Richmond, British Columbia –

The Fraser River between Richmond and Vancouver becomes a colorful raceway on July 19 for the 7th annual Richmond Dragon Boat Festival.

"Rip Up the River" is the theme for this year's race that expects to host a total of 38 teams, each with 25 members. The one-day event includes multiple classes of racing, and one boat provides a breast-cancer-survivor challenge because i'’s operated entirely by survivors.

One of the fastest growing water sports, dragon boat racing uses 40-foot long canoes that hold 20 to 24 people plus a drummer to maintain rhythm and a person who stands in back and steers.

(604-247-2627; www.ubcboathouse.com)