There’s always that one sport or talent that we wish we had stuck with. It probably began as something our parents encouraged us to start when we were young, but perhaps life or boredom just got in the way.

The good thing about hobbies and extracurricular activities is that you can always pick it back up. Sure, you may never be a world-class gymnast, but adults can still have fun on the tumbling mat.

That’s why we at SSRS believe that anyone can and should pick up dragon boating. It’s a sport that involves a long boat with a dragon head and tail, after all!

We found Paddlechica’s blog post, 4 Ingredients of a Persistent Dragon Boater, to be very honest and inspiring. It’s a brilliant read so definitely check it out.

In line with that, here are five reasons why you should take up dragon boating.

1. Anyone can do it
   

Although it’s never too late to learn new skills, there are some particular hobbies out there that require specific training to prevent injury.

When it comes to dragon boating, it’s the perfect entry-level water sport, leading to many others such as canoeing or rowing. All you need is knowledge of the basic paddling stroke, which you can learn easily within a few minutes.

Also, because you work in a team, the overall success of steering your boat isn’t up to you alone. You can literally learn on the ‘job’!

1. It’s a social sport
   

Since almost anyone can pick up dragon boating easily, it means you’ll encounter people from all different walks of life.

You’ll meet people that live in the local area, and can hear what everyone gets up to when they aren’t dragon boating. Make friends while working as a team to achieve a smooth movement across the water.

Dragon boating is also a great way to fundraise money for schools and worldly causes, such as a cure for breast cancer. Many survivors are avid fans of this sport!

1. It’s a non-impact, non-contact sport
   

Whether you’re 15 or 50, the idea of being tackled, bruised or even just pushed may not hold high appeal.

At the same time, you might not want to choose a sport that doesn’t push any limits. Luckily, dragon boating sits right in the middle.

Dragon boating is a non-contact sport. It means you don’t have direct contact with the boat (other than sitting in it), nor with other people. If boating correctly, you’re unlikely to have direct contact with any other team member or equipment.

At the same time, dragon boating is also non-impact, meaning there will be less pressure on any joints that bear weight – this can be because it is a sport that requires you to sit, with your upper body doing all the hard work.

For those recovering post-injury, dragon boating is the perfect sport to help you ease back into fitness.

1. It’s a whole-body workout
   

Although you’re seated, all the core muscles in your body will receive a mighty workout.

Posture is important to prevent excessive pressure on any one muscle area. Learning how to sit properly in a dragon boat ensures that every stroke is efficient and you’re not straining your lower back. This spreads the pressure to your legs, which keep you anchored in the boat.

As you’re holding your back upright (no slouching!), you’re toning your abs and core muscles.

And, of course, your arms and upper back are hard at work, pushing your boat forward through the water. This all trains your body in endurance, and, if you master the correct posture, you’ll find it useful for everyday mundane activities – climbing flights of stairs, sitting down for long periods, even doing the gardening!

1. Water sports soothes your brain
   

Aside from all the wonderful physical benefits (stronger muscles and healthier heart, to name a few), the pros of dragon boating will also pay dividends to your psychological state.

Working well as a team does great for self-confidence and morale. You are a cog in the machine of your team, contributing to a greater success. That, and the repetitive movements of strokes and the sounds of paddles dipping in and out of the water are sure to soothe and de-stress your brain before or after a long day – who wouldn’t want that? Often, there’s drumming involved too, creating a rhythmic beat to focus on.

So, as you can see, there are plenty more than just five reasons! There’s nothing to lose, really. And, if you find it’s not the sport for you, at least you can say you gave it a try! Will you be picking up the paddles anytime soon?

Sources

http://www.aucklanddragonboats.co.nz/

http://enventive.com.au/the-benefits-of-dragon-boating/

http://www.dragonhunters.org.au/Dragonboat-Benefits.htm

http://paddlechica.com/persistence/

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