Dragon boat racing is all about teamwork.  Each boat contains at least 16 paddlers, a drummer for cadence, and someone to steer the boat.  Four boats start at a time and race the length of an established course.  The winner moves on to the next heat, and eventually there is one team standing above all others.

The Dragon Boat Races in Nashville are held at Riverfront Park, and in the past the events have been held in August when it is normally hot, humid, sultry, and not a good part of the year to be outside.  I read on their schedule that the 2012 event will be held in September so it should much more comfortable for those on the shore at that time of the year.

Seventh Annual Nashville Dragon Boat Races – September 7, 2013
The Seventh Annual Dragon Boat Races were held at Riverfront Park today.  It was hot and steamy and muggy so I didn’t stay very long, but here are a few photographs of the first heat race.
Sixth Annual Nashville Dragon Boat Races – September 29, 2012
The Sixth Annual Dragon Boat Races were held at Riverfront Park today, however the organizers apparently decided that rather than face the August heat of the previous few years that they would move it to the end of September.  I, for one, and certainly glad they did!  Unlike the 90+ degree temperatures of the past years I have attended today was only in the 60’s most of the morning.  We started out overcast but during the morning the clouds moved out leaving clear blue skies behind. There were a lot of spectators and competitors on hand to enjoy the traditional opening ceremonies performed by the Chinese Arts Alliance of Tennessee.
As has always been the case the boats race four at a time down an extablished course on the river.  Their times are measured and the faster boats move on to the following heat races, and the fastest of the event race in the final race of the day.  As has always been the casae I was once again unable to stay for the entire event so all I got was the first heat race before I had to leave. You can tell by the expressions of some of the competitors that they are giving it everything they have to put their team in the winner’s circle!
Last year I ended this page by stating, “Hopefully next year’s event will be in better weather so that I can stay for the whole event.”  This time it happened and the weather was WONDERFUL!  Unfortunately I had an 11:00 appointment and once again was unable to see the whole event.  One of these days I will though.  Until then, a few shots from around the area ;)

Fifth Annual Nashville Dragon Boat Races – August 20, 2011
The Fifth Annual Dragon Boat Races were held at Riverfront Park today.  Just like last year it was a brilliant blue yet hot and sultry August day, but it was still great to watch.  I didn’t stay for the whole thing, as usual, as it was an all-day event and I prefer air conditioning to heat, but I did watch the opening ceremonies and the first heat race. The event was held at Riverfront Park which is, as the name implies, located right on the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville.  It adjoins Fort Nashboro, a reconstruction of the stockade that eventually became Nashville.
Like last year, the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville put on a great high-energy show for the crowd.  I don’t have that kind of energy on a cool day!
	Yep, it’s hot, but your show is over and you guys did a great job!
Four boats started at the same time.  You can tell by the expressions on the faces of some of these competitors that they are giving everything that they have to win.
It was a really interesting event but like last year the weather was very, very hot and humid.  I watched the first heat and headed back toward home, hot and sweaty enough for one day.  Last year I ended this page by stating, “Hopefully next year’s event will be in better weather so that I can stay for the whole event.” but it didn’t happen.  It can’t hurt though, so I’ll just say it again: Hopefully next year’s event will be in better weather so that I Can stay for the whole event.  Oh, and if I had a choice I’d rather be on the other side of the river so everything isn’t backlighted.

Fourth Annual Nashville Dragon Boat Races – August 14, 2010
Like last year the Fourth Annual Dragon Boat Race was held at Riverfront Park today.  A brilliant blue yet hot and sultry August day to be sure, but it was great to watch.  I didn’t stay for the whole thing as it was an all-day event and I prefer air conditioning to 100° heat, but I did watch the opening ceremonies and the first couple of races. The event was held at Riverfront Park which is, as the name implies, located right on the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville.  It adjoins Fort Nashboro, a reconstruction of the stockade that eventually became Nashville.
There were about 39 teams entered in the race, each with their own shirts and colors.  Each boat has at least 16 paddlers, a drummer, and someone steering the boat. The Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville put on a great show before the event started.
Then we got on with the watersports.  The Coast Guard was present to provide safety services.  While I was there they were not needed ;) Four boats started at the same time.  Sportsmanship was the name of the game, but you can tell by the expressions on the faces of some of these competitors that they are giving everything that they have to win.
It was a really interesting event but the weather was very, very hot and humid.  I watched the first two heats and headed back toward home, hot and sweaty enough for one day.  Hopefully next year’s event will be in better weather so that I Can stay for the whole event.