Dragon WHAT??

Dragon boat racing is a fiercely competitive sport with a 2,000-year history. It originated in China and today is the fastest growing team water sport in the world.

There are two types of dragon boats: standard and short. Each carries a steer and drummer; the standard boat uses 20 paddlers, the short boat uses 10.

There are many different types of clubs and crews, some offer a recreational experience, while others focus on elite racing. We are a competitive club and we participate in several competitions a year, primarily on the East Coast.

 

What does Mālia mean and how do you pronounce it?

Mahl-yuh. Mah-leah.

There are several interpretations (and a few other pronunications too) as to its meaning, but we like "calm waters" because that's the best water to paddle in!

Our club is named after the Mālia—an early Hawaiian racing canoe that became the prototype for modern outrigger racing canoes and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hewn from a single koa log in 1933, the 6-person Mālia was retired in 1988. She is still owned by the Waikiki Surf Club, which acquired her in 1948. Read more about the Malia here.

One of Malia's short boats, "dressed" (with ceremonial dragon head).

 

 

 

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