Dragon boating began in China more than 2000 years ago, originating from superstitious beliefs that the boat racing would ensure prosperous and bountiful crops and it is now one of the most popular water sports.

Photo: Van Darren Martinez

Qatar’s first dragon boat team ‘’The Doha Dragons’’ was launched in 2013 by Jeff Ching who’s father is a professional coach and competed internationally. Jeff speaks to ILQ, ‘’ I wanted to continue my training in Qatar so I was very disappointed when I found out Qatar did not have a dragon boat team. So, I decided to finance the equipment myself so I can paddle again.’’ It wasn’t only him who ‘’missed’’ the sport and since he created the team, many people from different nationalities including Qatari, Canadian, Indian, Filipino, American and many more have joined the team.

Photo: Van Darren Martinez

ILQ was invited to their training session, which was held at Katara last Friday, and there was more than 20 members dressed in blue uniform. Some new members were learning basic paddling moves in the corner.

Photo: Van Darren Martinez

‘’ As you can see, from young to old, anyone who’s interested in can join our session and over 90% of our original crew have no dragon boat experience believe or not (smile)’’, Jeff shares. However, you must be medically fit to participate in normal exercise and most importantly, have a positive attitude and a sense of commitment, as it is a team sport. Currently, the team is consisted of members in the 20s up to the 60s. There are generally 18-20 paddlers per standard size dragon boat plus a drummer and helm. The Doha Dragons members started paddling in rhythm to the beat of Jeff’s drum.

Photo: Van Darren Martinez

‘’ My role these days is spent as the team steers person and instructor so I do not get to paddle as much as I used to, but it's great to see a new batch of paddlers developing this passion I share for the dragon boat sport.’’ Jeff said.

Photo: Van Darren Martinez

They are normally training at Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 5:30am and each session is generally an hour on the water and paddle from Katara (Beach 13) to the Pearl and back.

Photo: Van Darren Martinez

‘’Obtaining access to training facilities continue to be the main challenge, especially sheltered waterways.’’ Jeff continues, ‘‘Our priority is to teach and transfer expertise so other people are equipped with the skills to safely lead a training session. Finding and encouraging volunteers to lead is a main challenge but we have a good core group that volunteers to run the team.’’

The team is now in preparation for The Shangri-La Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival which takes place on 17 & 18 October 2014 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

‘’Too often I hear complaints about there not being much to do in Qatar. All you have to do is take some initiative and go explore. For residents already living here, go join a cross fit class, kayaking tour through the mangroves or rock climb in Fuwairit. Stay fit and healthy and go meet people through these activities. Qatar has much to offer, you just have to go out and experience it.’’

Photo: Van Darren Martinez

Are you new here and can’t find an activity you previously enjoyed? Then joining a dragon boat session might be your cup of tea! If you are interested in joining a newbie session, please contact [email protected]

Thank you Jeff for giving us an opportunity to check out the session. Good luck with the race in October in UAE!

Photo: Van Darren Martinez

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