Just Do It

Ride the Dragon

by Natalie Hope McDonald

Thu., May 1, 6-8 p.m., $25, Schuylkill River (between St. Joseph's Boathouse and Strawberry Mansion Bridge), philadelphiaflyingphoenix.org, RSVP to bettysolle@aol.com

Why walk when you can dragon boat? During Ride the Dragon, wannabe rowers can learn about the 2,500-year-old Chinese sport and take a cruise while raising money for the Philadelphia Flying Phoenix Dragon Boat team. Ranging in age from 25 to 70, the competitive team is made up of female athletes, many of whom are breast cancer survivors. The evening starts with a land-locked orientation on the basics, followed by a water excursion (paddles and life jackets will be provided). Armed with some Dragon Boat 101, participants will take to the water in a human-powered, 38-foot canoe-like vessel. Tired boaters will later be treated to refreshments in the picnic area and a Q&A session about how to get involved with the sport.