The third annual Synergy Dragon Boat Racing Series will kick off with an event in a different format.  The spring event, tentatively set for March in Hollywood, will feature a race of roughly 5000 meters.  We hope you have stayed in shape over the "off season."  The Fall event will be on September 25th at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, with the Finale set for November 20th. (In each case, the following day is reserved in case of delays, such as due to bad weather.)  The latter two events will feature sprint races of 500 meters and 250 meters.   Download Registration here. Download waiver here.

Teams of 8-15 will paddle colorful boats that resemble stylized Chinese dragons and are more than 30 feet long. Paddlers are led by a drummer who helps them stay on the beat and remain motivated as arms burn and the water flies. Dragon boating is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. The last full regatta in Broward County was in 2003. Will Murphy, president of Synergy Outdoor Adventure Resources (SOAR), and an avid dragon boat paddler himself, decided that was too long, and in 2008 SOAR presented the inaugural Synergy Series.  The Series was bigger and better in 2008 and we hope to continue that trend in 2010.

Typical dragon boats seat 20 paddlers, plus a drummer and a steersperson. However, SOAR is using special "mini" dragon boats that seat only 10 paddlers, plus drummer and steersperson. "Using the minis makes the sport accessible to smaller companies and community groups", Murphy said. “As the captain of a dragon boat team myself, I can tell you that the logistics of getting 22 people all on the same page can be daunting. We think this event will help introduce lots of new people to this fast-growing and exciting sport. We expect many will go on to paddle in the local festivals that use regular boats, hopefully by associating with other small teams in their community."

The Series features three races. Teams receive points for their participation in each event. When the spray settled on the 2009 Series in November, Puff had swept the Elite division, securing the Series Championships in the Men's Division, Women's Division and Coed Division.  Southern Dragons successfully defended the Corporate and Community Division Championship they won in 2008 in dominating fashion. Both will be defending their titles in 2010! The Series benefits the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre, a charity founded in 1952 providing programs and services to youth and adults. According to Murphy, dragon boating has gained popularity in part due to its great team-building characteristics. “Dragon boat teams succeed when all members are synchronized in their efforts, and when everyone is committed to the success of the team. Cohesive teams can defeat teams of stronger athletes," he said. The regattas have a division for competitive teams with categories for coed, men's and women's teams, and another division for coed corporate and community teams. Except in the Spring event, Elite teams race 250 meters and 500 meters, and Corporate and community teams will race at 250 meters. Steerspersons, paddles and personal flotation devices are provided (but those having their own that meet standard regulations will be permitted to use them).

For more information please contact Will Murphy at (954) 232-7434 or WillMurphy@SOARteam.com