In general, dragon boat festival is a combination of regatta and a mini cultural festival. There are typically food vendors, performance, and activities that all ages can get involved. Not to mention, there are merchant vendors available for you to eat, shop and enjoy the performances during the down time.
There are usually about 35 to 75 teams registered for a Regatta for 500M race. Each race usually takes about 2 minutes and 30 seconds but the set up of the race, takes about minimum of 20 minutes. Paddlers need to be loaded and paddle out to the starting line.
Boats are provided by the Festival organizers and they are sanctioned by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). Paddles and life jackets are provided as well. Paddlers can bring their own paddles and life jackets to the race. All paddles must be sanctioned by IDBF and the life jackets must be US Coast Guard approved.
For life jackets, Festival organizers have the authority to set what type of jacket is allowed and not allowed.
What to do to get ready?
To get ready for a festival and being comfortable throughout the day. The team typically organize with each other on what to bring. The Team typically bring their own tents so that there will be shades provided, also tables and lawn chairs.
To bring: 1. Water, water, water! 2. snacks, fruits 3. lunch or decide to purchase lunch at the site 4. Racing uniform 5. paddles or use the paddles at the site 6. life jackets or use the jackets at the site 7. clothes to change into after the race 8. extra clothes, in case the weather changes 9. picnic blanket to lay on the ground to take a quick nap 10. good book to read or (electronic devises) 11. sunglasses or hats to shade you from the sun 12. sunscreen 13. rain gear if needed
Mental Preparation
Many times, paddlers think that it is about the physical exertion during the race. Great performance needs to be in alignment with paddlers' mental capacity. Here are tips for paddlers:
from Penang Forward Sports Club - http://www.penangforward.net/viewpost.php?post=26&page=3
STEP 1 Rest. Mostly do not get enough sleep. And those who tend to get the required hours of sleep are often the ones who dominate competitive paddling. Most coaches require their athletes to get a minimum of eight hours of sleep every night. Reducing practice mileage before a big race or regatta is one way to give paddlers more rest.
STEP 2 Prepare Mentally. Proper mental training is critical for success inside the rigger. Running through various race scenarios in practice prepares the team for the vagaries of competition. Paddlers who visualize all aspects of the upcoming race are better prepared for whatever may occur in the actual competition. Closer to the event, visualizing how you will win contributes to having a positive mindset for the upcoming race.
STEP 3 Sharpen Your Skills. As the race nears, remember to work on all aspects of your game in practice. Setting up race situations in practice is both fun and a good way to prepare for the actual competition. Practice should be hard, but not long, as you should be at your peak level on race day.
STEP 4 Will Power. A small percentage of paddlers must comply with weight management guidelines, while others must be conscious of their food intake prior to multi-day regattas where paddlers are often in more than one race per day. Paddlers should consume 60-70 percent of their calories from carbohydrates. Foods high in carbohydrate include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, and dairy products. You should choose nutrient-dense foods in exchange for empty-calorie foods, this will assure you of adequate vitamin and mineral intake.
STEP 5 Endurance. Let your body recuperate from the rigors of high intensity training and racing but not too much rest as endurance is one of the more difficult aspects of fitness to rebuild. Take a full week off at the end of the race and then begin a general cardiovascular exercise program every other day with at least two consecutive days off every other week in preparation for the coming race.