Dragonboat in North Basin

One of the Berkeley dragon boats, with about two dozen paddlers aboard, cruised into the North Basin on Saturday morning, made a U-turn, and cruised out again. The paddlers impressed onlookers with their synchronized strokes.

Dragon boats frequently exercise in the nearby boat yard and in the waters just outside it. This is the first time I have seen one of the dragon boats in the North Basin. Technically, this water is a part of the East Bay Regional Park District and a protected area, and boats are not permitted here. Boats will disturb birds on the water.

This dragon boat was very likely a part of the DragonMax club based in the Berkeley Marina. Membership is open to anyone and practices are held frequently. Most of the paddling is for fun, but hotly competitive races are also staged.

For earlier posts on the dragon boats, click here and here and here.