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Here Be Dragon Boats
Evelyn Lok splashes towards the city’s best dragon boat races.
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The Tuen Ng festival—aka the Dragon Boat Festival—lands on June 2 this year. Flocks of tanned rowers will be paddling furiously across the harbors of the city, cheered on by much paler spectators. Here’s where to catch the action.
Big Bad Boats
Stanley goes from sleepy market to massive party for the Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships, with over 290 local and international teams competing for glory. The “Best Costumes Award” for the best-dressed team has become a tradition, so check out all the Captain Americas skimming down the waterfront. Our tip: if you actually want to watch the races, make sure you get there early. Alternatively, get on a private boat and get closer to the action. Aqua Luna is providing a buffet lunch on board its traditional sailing junk, which departs from Central Pier 9 at 11am, and TST Pier 1 at 11:15am. $728 for adults, $588 for kids.
June 2, 8am-5pm. Stanley Main Beach & Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813-0564, www.dragonboat.org.hk.
Deity Gaiety
Tuen Ng offers a rare chance to witness one of Hong Kong’s most unique cultural traditions: the Tai O Water Parade, in which Tai O’s various fishermen associations parade statues of deities around the waters of Tai O to appease wandering water ghosts. Residents of Tai O’s stilt houses burn incense and paper offerings as the boats pass by. The parade takes place in the inner waterways of Tai O, but dragon boat racing will accompany the festivities from 9am-1pm on the outer waterfront.
June 2, 9am-3pm. Tai O Promenade, Tai O Road, Lantau Island, www.tai-o.hk.
The Aberdeen Social
Around 30 private and corporate teams will be splashing away at the Aberdeen Dragon Boat Races this year. Viewing along the promenade is free of charge, but (free) tickets are required to enter the bamboo-canopied spectator stand. Get them from the Public Enquiry Service Centre of the Home Affairs Department (G/F, Ocean Court, 3 Aberdeen Praya Rd., Aberdeen, 2575-2477).
June 2, 8:30am-4pm. Aberdeen Promenade, Aberdeen Praya Road, Aberdeen, 8107-3488, www.facebook.com/aberdeendragonboat.
Dragon Beer Races
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival in Victoria Harbour has become an annual institution. The city forms the backdrop for an international dragon boat championship, in which the SAR’s best paddlers compete against teams from all over the world. When you tire of the harborside action, you can check out free gigs from Paul Wong, lead guitarist for Hong Kong rock gods Beyond at the San Miguel BeerFest, along with local performers and popular bands from Taiwan and China. Get boozin’, and get crowned Drinking King or Queen at the “Guzzler Challenger” drinking competition. More into the rowing? Try your hand at a bit of sea-free paddling, with the help of an on-site coach.
Carnival: June 6, 11am-6pm; June 7, 8:30am-5pm; June 8, 8:30am-4pm. Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui East.
San Miguel BeerFest: June 6-8, noon-9:30pm. Urban Council Centenary Garden, Tsim Sha Tsui East.
More Races
Cheung Chau Dragon Boat Festival
Not much debauchery here: no regrets, just boats.
June 2, 10am-4:30pm. Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter, Cheung Chau, 2981-0350.
Sai Kung Dragon Boat Race Gala
Races in the morning, and a full-blown carnival in the afternoon.
Races: June 2, 8am. Sai Kung Promenade (near Sai Kung Pier), Sai Kung.
Carnival: 5pm. Tin Hau Temple, 2792-1762.
Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Races and Carnival
It’s more fun than sport here: the races take place on June 1, while the carnival is a two-day affair.
Races: June 1, 8am-4:30pm. Tai Pak Beach, Discovery Bay, Lantau.
Carnival: June 1-2, 11am-6pm. DB Piazza, Discovery Bay, Lantau.
Go Clubbing
Want to be more than just a drunken spectator? Join a dragon boat club and you could be out on the water next year.
Fair Dinkum Club
For: The party animal and philanthropist who can also handle intense training sessions every Sunday in Stanley. Or Australians.
How to Join: They normally begin recruiting in January. Email [email protected],
www.fairdinkumclub.com; Annual fees range from $1,000-2,000.
Victoria Recreation Club—Paddle Section
For: The yacht owner, Sai Kung/Deep Water Bay family guy or general #baller who likes to dabble in dragon boating on the side.
How to Join: Email [email protected]; Fees cost $1,200 per quarter.
DD252 Lot 216, Tai Mong Tsai, Sai Kung, 2792-2721; 710 Island Rd., Deep Water Bay, 2812-2565, www.victoriarecreationclub.com.hk.
Way Young Dragon Boat Club
For: The dedicated rower—training takes place three times a week in Pak Sha Wan year-round.
How to Join: Find the application form on the website; Annual fees cost $800.
Unit C, 20/F, Seabright Plaza, 9-23 Shell St., North Point, 2566-9988, www.wayyoungdragon.com.
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