The dragon boats are coming to Indy as part of the 9th Annual White River Festival. The event serves as the Alliance’s annual fundraiser, helping to protect and improve our water.
Dragon boat racing originated over 2000 years ago in China where the tradition remains strong, and it’s popularity in the West has been growing since the 1970s. The ultimate team sport, dragon boats are 46-foot long vessels propelled by a coordinated crew of 22 – 20 paddlers, a drummer who keeps the pace, and a steerer who guides the craft.
Paddling has gained popularity for women recovering from breast cancer and survivor teams can be found all over the world. This race is co-sponsored by Indy’s own SurviveOars, a Breast Cancer Survivor team with headquarters at Geist Reservoir.
Indy’s race will occur at White River State Park with races running from the New York Street bridge toward the pedestrian bridge between WRSP and the Indianapolis Zoo.