Unique “basket boat shaking” race in Da Nang’s coastal fishing villages

“Thung” (basket boat) is one of the means of transport used by fishermen to catch seafood at sea, especially in the offshore squid fishing. Made of bamboo coated with waterproof resin, and round in shape, it is typically paddled using a wooden oar.

This kind of sports originated from fishermen’s “shaking” technique, an improvisation used when they lost their paddles at sea. Over time, basket boat shaking has become a traditional sport of coastal villagers and been loved by coastal communities and visitors alike.

Participants only use their hands, without paddles or oars. During the race, they stand upright inside the boat, gripping its rim firmly while rhythmically shaking and rocking their bodies to propel the basket forward.

According to Mr. Huynh Ngoc, a resident of Dong Xuan Village, Nui Thanh Commune, the unique feature of the sport of shaking basket boats is that the athletes do not use any tools including paddles. The challenge of the sport lies in maintaining balance and coordination.

He noted that racers must stand steady, grip the rim of the basket boat tightly, and use their full body strength to create continuous shaking motions that move the boat forward.

Every year, during the Cau Ngu (Fish Worshipping) Festival or major local events, coastal villages often organize basket boat shaking and traditional boat races, creating a jubilant and bustling atmosphere that draws a large number of enthusiastic spectators.