it should be done, and instead resort to throwing water over a few people in my normal mature manner.
It will be of no surprise to quite a few of you that I have ended up quite badly sunburnt again (it is rumoured by some that I can get burnt just by turning a light on in a darkened room!). The use of gloves and knee pads have caused some fairly odd looking burn patches (white hands - burnt arms, burnt legs with a white patch on my right knee, and another white patch on my left shin!). As for my face, well that is pretty much burnt all over except for the whte lines caused by my sunglasses.
In retrospect, I should have paid more attention to the very sensible advice given out by the Hong Kong Government on it's website today, some of which I have copied below.
VERY HOT WEATHER WARNING
VERY HOT WEATHER WARNING
THE VERY HOT WEATHER WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE HONG
KONG OBSERVATORY AT 7:45 A.M.
THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY IS FORECASTING VERY HOT WEATHER
IN HONG KONG TODAY. THE RISK OF HEATSTROKE IS HIGH.
WHEN ENGAGED IN OUTDOOR WORK OR ACTIVITIES, DO DRINK PLENTY
OF WATER AND AVOID OVER EXERTION. IF NOT FEELING WELL, TAKE
A REST IN THE SHADE OR COOLER PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY ADVISES THAT PROLONGED EXPOSURE
UNDER SUNLIGHT IS TO BE AVOIDED. LOOSE CLOTHING, SUITABLE
HATS AND UV-ABSORBING SUNGLASSES CAN REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
SUNBURN BY SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION.
SWIMMERS AND THOSE TAKING PART IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SHOULD
USE A SUNSCREEN LOTION OF SPF 15 OR ABOVE, AND SHOULD
RE-APPLY IT FREQUENTLY.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 07:46 HKT ON 03.06.2007
Post blog note - 'Crack' is used in the UK (particularly in the construction industry)in substitution to a many a word or phrase relating to things in general. Instead of What's going on?, What's happening?, What are you up to? People would say What's the crack? (I hope this helps).
With only a couple of weeks left to practice, the training session commenced half an hour earlier than normal and started with the usual warm up (quite ironic considering the weather) on the beach. At the start of the session another gweilo turned up and asked to join the training, (bit late now I thought), however, as the HKADBA are a very amicable bunch he was welcomed and told that he could join - just as long as he filled out the form providing his emergency contact details first. Whilst slathering myself in sunscreen, I overheard the chap mention that he used to take part in outrigger canoe racing, and had done a bit of dragon boat racing before, so this should be no problem for him (ahh I thought - this should be interesting!).
Out on the water, training consisted of the normal speed trials, anaerobic sessions, practice on paddling technique, as well as paddling with lumps of wood tied to the bow of the boat to increase drag and generally make it tougher to paddle ( I thought that the blaring sun was doing quite a good job of this). We also had a couple of bouts of paddling with your eyes closed - which actually is not as daft as it sounds. (It is aimed at making you feel the paddle rate and how the boat is moving, which becomes particularly important during a race as it is absolute chaos - drums going, people shouting, lots of barricking between boats, all with the aim of trying to put other teams off their rythym, so it is important not to loose concentration). Dragon boating is not without it's fair share of dirty tricks it would appear.
The 'crack' on the boat during practice was fierce (for anyone reading this who is not from the UK, please see the footnote with regards to the meaning of 'crack'). There is a lot of joking and mickey taking in a mix of Cantonese and English in between bouts of paddling frenetically. The new chap struggles somewhat with his paddling technique, so the drill seargent and his second in command make their way to the back of the boat to put him right. I ignore the shouts from the other paddlers to give the chap instruction and show him how it should be done, and instead resort to throwing water over a few people in my normal mature manner.
It will be of no surprise to quite a few of you that I have ended up quite badly sunburnt again (it is rumoured by some that I can get burnt just by turning a light on in a darkened room!). The use of gloves and knee pads have caused some fairly odd looking burn patches (white hands - burnt arms, burnt legs with a white patch on my right knee, and another white patch on my left shin!). As for my face, well that is pretty much burnt all over except for the whte lines caused by my sunglasses.
In retrospect, I should have paid more attention to the very sensible advice given out by the Hong Kong Government on it's website today, some of which I have copied below.
VERY HOT WEATHER WARNING
VERY HOT WEATHER WARNING
THE VERY HOT WEATHER WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE HONG
KONG OBSERVATORY AT 7:45 A.M.
THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY IS FORECASTING VERY HOT WEATHER
IN HONG KONG TODAY. THE RISK OF HEATSTROKE IS HIGH.
WHEN ENGAGED IN OUTDOOR WORK OR ACTIVITIES, DO DRINK PLENTY
OF WATER AND AVOID OVER EXERTION. IF NOT FEELING WELL, TAKE
A REST IN THE SHADE OR COOLER PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY ADVISES THAT PROLONGED EXPOSURE
UNDER SUNLIGHT IS TO BE AVOIDED. LOOSE CLOTHING, SUITABLE
HATS AND UV-ABSORBING SUNGLASSES CAN REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
SUNBURN BY SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION.
SWIMMERS AND THOSE TAKING PART IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SHOULD
USE A SUNSCREEN LOTION OF SPF 15 OR ABOVE, AND SHOULD
RE-APPLY IT FREQUENTLY.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 07:46 HKT ON 03.06.2007
Post blog note - 'Crack' is used in the UK (particularly in the construction industry)in substitution to a many a word or phrase relating to things in general. Instead of What's going on?, What's happening?, What are you up to? People would say What's the crack? (I hope this helps).
Sunday, April 15, 2007
New Blog Features
You may or may not have noticed that I have made some changes to my blog over the past few days, including making the photos section easier to navigate to, as well as adding a 'featured video', which plays at the top of the main page after clicking the link. I'll change this fairly regularly, or when I get bored with whith the current selection. Currently showing Linkin Park - What I've Done (not the best track they have written, however not bad either).
Usually around now I post an update on how the day's dragon boat practice session has gone, however as I have written on this quite a lot recently I will spare you the full vesrion of the events. I will highlight though that the Police have now split from our training session as the HKADBA are a bit too extreme for their liking. Today's paddling included the advance technique of switching up on to one knee at full speed (which takes some doing - trust me), and finished off with some 'speed' trials, the last of which saw us hitting 97 strokes in 1 minute from a standing start. To put that into perspective, that is hitting 2 strokes a second as you speed up. Try sitting in your chair and paddling through the air at 2 a second, never mind through water, and see how hard it is (although I suggest chosing a moment when no one is likely to see what you are doing). The morning ended with us being advised by our drill seargant that as from next week the training will start to become hard (!), focusing on anaerobic exercise. No alcohol is allowed from now on (you would spill it otherwise), and you must advise the leader if you are taking any medicines or if you are feeling under the weather as apparently this increases your chances of collapsing during the session (read previous post 'A Whole World of Pain' - no wonder nobody paid too much attention at the time!).
Usually around now I post an update on how the day's dragon boat practice session has gone, however as I have written on this quite a lot recently I will spare you the full vesrion of the events. I will highlight though that the Police have now split from our training session as the HKADBA are a bit too extreme for their liking. Today's paddling included the advance technique of switching up on to one knee at full speed (which takes some doing - trust me), and finished off with some 'speed' trials, the last of which saw us hitting 97 strokes in 1 minute from a standing start. To put that into perspective, that is hitting 2 strokes a second as you speed up. Try sitting in your chair and paddling through the air at 2 a second, never mind through water, and see how hard it is (although I suggest chosing a moment when no one is likely to see what you are doing). The morning ended with us being advised by our drill seargant that as from next week the training will start to become hard (!), focusing on anaerobic exercise. No alcohol is allowed from now on (you would spill it otherwise), and you must advise the leader if you are taking any medicines or if you are feeling under the weather as apparently this increases your chances of collapsing during the session (read previous post 'A Whole World of Pain' - no wonder nobody paid too much attention at the time!).
Sunday, March 25, 2007
A Whole World of Pain
Well, perhaps not a whole world but a good proportion of it, I am now certainly feeling the effects of my third dragon boat training session from earlier in the day. After our first practice session with the police a couple of weeks back, I was hopeful that things would be a touch easier as our training was being taken over by the Hong Kong Amateur Dragon Boat Association from our second week. When our 30 minute warm up session on the beach far exceeded any of the circuit training sessions we used to do at school I should have realised that that the HKADBA was not going to be a softer option. Last week we separated into the learners and experienced paddler groups (each with separate boats), off we went and all was well.
This week I was expecting more of the same, however it appeared that our 'learning' period was over as we were split into two boats with the other paddlers (police included) who are using the training session to practice for the International races which are held at Shatin each year, not the 'fun' races at Stanley (which tend to involve a few races, then a few beers) which is more what I had set my sights on.
We headed out for our 'warm up' paddle, consisting of 3 bouts of 120 strokes at full power, with a 5 minute breather in between. Following the second bout I had finished my water supply, and, if I am completely honest, was not entirely sure whether I was going to last the morning.
When we had finally completed our 'warm up' one of the younger police members collapsed in the boat from exhaustion and needed attention. A few paddles and life jackets were passed forward to form a makeshift bed for the chap to lie down on, whilst first aid was administered. What alarmed me at the time was the fact that none of the other paddlers seemed particularly concerned about the situation, as if this was quite a normal occurrence.
After 10 minutes of 'first aid' which seemed to consist of slapping the poor fellow around a bit (I suspect that this was more for embarrassing the police than to aid his recovery), he was well enough to make it into the back of the boat and sit up, although his paddling for the day was over.
After this, the training seemed a little easier, although not by much, and the rest of the morning was fairly uneventful. After our 2 hours of paddling we finally made it back to the beach when our trainer announced that for those who wanted to, he would carry on the training session for another hour. At this point, I took the 'sensible' option and decided to carry on for the additional session (not wanting to be out done by the professional paddlers). The last hour focused on cardio training (would you believe), which generally involved paddling faster than I thought was physically possible.
After feeling quite pleased with myself at the time, I am now aware that just about about everywhere on my body hurts. In addition, I also managed to get quite badly sun burnt, even though it was cloudy all morning, just to add to the general level of discomfort!
Next week, alas, it's the Hong Kong Rugby 7's, so my paddling will have to give way to a weekend of drunken debauchery (not by me I hasten to add - I will be quietly sipping my mineral water and going nowhere near the South Stand)!
This week I was expecting more of the same, however it appeared that our 'learning' period was over as we were split into two boats with the other paddlers (police included) who are using the training session to practice for the International races which are held at Shatin each year, not the 'fun' races at Stanley (which tend to involve a few races, then a few beers) which is more what I had set my sights on.
We headed out for our 'warm up' paddle, consisting of 3 bouts of 120 strokes at full power, with a 5 minute breather in between. Following the second bout I had finished my water supply, and, if I am completely honest, was not entirely sure whether I was going to last the morning.
When we had finally completed our 'warm up' one of the younger police members collapsed in the boat from exhaustion and needed attention. A few paddles and life jackets were passed forward to form a makeshift bed for the chap to lie down on, whilst first aid was administered. What alarmed me at the time was the fact that none of the other paddlers seemed particularly concerned about the situation, as if this was quite a normal occurrence.
After 10 minutes of 'first aid' which seemed to consist of slapping the poor fellow around a bit (I suspect that this was more for embarrassing the police than to aid his recovery), he was well enough to make it into the back of the boat and sit up, although his paddling for the day was over.
After this, the training seemed a little easier, although not by much, and the rest of the morning was fairly uneventful. After our 2 hours of paddling we finally made it back to the beach when our trainer announced that for those who wanted to, he would carry on the training session for another hour. At this point, I took the 'sensible' option and decided to carry on for the additional session (not wanting to be out done by the professional paddlers). The last hour focused on cardio training (would you believe), which generally involved paddling faster than I thought was physically possible.
After feeling quite pleased with myself at the time, I am now aware that just about about everywhere on my body hurts. In addition, I also managed to get quite badly sun burnt, even though it was cloudy all morning, just to add to the general level of discomfort!
Next week, alas, it's the Hong Kong Rugby 7's, so my paddling will have to give way to a weekend of drunken debauchery (not by me I hasten to add - I will be quietly sipping my mineral water and going nowhere near the South Stand)!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Dragon Boat Training
Well, after 9 years of living in Hong Kong I, for some reason (unbeknown to me now), decided that it would be good fun to join a dragon boat team for this year's races which will be held in June. All seemed well for a while, I signed some forms and did not give it too much more thought until I received an email last week advising that the practice sessions were due to commence this Sunday - at 9:30am in Sai Kung, (and every Sunday thereafter).
Sai Kung is a beautiful spot in the New Territories, particularly when it is warm and sunny (which it is not at this time of year). It is also about an hour from my apartment which means that I have to get up on my only day off earlier than when I need to go to work during the week. After waking up too late to make it by MTR, I took a taxi driven by an absolute psyhco who completely ignored my pleas to slow down, eventually arriving in a cold and rainy Sai Kung in plenty of time to take in the picturesque surroundings.
Whilst waiting for my other work colleagues to arrive I noticed that everyone else who was turning up for training were not only a lot younger than me but also in a lot better shape. When we finally assembled ready to commence paddling it became apparent that we had gate crashed the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force's Dragon Boat training session - not that they seemed to mind. No surprises that I was the only gweilo in attendance, and the only person sporting a beer belly! After an opening ceremony, bisan and speeches, it was time to tuck into the roast pork, have a quick chat with the Senior Inspector (who welcomed me and asked if I would like to sign up), before heading off out onto the water.
After a while it all sort of came together, by which time several of the paddlers were starting to tire. I am pleased to say that I held my own (if you know what I mean), and lasted the duration, although I am starting to feel the effects around now. Whilst under no illusions that it would be demanding, I did not realise that it would take it's toll not only on your arms, but also your back, waist, legs and feet! Still great fun all in all and looking forward to getting up nice and early next Sunday.
Below is pic from my phone showing the tranquility of the Sai Kung waterfront, with said dragon boat in the distance. Never noticed the UFO above the dragon boat when I took the picture, however it was early at the time.
Sai Kung is a beautiful spot in the New Territories, particularly when it is warm and sunny (which it is not at this time of year). It is also about an hour from my apartment which means that I have to get up on my only day off earlier than when I need to go to work during the week. After waking up too late to make it by MTR, I took a taxi driven by an absolute psyhco who completely ignored my pleas to slow down, eventually arriving in a cold and rainy Sai Kung in plenty of time to take in the picturesque surroundings.
Whilst waiting for my other work colleagues to arrive I noticed that everyone else who was turning up for training were not only a lot younger than me but also in a lot better shape. When we finally assembled ready to commence paddling it became apparent that we had gate crashed the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force's Dragon Boat training session - not that they seemed to mind. No surprises that I was the only gweilo in attendance, and the only person sporting a beer belly! After an opening ceremony, bisan and speeches, it was time to tuck into the roast pork, have a quick chat with the Senior Inspector (who welcomed me and asked if I would like to sign up), before heading off out onto the water.
After a while it all sort of came together, by which time several of the paddlers were starting to tire. I am pleased to say that I held my own (if you know what I mean), and lasted the duration, although I am starting to feel the effects around now. Whilst under no illusions that it would be demanding, I did not realise that it would take it's toll not only on your arms, but also your back, waist, legs and feet! Still great fun all in all and looking forward to getting up nice and early next Sunday.
Below is pic from my phone showing the tranquility of the Sai Kung waterfront, with said dragon boat in the distance. Never noticed the UFO above the dragon boat when I took the picture, however it was early at the time.
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