On May 26, the 2024 China (Foshan) Dragon Boat Drifting and Single Dragon Boat Race took place at the Diejiao Water Network, with more than 150 dragon boat athletes from Foshan, Zhongshan, and Guangzhou. They all gathered here to challenge the winding 10-kilometer track, showcasing an extraordinary single dragon boat race.

As the thrilling competition began, the whole atmosphere was fired up, as if thousands of hooves raced at the same time.

The Diejiao Water Village, with its unique river network advantage and long-standing dragon boat drifting culture, officially introduced the single dragon boat race in 2020 and is now in its fourth year.

This year's event has been upgraded. Spanning approximately 10 kilometers, the race course now traverses three major sections: the S-curve, C-curve, and L-curve, showcasing the entirety of Diejiao's distinctive river network in a single thrilling experience.

A thrilling display of extreme speed on winding waterways.

Dragon boats raced like thundering horses on the winding waterways, demanding precise balance and skillful multitasking from participants who controlled paddles with one hand and steered with their feet. One misstep could lead to a thrilling capsize in Diejiao's narrow channels, heightening the competition's intensity.

He Wenjie clinched the championship for the out-of-town team.

He Wenjie, representing the out-of-town team, clinched the championship after a fierce 50-minute battle. He Wenjie from Shunde has been involved in single dragon boating for over a decade. He noted that the challenging and fun nature of the narrow, winding waterways of Diejiao, compared to the rivers and streams of Shunde, has attracted many enthusiasts to the sport.

Zeng Zhineng clinched the championship for the local team.

Zeng Zhineng, from Aobian Village in Diejiao, clinched the championship in the local category of this year's race.  "I usually join dragon boat drifting for fitness, and I compete in single dragon boating annually," Zeng Zhineng stated. He expressed hometown pride and hoped for more people to experience Diejiao's dragon boat sports charm.

Reporter | Eleanor

Revisor | Eddie, Zoey

Photo | Foshan News and Media Center

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