Online Registration Available for Dragon Boat Races at Lake Gregory in Crestline

 

No need to wait in line to register to become part of the exciting dragon boat races taking place at Lake Gregory in Crestline August 15th and 16th.  Registration and release forms may be found at www.forparks.org on the Special Events page.
 
Dragon boat racing, rooted in ancient China, was introduced to the Inland Empire two years ago by San Bernardino County Regional Parks.  This year's event will be sponsored by Friends of Regional Parks (FOR Parks) to raise funds for the County's Regional Parks Outdoor Adventure programs.  This year the dragon boat racing event has been expanded into a two-day event.  The first day, Saturday, August 15th will be for novice racers and beginners.  Four 40-feet dragon boats will race a 250 meter course along Lake Gregory.  Singles and families from ages 8 years to adult are encouraged to join or form a team testing their paddling skills.   Each team will consist of twelve members and participants must be in good physical health.
 
A drummer sits in each dragon boat and beats a tempo for the paddlers to row and for the coxswain to steer.  This is a team sport where working together matters and it provides a great opportunity for physical exercise as well as meeting new people and making friends.  Beginners as well as former participants are sure to have a great time at this sport.
 
The amateur races will take place on the South Beach of Lake Gregory at 1:00 p.m. on August 15th with the announcement of the winner and the awards at 4:00 p.m.  Those wishing to practice paddling a dragon boat in advance may do so at 11:00 a.m. the day of the event. Registration is $5 per person plus a $3 park admission.  Registration will also be available the day of the event at 10:00 a.m.  Along with the registration form, each person will also need to complete a Waiver of Release Form. 
 
On Sunday, August 16th the professionals will race the dragon boats.  Professional teams will consist of 20 members and will race 300 meters across the lake.  Pre-registration for the professional racing is required and the cost is $200 per boat.  Races will begin at 9:15 a.m. and the winners announced and awards given at 4:30 p.m.   Professionals may take advantage of practice time on Saturday, August 8 or Sunday, August 9 by calling Lake Gregory (909) 338-2233 to arrange.
 
The two-day event will feature Chinese cultural festivities as well as food vendors.
 
Lake Gregory Regional Park, Crestline, is an alpine jewel set in the San Bernardino County Mountains.  The sparkling lake offers ongoing fishing, swimming and small watercraft activities as well as the San Moritz Lodge for meetings, weddings and special events. 
 
San Bernardino County Regional Parks operate nine facilities throughout the County from urban settings, the mountains, the desert and on the banks of the Colorado River.  In addition to fishing, picnicking and camping, San Bernardino County Regional Parks promotes healthy lifestyles through its Active Outdoor programs including the Environmental Science Day Camp.

SOURCE: News release