Alameda’s dragon boat racing team, the DragonFlyers [1], extended their winning streak with a third-place finish at the California Dragon Boat Association (CDBA) Sprint Races in Foster City on July 19.
[2]Sprint races are 250-meter events where speed and power are critical to success. The usual race length is 500 meters, with winning times at one minute or under.
The DragonFlyers took third place in the Recreation A Division with an official time of 1.04.01, earning a bronze medal. This win is on the heels of their first-place victory in the nonprofit category of Alameda’s 4th of July Parade [3].
The DragonFlyers will be participating in 500-meter races at the CDBA’s crown jewel, the Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival [4], on September 21 in Foster City and again on September 27 at the San Diego International Dragon Boat Festival [5].
Dragon boat races are a fun and exciting way to spend the day, so come out and cheer for the DragonFlyers. The Bay Area dragon boat racing season runs from March through November, and the team trains all year on the Alameda/Oakland Estuary.
The DragonFlyers home is next to Nob Hill Foods, 2531 Blanding Avenue. You might see them practicing along the estuary on Monday and Wednesday evenings during Daylight Saving time or on weekdays during the winter off-season, and on Saturday mornings year-round.
If a fast-paced sport that tests your strength and endurance appeals to you, contact the DragonFlyers [6] to learn more and sign up for a novice practice. The DragonFlyers welcome everyone and provide a culture of fun, fitness and friendship.