With its roots in ancient China, dragon boating is a traditional canoe discipline with immense popularity the world over at both the recreational and competitive levels. The Chinese dragon - the classic version of which has the head of an ox, antlers of a deer, mane of a horse, body of a python, claws of a hawk and fins and tail of a fish decorate the bow and stern of the long narrow craft. The boat is usually dressed at competition events. The hull of the vessel is often painted with scale to represent a dragon's body and the paddlers symbolize its claws. It has 10 seats and in each seat, 2 paddlers sit side by side. There is also a drummer at the front and a sweep (person steering) at the back. Race distances are usually 200m, 500m, 1000m and 2000m.

In ancient China, the Dragon Boat was used for religious purposes as a way of appeasing the rain gods. Later Qu Yuan, a great warrior poet, committed suicide in the river Mi Lo, as a protest against the political corruption of the day. To commemorate this sacrifice the people began to organize Dragon Boat Races in his memory. Since that time over 2000 years ago, Dragon Boat Racing has become a major part of Chinese culture, representing patriotism and group integrity.

At Gold Coast Dragons, we have a diverse membership base in just about every way. Our ages, incomes, fitness levels, education and commitment to the sport all vary. However, the one thing we all have in common is our relaxed, laid-back attitudes.

YOU!!! Anyone is welcome to come and give it a go. Come on down for your 3 FREE trial sessions. We are always looking for new paddlers so we want you.

Well, why not? People try dragonboat racing for all different reasons. Some want a new challenge, others want to improve their strength and fitness, and others just want to meet new people. You don’t need a reason to try it. Just come on down and meet some great people while trying something new.

Come down and jump in a boat.

Tuesdays @ 5:15 pm for 5:45 pm on the water

Thursdays @ 5:15 pm for 5:45 pm on the water

Saturdays @ 6.30 am for 7 am on the water

Good question. Most people I ask aren’t too sure how to answer this question. Some like to use dragon boat training to maintain their fitness, some enjoy the social side while others have absolutely no idea. They just know they want to be there.

We don’t expect you to sign up for something without at least trying it a few times. That’s why you will receive 3 FREE trial sessions to see what it’s all about. Once you are convinced you like it, the yearly cost is around $200 for an adult ( less than $4/wk) and around $100 for a student (less than $2/wk) for 3 – 4 water sessions a week and access to our team gym facility!!!

This is completely up to you.

If you fall in love with the sport and decide you want to be a state or national champion, that’s awesome. Our coaches would love to help get you there.

If you decide you enjoy the social side of training and just want to come along to keep active and make new friends, that is 100% fine too.

All are welcome.

Most people paddle in the same clothes they would wear to the gym. i.e.; singlet and shorts.

Also please remember to bring a towel and a water bottle.