Curious about dragon boat racing? Here’s some useful information about the parts of the boat. Read on to start YOUR dragon boat journey. [ONLY 5-second read]
If you’re new to dragon boat racing, you might not
understand this comic. That’s because dragon boat racers use lots of strange
jargon. We got you covered. To help you get started, we’re going to explain a
common term you’ll hear at dragon boat lessons.
Q: What is a gunwale?
A: A “gunwale” is the upper edge of a dragon boat’s side.
This structure reinforces the hull and prevents water from washing into the
boat.
Here’s the confusing part. It’s pronounced “gunnel.” Some dragon boat racers spell it that way, too. Both ways are acceptable.
When you sit in a dragon boat for the first time, your coach will tell you to make sure your hips touch the gunnel. This command ensures that weight of all the paddlers is evenly distributed throughout the boat.
→ DieselFish is the most welcoming dragon boat racing team in the San Francisco Bay Area. Got questions? Email me now at DFcaptains@gmail.com for answers and advice.
- Alex, the Minister of Newbie Happiness 🐲
Copyright 2026 DieselFish Dragon Boat Team. All rights reserved.

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