Tianjin's Dragon Boat races thrill city at Mid-Autumn Festival
Unseasonably, Friday started grey and damp but soon dried up to create ideal conditions for fast racing. I made my way down to the riverbanks, sitting first in a tent where I could have a coffee while watching the activities. Soon I headed nearer Baoding Bridge, where floating marker buoys indicated the finishing line for each heat. Sure enough, this was great for photography while listening to the frantic calls of the drummers urging their crews to work harder while banging the drums in frantic tones to increase their energy. Much shouting and cheering would follow as they made it over the line; winner or loser, all participants took it in excellent spirit for simply the joy of competing was enough! Naturally, between taking more images, I would stop briefly to cheer on the boats that were passing in front of my lens. What really gripped me were the scenes of them dipping low in the water as the crews paddled frantically and in that disciplined unison so essential for the smooth progress of the boat. Teamwork is always important for ultimate success.
