Dragon boat racing has a history stretching back centuries, but its modern presence in the United States—especially in the Midwest—is still relatively young. Much of its growth in our region is thanks to a small group of dedicated pioneers. Among them is Ron Hau of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, whose impact on the sport spans more than 30 years.
At the local level, Ron was deeply involved with the Cedar River Dragon Boat Association, playing a key role in organizing and supporting the Cedar River Dragon Boat Festival for over a decade. His commitment helped build a strong foundation for the sport within the community.
Regionally, Ron served the ADBA in numerous capacities, including festival director, website manager, vice president, president, and equipment manager. He also took on the demanding role of sterning both Hong Kong– and Taiwan-style boats for more than 20 years, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership on the water.
Nationally, Ron contributed to the development of the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF), serving as vice president and earning his USDBF official’s license—further solidifying his legacy within the sport.
Ron embodies the true spirit of a pioneer. His dedication, leadership, and wisdom have left a lasting mark on the dragon boat community. He will be greatly missed on the ADBA Board of Directors.
Thank you for your service, Ron!
