To the beat of the drum

WORDS: MELISSA DAVIS | PHOTOS: STANLEY LAM, ROYAL X TEAM MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT, SUNNY WAN

It really is a privilege for any expat paddler to participate in such a joyous and cultural display of racing in traditional teak boats. This is where you will see ‘the seat’ that is reserved for the drummer, the most revered member and spiritual leader of a dragon boat racing team.

Every crew will have a unique racing and calling strategy that makes race day very loud! Once the horn sounds and the toggle thrown, the drumbeats come alive and then multiply. The whistles ring out through the course in a mixed mess of sounds and intensity. As a paddler, you are trained to follow and focus in on your own boat. Your eyes forever looking forward and your body ready to instantly react to the commands. As the race nears the finish line the drum beats louder and the whistles gain momentum with urgency and fervor. Your drummer’s voice will be the last sound you will hear. He/she is now screaming for you to deliver everything you have, ‘empty your tank, push harder and keep going, leave nothing at the finish line’. The drummer will make you deliver your last stroke.

here are many key people who contribute to the success of a dragon boat team both on land and on water. Yet there is one key motivator that will always be cheering for us and most often than not ‘screaming’ their hearts out every time we race. They will be the one calling ‘the shots’ whilst also strategising and banging the drum to every stroke we make. That person is the drummer. Dragon boat racing first originated in China over 2,000 years ago and continues to encompass ancient traditions, practices, and cultures still seen today in both local and international events and races all over the world. If you have ever been to a local fisherman race such as Po Toi, Cheung Chau, or Chai Wan it truly is a magical, loud, and colourful spectacle that will undoubtedly stay with you for many years. It is said that races have been won and lost by the efforts of a drummer. The role of the drummer will forever be integral to the tradition of racing and keeping the crew ‘ready’ and focused. Hence why, when you have found ‘the one’ that one special drummer that can make or break the performance of a crew it is likely you will do anything to hold on to that most valuable person.