Paddling their way to boost the Tampa economy

Thousands of tourists will boost Tampa Bay's economy this summer, once the World Dragon Boat Racing Championship begins.

Yes, you read that correctly: Tampa will be hosting this year's official, IDBF-sanctioned international dragon boat racing competition, pitting 2,000 competitors from 20 countries against each other over five days.

The International Dragon Boat Federation website describes a dragon boat as a long, slim, open vessel, explaining their use in China for more than 5,000 years. Official IDBF boats are manned by 22 crewmembers — a drummer, a helm (or steerer), and 20 paddlers.

The many competitors — plus 100 race officials — will spend an average of nine nights in Tampa's hotels, according to an estimate from Tampa Bay & Co. Races will take place from Aug. 3, to Aug. 7, on Tampa's Seddon Channel, in the city's downtown area.

Additional information about the event is available at www.VisitTampaBay.com/2011DragonBoat.