Dragon Ark B rules the bay

Drumbeats, calls and frantic churning of water make up part of the exciting CSC Dragon Boat Festival that celebrates Duanwu while promoting community engagement and healthy lifestyles.

Crosswinds, waves and downpour fail to dampen spirits at boat festival

STRONG crosswinds, choppy waters, scorching heat and a late afternoon downpour in Tanjung Bungah put paddlers to the test at Penang Chinese Swimming Club (CSC) Dragon Boat Festival.

Despite the punishing conditions, team Dragon Ark B powered to victory in both the 22-crew and 12-crew categories.

Team captain Dylan Koh, 33, said the rough waters made the race one of the most demanding of the season.

Competitors heading out for the SUP event which is hoped to popularise the sport of paddleboarding.

“It was challenging with strong side waves and windy conditions.

“But it gave the team a good workout and strengthened our fellowship,” he said of the team formerly known as Pacific West, which competes in four to five races a year.

Stating that he brought around 50 members to the festival, he added: “Since this is a rebranding of the team, this is a good start.”

Wong (back row, centre) with team Dragon Ark B which claimed the 22- and 12-crew dragon boat titles.

CSC president and organising chairman Victor Tan Seang Hin said the festival, now in its second year, was held to mark the Duanwu (Dumpling) Festival, while offering a competitive yet friendly platform to grow the sport.

“A total of 17 teams from nine organisations, involving about 230 participants, took part this year,” he said.

“Seven teams were from Penang, with others from Kedah and Pahang.”

Aside from the dragon boat categories, there was a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) event featuring 10 participants.

Rowers in the 22-crew category (above) paddling hard against crosswinds and waves at the CSC Dragon Boat Festival. The second edition of the festival also saw 10 participants in the stand-up paddleboarding event (Below).

In the 22-crew race, Dragon Ark B finished in 49.26 seconds ahead of PCC Paddlers (51.11s) and Dragon Ark A (52.36s).

In the 12-crew event, Dragon Ark B clocked 54 seconds flat, with Northern Dragon (Kanu Baling) second (56.36s) followed by Dragon Ark C (56.46s).

In SUP, Muhammad Fadzil Mohd Lutfi won in a time of 1:59.99, ahead of Tan Hooi Houng (2:00.10) and Louie Tan (2:16.16).

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the festival celebrated the rich heritage of Duanwu while promoting community engagement, cultural appreciation, healthy lifestyles and sports tourism.

“Events like Penang CSC Dragon Boat Festival not only preserve important cultural traditions, but also bring people together through sport, tourism and community spirit.

Spectators enjoying the competition at the Tanjung Bungah beachfront.

“It is a meaningful platform that showcases Penang’s unique charm and vibrancy,” he said.

The Duanwu Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, commemorating poet Qu Yuan.