Few sports events combine speed, strength, music, and spectacular decorative regalia quite like Dragon Boat racing. Although originally created in China, these races are springing up all over the world — and San Francisco is no exception. This year, Kaiser Permanente presents the 19th annual S.F. International Dragon Boat Festival. In crews made up of 20 paddlers, a metronomic drummer, and a sweep (the person in charge of steering the entire boat to victory), each team powers its boat through 500 meters of bay waters at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Observers get to enjoy the action from Treasure Island, where (arguably) the best view of the city sets the backdrop. In between races, patrons are encouraged to check out performances of traditional Chinese dance, a “DragonLand” play area for children, and fresh food stands that are all, of course, dragon themed. And what’s cooler than dragons? Nothing. Nothing is cooler than dragons.
— Laura Jaye Cramer
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