Practising for the Water Festival Races in Prey Veng Province
Residents of Prey Veng province in Cambodia have been busy preparing for the upcoming Water Festival races in the capital Phnom Phen from November 26-28. Oarsmen of the Reaksmey Phkay Preuk boat are no exception, as they have been rehearsing their technique and perfecting their timing in order to ensure they have the best chance of victory.
Background of the Reaksmey Phkay Preuk Boat
The Reaksmey Phkay Preuk boat was first built in the 1860s and is believed to be the oldest boat in Cambodia. It is traditionally used for fishing in Prey Veng province and is renowned for its strength and durability. The Reaksmey Phkay Preuk boat is now used in the Water Festival races and has become a symbol of the province’s culture and heritage.
Training for the Races
The Reaksmey Phkay Preuk boat is crewed by six oarsmen and steered by a captain. The crew spend hours training on the river, perfecting their technique and timing in order to ensure they have the best chance of victory. The captain is responsible for ensuring that the oarsmen are rowing in unison and is also responsible for steering the boat.
The oarsmen must stay focused and be in perfect sync with each other in order to be successful. They also practice different techniques such as the “tug-of-war” and the “wave-pull”, which involve the oarsmen rowing with a greater force in order to propel the boat forward.
The Races
The Water Festival races are organised by the Cambodian government and are held in Phnom Penh every year. The races are divided into different categories, depending on the size and type of boat. The Reaksmey Phkay Preuk boat competes in the “Medium Boats” category, which involves boats with 6-8 oarsmen.
The races are a spectacle to behold, with thousands of spectators lining the riverbanks to cheer on the boats. It is an exciting and thrilling event, with the winner receiving a cash prize as well as national recognition.
Conclusion
The Reaksmey Phkay Preuk boat is an important part of Prey Veng province’s culture and heritage. The oarsmen of the boat have been training hard and are looking forward to the Water Festival races, which will be held in Phnom Penh from November 26-28. It promises to be an exciting event, with the oarsmen doing their best to ensure their boat is victorious.
