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The Oriental Dragon Masters won their fourth gold at the Oriental Dragon Boat races this August. Dragon Boat Racing club member Bobbi McKenney writes in about the sport, the club, and how to participate.

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id you know that Oriental, NC, has its very own dragon boat club? In fact, the Dragon Masters of the Oriental Dragon Boat Club (ODBC) have taken the Gold Medal in the community division at the River Dunes Dragon Boat Races in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Dragon boating is an exciting water sport that originated in Southern China over 2000 years ago as part of folk rituals. It became an international sport in 1976, and dragon boat racing is now the fastest growing water sport in the world. Teams compete in 10- or 20-person boats, in races of distances between 250 to 2000 meters.

Practicing in the creeks.

Traditionally made of teak wood, a dragon boat is a narrow and long (approx. 40 ft.) human-powered vessel often decorated with a dragon head on the bow and dragon scales on the sides. A drummer, perched precariously in the front of the boat, helps maintain the stroke cadence and synchronicity of the crew of paddlers.

A team of 20 paddlers propels the boat using single-bladed paddles. Teammates sit in pairs of ten, stroking on either side of the vessel. The first row of paddlers serves as the “Stroke Pair” and determines the cadence for the team. The next two rows of paddlers strive to maintain that cadence.

The middle four rows are known as the “Engine Room” and are typically the most physically powerful paddlers. Finally, the team would be helpless without the “Rockets,” which are the three rows of paddlers in the rear of the boat. Behind the Rockets, the boat is steered by a standing helmsperson using a long steering oar.

Loading the dragon boat at the Wildlife Ramp.

Now you know the history and mechanics of dragon boating. Let me tell you about your very own Oriental Dragon Masters.

The concept of a dragon boat team in Oriental began in 2010 by Flora Moorman and Bob and Linda Parker. and The first races were held on the Neuse River until the current (much less turbulent) River Dunes venue was identified.

Following community fundraising efforts supported by the grilling talents of the Kellenbergers and others, a 40-foot fiberglass dragon boat was purchased. This boat, and its trailer, continue to be lovingly maintained by members of the Club.

Perhaps you’ve heard a distant drumming on Tuesday or Thursday evenings or early Sunday mornings. Well, that’s our fearless drummer, Sylvia Nelson. She expertly sits on a tiny wooden perch at the front of the boat, pounding a drum and encouraging the paddlers to stroke in sync.

Or, maybe you’ve heard the booming voice of our team Captain, Bill Mahaney, as he directs and motivates the team from his seat in the Engine Room. For the past four years, Bill has enjoyed the physical nature of the sport as well as opportunities to compete in races in North Carolina and along the coast.

Club members at the Dragon Boat Festival.

Our Club President, Steve Elbert, gave up his canoe paddle for a dragon boat paddle in 2016. Steve has been instrumental in recruiting and welcoming new members to the ODBC. Original team member Pat Stockwell serves as our diligent and focused helmsman, while Laurie Stockwell and Darlene Marquardt serve as our Stroke Pair, providing the paddlers with information on our boat speed, stroke rate, distance, and time.

The ODBC meets 2-3 times each week beginning in May at the Midyette Wildlife Ramp, and our practices on Smith and Greens Creeks culminate in a variety of potential races throughout the summer.

Locally, the Oriental Dragon Boat Festival is held at River Dunes every August. This 300-meter race is a test of the team’s endurance, concentration, and resolve and typically takes less than two minutes to complete. Regardless of the finish, being a part of a cohesive team that is united in a goal is the reward.

While we strive to maintain a competitive edge, and our practices are strenuous and focused, we’re also aware that having fun on the water is key.

Special boats are trucked in for the Dragon Boat Festival – each has a painted dragon head on the bow.

This coming season, you’ll see us not only on the water but having a beer or meal after practice. We’d like to encourage others to discover this sport and welcome you to contact Steve Elbert at selbert@uwalumni.com or (651) 270-9367; or Bill Mahaney at williammahaney@yahoo.com or (909) 677-9826.

Paddles up!

Posted Sunday August 16, 2026 by Allison DeWeese