📝 Dragon Boats & Big Splashes: My Stanley Water Fest Day

#hkwatersports Stanley is famous for its Dragon Boat Festival, but I’d never experienced it up close. This year, I joined a community dragon boat team for the festival — and discovered that rowing in sync is way harder (and way more fun) than it looks! 🎉💦 ⸻ 📍 Getting There • Took the MTR to Admiralty Station • From Exit C1, hopped on Bus 6, 6X, or 260 to Stanley Market • Walked 10 minutes to Stanley Main Beach where the races happen ⏱️ Travel time: ~50 mins from Central 💰 Transport cost: ~HK$10–15 ⸻ 💸 Registration & Gear I joined through a local sports club. 💰 Registration fee: HK$200–300 (includes team T-shirt, paddles, and life jacket for the day) Spectators can join for free — the festival is open to the public. ⸻ 🚣♂️ The Experience Our day started early with warm-ups on the sand. The coach shouted, “Together, or not at all!” — and we learned to paddle in perfect rhythm. When the race began, the drums pounded, the crowd roared, and water splashed everywhere. Each stroke felt like a burst of teamwork energy. By the halfway mark, my arms were burning, but the adrenaline kept me going. We didn’t win our heat, but finishing strong with everyone cheering made it just as sweet. Afterward, the beach turned into a huge celebration with food stalls, live music, and ice-cold drinks. ⸻ ⚠️ Tips for First-Timers • Practice paddling with your team before race day • Wear quick-dry clothes and bring a towel • Stay hydrated — the sun can be intense in June • Embrace the splashes — you’ll be soaked by the end anyway 😄 ⸻ ⭐ Final Thoughts The Stanley Dragon Boat Festival is pure energy and community spirit. Whether you race or just watch, it’s a colourful, loud, and unforgettable day by the sea. For me, it was about more than just paddling — it was about being part of something big, fast, and joyful. 🐉❤️🌊