Dragon Boat
posted on
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Long, multi-coloured boats, with frightening dragons' heads, long tails, and scaley bodies, splash through the water. Men, women, and children grunt and sweat as they push themselves harder and faster to be the first towards the finish line. You'll hear the crowds screaming and cheering for their favourite team, while the drummers pound on their drums and yell at the paddlers. What will you think of after reading this paragraph above?DRAGON BOAT! A human-powered boat.
A loud and exciting celebration, this celebration began more than 2000 years ago when a group of superstitious people believed that the boat racing would ensure prosperous and abundant crops throughout the year.
The drummer giving her members the moral support by shouting and asking them to paddle faster, they give instructions of the direction of the boat too. The standard crew complement of a contemporary dragon boat is around 22, comprising 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and 1 sweep or tiller(helm) at the rear of the boat, although for races it is common to have just 18 paddlers. Dragon boats vary in length and crew size will vary accordingly, from small dragon boats with 10 paddlers, up to the massive traditional boats which have upwards of 50 paddlers, plus drummer and sweep.
Now that dragon boat racing have become the modern racing game, schools are having it as a co-curriculum activity.How i got in contact with dragon boat? Well, i have friends who joined dragon boat in Temasek Polytechnic and they shared some of their interesting stories and the excitement they get every time they race with other schools. Who says males are stronger and can row better? There are ladies who joined the dragon boat team and proved that they are as strong as men.
This is a photo of my friend's dragon boat team, it is an all girls team!
Dragon boat not only makes you stronger, it strengthens your mentality to persevere and go forward all the way towards the finishing line. It builds bond and trust between your team members. You can kill two birds with one stone! You get to train yourself and gain friendships too!
So, why not start joining now, because dragon boat is included in the Youth Olympic Games 2010! Join to experience how our youths participate in dragon boat competitions, you will definitely have a enjoyable experience!
Singapore SAFRA do provide you a chance to experience the team spirit of dragon boat team. Each year, the SAFRA Dragon Boat Club participates in both local and regional races. The Club also organizes recreational activities for members such as rowing expeditions to train the member's muscles. Occasionally, training are also conducted on Sundays at the Kallang Basin.
Do go to their website for more details such as their achievements and their contact details are tpclub@safra.sg, 6259 4000
Click on the photo for the safra website.
I had my fair share of fun trying out dragon boat for a day with my friends, i hope you enjoy it too! Do try this sports!
Sailing
posted on
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sailing Takes me away To where I've always heard it could be Just a dream and the wind to carry me
It's not far down to paradise At least it's not for me And if the wind is right you can sail away And find tranquility The canvas can do miracles Just you wait and see Believe me" -Christopher Cross
Sailing is one of the most thrilling sea sports in Singapore. It gives new meaning to letting your hair down when you hike out with the wind caressing your hair. Choose your desired craft now, be it in an Olympic-class Laser dinghy, a simpler Topper dinghy or move on to a double-handed boat like Laser Pico, and you could be on your way to taste these new pleasures in life.
There are 11 sailing clubs and 5 sailing centres in Singapore which provide full service, such as courses for beginners to sailing practices and even sailing competitively in a competition.
To save yourself the trouble from selecting the wide range of clubs and centres available, National Sailing Centre provides full service. It is Equipped with a large berthing area for boats, it also comprises an administration block, a multi-purpose sports hall, a cafeteria, a dormitory and an auditorium, the Centre has been the first-choice location for regional and international competitions. In conjunction with the 2010 Youth Olympic Game which will be held in Singapore, it has been proposed that the competition venue for the Triathlon event of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games 2010 will be held at East Coast Park, which is less than 1km away from the National Sailing Center.
Work with both the water and wind elements and combine it with a spoonful of sailing technical skills, and you are set on becoming a sailor. With gales and squalls coming your way, hesitate no more and sign up with Water-Venture (Pasir Ris). A variety of programme, events and activities all lined up which you can participate. There are 8 outlets in Singapore run by a group of professional staff and trainers. Visit http://www.water-venture.org.sg/ to find out more!
Here is a headstart for you:
Fishing
posted on
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Fishing is boring? That is just a myth. You will only know after experiencing it!
Fishing is a fun and exciting adventure that you should try. And later, some even got hooked after several cast and eventually it became a hobby. So which do you prefer? The cool breeze of the sea under the sun or just relaxing at the shady corner ?
If you prefer the outdoor, don't forget to bring along your fishing rod, reel, line and bait.
There are 4 beautiful beaches in Singapore to choose from:
East Coast Park
Situated on the south-eastern front of the island, this is the longest and most popular beach stretch in Singapore. With great food stalls, various water sport activities, cycling and rollerblading kiosk located along the stretch. Along the jetty and water breaker is where people will fish. It is understandable why this beach is known to be the best in Singapore. For a quiet time alone, it will be best to be there one to two hours before sunset.
Changi Beach
With its serene and quiet environment, Changi Beach is a nice place for families and friends to get together for picnics and barbeques. Visitors can enjoy this excellent spot to watch landing planes, as the Changi Airport is located just behind the beach.
Sembawang Beach
Locals are drawn to this beach to relax, swim, jog or if you have a passion for fishing, this beach still has its regular fishing crowd lined along the beachfront of coastal Kampong Wak Hassan. The habitants of these shorelines are mostly the Grouper and the Flower crab. It would be best to bring your own food because there aren't many places to buy food or drinks here.
For those who prefer relaxing under a shady corner, you might want to try pond fishing.
Pond fishing an activity that is highly popular for the young and old. Although it requires a fee to take up this activity, the good thing is, you will never leave empty handed. Varieties of fishes such as Toman, Red guppy, Patin, Pink Tilapia, Gold fish and more.
Bottle Tree Park
Revisit your childhood days by fishing together with your children. At Bottle Tree Park, watch your children scream with delight as they try their hands out in our unique “Long Kang” (drain) Fishing.
Price starts from S$10. Fishing Days, vary.
For more details, visit:
New Pasir Ris Fishing Pond
One of Singapore's hottest spots for saltwater fishing . This anglers' hunt boasts a pond the size of a football field, well stocked with sea bass, mangrove jacks, groupers, snappers and cobias. Bring your own rod and come here after 10pm, to ensure a big catch. One special feature about this place is its signature "Sure Catch Pond", a small, attached pond where you are guaranteed a catch for dinner. The kitchen staff at the Beer Garden will cook your catch for a small fee. It also features a small prawn pond that is ideal for aspiring anglers. Price starts from S$30
Address: New Pasir Ris Fishing Pond Pasir Ris Drive 1 , Pasir Ris Town Park Singapore, Singapore phone:+65 6584 4479 fax: +65 6584 4439
Golf
posted on
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Hole in one? Thirty three in one, maybe. With over 33 golf clubs, lush greenery and a perfect sunny weather nearly all year round, Singapore boasts one of the world's best places for golf.
At Singapore, you will be spoilt for choice by its many large public golfing courses or country clubs for a more intimate atmosphere, wide range of different terrains, world-class golfing facilities and extensive dining and entertainment outlets attached! In addition, you need not worry about any handicap problems, time factor or even weather– some golf clubs are ready with multiple tee-off positions while many others are opened in the evening so you can enjoy a good game at night! As for protecting you from any bad weather, the LilliPutt indoor mini golf course will be an experience like no other! It even allows the whole family to take part in a game of thematic golf next to the control tower in Changi Aiport.
Barclay’s Singapore Open is an annual golf tournament that attracts professional golfers, as well as amateur golfers and golf fans, world-wide every year. It continues to help develop and set the standard of golf in the region. With extensive golf courses and beautiful fairways in Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore is thus renowned for golf in Asia.
There are many different courses in Singapore to suit every type of golfer, regardless of your skill level. Featured golf clubs are listed in the following map. For an enlarged view, click here then click expand map.
1. Jurong Golf Club 2. Sentosa Golf Club 3. Seletar Country Club 4. Tanah Merah Country Club 5. Changi Golf Club 6. Laguna National Golf & Course Club 7. Safra Resort & Country Club 8. Singapore Island Country Club 9. Superbowl Golf School 10. Orchid Country Club Golf School 11. Executive Golf Course 12. Seletar Base Golf Course 13. Tanglin Sports Complex
To save yourself the hassle of carting your clubs around everywhere, the beautiful Orchid Country Club will provide accommodation, a golf resort and even entertainment for children all in one! It has three 9-hole courses as well as a signature 27-hole course. Besides the Orchid Country Club, you may wish to find out about other hotel and golf packages in Singapore here.
Most golf courses in Singapore have a dress code - collared shirt with trousers or short pants and golf shoes. Some also do not allow spiked shoes. Caddies or golf carts are available with a small fee, and the courses are usually equipped with locker rooms and showers, as well as entertainment outlets, cafes and restaurants. Golfing is highly popular in Singapore, so it is advisable for you to make your bookings well in advance.
With fees going as low as SGD40 for a 9-hole course, you should not miss out golfing when visiting Singapore. Make Singapore your holiday destination for a superb golfing experience, book now! For further information on golf courses, booking times and fees, please click here.
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