Brief Guide to Dragon Boat Races

Dragon boat racing is accessible to people of all fitness levels, ages, and abilities. It is multicultural and inclusive. It is welcoming to people looking for a recreational opportunity on the water and offers opportunities for competitive athletes on Club Crew Championship teams and Team USA.

At festival events, races are 200-500 meters. Standard race distances at championships are 200 meters, 500 meters, and 2000 meters, with an additional 1000-meter distance only run at IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (not at IDBF Club Crew World Championships).

In addition to age and gender related divisions, there are currently three recognized Special Interest divisions within Dragon boat racing:

Breast Cancer Paddlers: for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer
All Cancer Paddlers: for those who have been diagnosed with any cancer
Paradragons: for those who have some form of recognized impairment, and their supporters

The Organizations

USDBF

United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF) is our national governing body for competitive events.

Currently, the USDBF awards berths through Club Crew National Championships that take place the prior year. USDBF consists of the following four regions:

Southeastern Region (SRDBA)
Eastern (ERDBA)
Midwest (ADBA
Pacific (PDBA)

IDBF

International Dragon Boat Federation organizes the IDBF Club Crew World Championships (CCWC) that occur during even-numbered years and are invitation only. Each country is allotted a certain number of berths.

Currently, the USDBF awards berths through Club Crew National Championships that take place the prior year.

SRDBA

Southeastern Regional Dragon Boat Association (SRDBA) serves the dragon boat community in the Southeastern region of the United States, and a regional organization of the United States Dragon Boat Federation.

The Region consists of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Other highly competitive races

Pan Am Club Crew Championships

(such as Puerto Rico 2017, Tobago 2019, Panama 2023,

Montreal 2025) occur during odd-numbered years. These races are open to any established club wanting to compete. Although they offer good competition and a taste of international championships, Pan AM Club Crew Championships DO NOT award berths to the IDBF World Championships.

Can Am Club Crew Championships

The first ever CanAmerican Championships was held at the Welland International Flatwater Centre in 2024. Can AM Club Crew Championships DO NOT award berths to the IDBF World Championships.

CPC and Competition Goals

National Championship races occurring in 2025 will determine who attends the IDBF Club Crew World Championship during the 2026 races.

This will impact how CPC approaches race selection, as well as highlights the importance of active recruitment and retention of competitive paddlers if we plan to move in that direction. We will need to develop a 2-year strategy for each championship competition cycle.

1. If we want to compete in a CCWC competition (even-numbered year) we must plan to medal (or at least be in the top 3-4 teams in a given category) at the Club Crew Nationals (CCNC) competitions in the preceding odd-numbered year.

2. In anticipation of competing in a USDBF race, all members should consider registering annually ($15/yr.) with our regional SRDBA and USDBF ($40/yr). This directly benefits our club because CPC will be credited up to $300 (@$10/individual membership fee) toward our SRBDA club membership. Individuals are also eligible for other discounts.

WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU WANT TO RACE

Race fee: $$ Amount varies by event and is paid by each paddler. The amount will also the success of any fundraisers.

Hotel: Co-Captains will reserve blocks of rooms, usually at the hotel-of-choice of the event. Paddlers can make arrangements with teammates to share a room, or not, then make & pay for their room from the reserved block reservation. For regional events expect a 1 to 2 night stay. The one exception is the event in Beaufort, SC. That's a day trip. For championships, the stay typically is a minimum of 3-5 days.

Getting there: We'll get a conversation going prior to Race Day to help coordinate carpools and/or caravans.

Food: We always have a water and food table on Race Day. Co-Captains will help coordinate who brings what. Meals are on your own, but do generally get together somewhere after the race.

Race Day Details: A Co-Captain or Coach will provide detailed information regarding where and when to arrive for Race Day events.

WHAT TO BRING

PFD & paddle - or use what's provided at the event
Team jersey and other team SWAG
Sun protection... we will have a tent, but it's often hot under there
Closed-toe shoes - Race Organizers often require this!
Chair or towel to sit on between races
Book, crossword, etc.... long waits between races
Chair or towel to sit on between races.