The sport of dragon boating got its start in China centuries ago and made its debut in Salem in 2005 with the first annual Salem World Beat Festival Dragon Boat Races. Since that first year, the WBF Dragon Boat Race has become one of the Festival's most popular events bringing in teams from all over the Northwest. Now there are many different ways to get involved with this dynamic, age-old sporting tradition here in Salem and the mid-valley . . .
Enter the Annual World Beat Festival Dragon Boat Race
In addition to combining fitness and fun on the beautiful Willamette River, it's one of the best team-building activities around. Both individuals and entire teams are encouraged to give the sport a try by entering the annual race at the World Beat Festival. The festival and race are always the last weekend in June at Riverfront Park. The race takes place on Sunday afternoon on the beautiful Willamette River. Race fees are $25 per paddler, or $500 per team. These fees help offset the cost of tents, park rental, dragon boat rental and transportation and other related expenses.
To sign up for the race, use the forms listed above during the Jan 15 through May 15 registration period, fill out the appropriate forms and send them in with your waivers and fees. Remember, the deadline for team registration is in May 15.
The races are a joint effort of the World Beat Steering Team, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, DragonSportsUSA and the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler.
Join the World Beat Dragon Boat Paddling Club
This exciting sport, now one of the fastest growing in the U.S., has attracted visiting teams from throughout the Northwest to Salem for the World Beat Race. The number of participating teams has grown to our current maximum of 30. Salem teams caught the spirit of friendly competition that draws so many to the sport early on, but previously there was a lack of opportunities for local practices. With the new World Beat Dragon Boat Club, local teams and paddlers can sign up to practice in advance of the race and (if there is enough interest) throughout the summer.
To make these practices possible, World Beat organizers purchased Salem's first dragon boat from Dragon Sports USA in the fall of 2006 and refurbished it in the spring. This is the original dragon boat that was used to train many of the experienced teams that race in the Portland Rose Festival races and at other races throughout the region. The Salem practice boat named "Melas" (which is Salem spelled backwards) now sports a newly carved head and painted scales and comes fully dressed for photo opportunities at the festival. Like the original dragon boats used for centuries in China, the World Beat dragon boat is solid teak and equipped for 20 paddlers, a tiller and a caller with a drum.
Membership in the club is $25 per year per person with a $2 per person fee for each practice. Some short season membership discounts may apply. To find out more or sign up for the club and practices, use the forms at the top of this page or call our office at (503) 581-2004. Additional contacts: Race Director Ayla Montgomery-Kraly: ayla_love@hotmail.com Local Team Development Captain Richard Chesbrough: wqsternwheeler@aol.com
Volunteer for the Races & Practices
The World Beat Festival Dragon Boat Steering Team is always looking for volunteers who can help coordinate the many aspects of the annual race and practice clinics. The race and club are organized by World Beat's umbrella non-profit the Salem Multicultural Institute. Please call (503) 581-2004 or email SMI and World Beat at wbfadmin@hotmail.com to volunteer.
Become a Sponsor!
If you and your organization have a special commitment to health, fitness and friendship, you can make a clear statement in support of wellness through either sponsoring the entire race or sponsoring a team.
* Sponsor the Race: Title sponsorship for the race is $5000 and carries all the advertising and visibility benefits of the World Beat Festival. These benefits are listed in the World Beat sponsorship packet which can be hand delivered upon request.
* Sponsor a Boat for $800: This option allows visibility at the race through the use of a custom sign placed on one of the race boats. You will also receive all the benefits of the Metropolitan sponsorship of the World Beat Festival.
* Sponsor a Team for $500: Some individuals or organizations have the desire but lack the financial backing to get a team up and running. Your sponsorship would help either your colleagues, or other members of the community meet their fitness and teamwork goals.
For More Information Contact: Salem Multicultural Institute & World Beat Festival PO Box 4611, Salem, OR 97302, (503) 581-2004. Offices located at 189 Liberty St, Suite 208 & 211B, in the Reed Opera House in downtown Salem.
