Lake Gregory -August 20 - 21, 2011

Drums beat a cadence, the coxswain calls out, and twelve people in an elongated canoe with a painted dragon's head and tail, paddle in unison to race their vessel against the competition. This will be the scene that plays out during upcoming dragon boat races in California.

From San Francisco to San Bernardino, the popular dragon boat races are a time honored tradition in a sport that spans 2,000 years, dating back to China. In California the dragon boat racers range from novice to trained athletes and while many take the sport seriously, just as many want to have fun. There are several races and festivals throughout the state cominig up soon in San Diego, Long Beach, San Francisco and Crestline. Here's the list.