Dragon Boat Racing is serious business in Hong Kong. Chances of catching a race or a training session at the very least, is excellent in the summer months.
If you happen to miss the Dragon Boat Festival, there is another major racing event, the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races which are sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association.
This is a full weekend event jam-packed with hot dragon boat action right on Victoria Harbour, also known as the Dragon Boat Carnival, and a Carnival it is...
These races along with the Stanley Dragon Boat Championships, is one of the top events in the global dragon boat-racing calendar.
International teams as well as local and company sponsored teams compete in one of the most prestigious of tournaments.
And it is not just about the racing, the Dragon Boat Carnival is one huge massive party in the waterfront with one of the world's most gorgeous skylines as backdrop!
When and Where is the Dragon Boat Carnival 2024?
When?: Saturday and Sunday June 15 - 16, 2024
Where?: Victoria Harbour, off the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade
The viewing area spans from the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade, situated opposite the Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, to the Bruce Lee Statue located on the Avenue of Stars. Seating with shade is normally provided.
Races:
Around 160 local and international teams competing for dozens of championships including the iconic Fancy Dress Competition. Check out the outlandish and flashy outfits as teams of paddlers dress up to out do each other...
A typical programme for the races would include practice sessions for the overseas teams on Friday with regular Standard Boat 500m Races on Satuday and Sunday with corresponding Prize Ceremonies on both days. The Fancy Dress Competition is typically the last race held on Sunday.
The tentative maximum racing distance is 500m, the exact racing distance could be shorter due to venue limitations.
More Info:
- Hong Kong Tourism Board
- HK China Dragon Boat Association https://hkcdba.org/
- HK Dragon Boat Association FB Page
Check it Out!!!
More Dragon Boat Races, Championships and Tournaments Throughout The Year
There is also a number of races throughout the year that are equally fun to watch specially if you have never experienced this sport.
The Stanley Dragon Boat Warm Up Races
Taking place a few weeks before the Festival, this is a great chance to take a peek at what is to come.
The Warm Up races differ a bit from the regular races, the course is shorter and the number of paddlers is limited to 18, but although on a smaller scale, it is still a very exciting fun-filled day of dragon boat racing with the same action-packed festival
atmosphere and enthusiasm as the main events.
When?: May 18, 2024
Where?: Stanley Main Beach
Here's more on Stanley and making a Day Trip out of it!
More Info: www.dragonboat.org.hk
The Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival
Staged on Lamma Island's Tai Wan To Beach, near Yung Shue Wan, the race best-known by its short handle, "The Lamma 500" for its International-race standard 500-metre course length, is a celebration of Hong Kong's Dragon Boat history.
The Lamma 500 International Dragon Boat Festival takes place at Tai Wan To Beach, the home of the Lamma Dragons and the Lamma Outrigger Canoe Club in Lamma Island.
The Lamma 500 is one of the most challenging and competitive races on the Hong Kong dragon boat calendar. It offers a deep, fast-water course, set against the incredible backdrop of one of the territory's highest peaks, Mount Stenhouse.
Besides an exciting day of dragon boat action, including Men's, Women's and Junior Crews (12 to 17), there is the
beach-side after party following the races, or you can head into the Village for dinner and festive drinks along with the many participants.
When?: May 5, 2024
Where?: Tai Wan To Beach, Lamma Island. Take the Ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan. The ferry takes 25 minutes. The walk to the beach will take approximately another 15-20 minutes.
Here's more on Lamma Island and making a Day Trip out of it!
More Info: www.lamma500.com or follow their FB Page
Stanley Dragon Boat Short-Course Races
Celebrated after the main races of the Tuen Ng festival, as the name suggests, the races are on a shorter course, only 200 meters.
When?: June 30, 2024
Where?: Stanley Main Beach.
More Info: www.dragonboat.org.hk
And here's the http://dragonboathk.com/ and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association Racing Calendars for more Hong Kong dragon boat action throughout the year.
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