What is dragon boating? It’s a fun team sport you can pick up at any time. Typically, 20 team members paddle the boat, with a drummer seated on the bow drumming a stroke rate for the paddlers. A steersperson stands at the stern and controls the direction of the boat.

Dragon boats are paddled for recreation and raced competitively around the world and right here in Hartford, Connecticut. Our annual Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival, held in August, draws more than 70 teams from the northeast and beyond. Give dragon boating a try! Take a few paddling classes, join one of our teams, or bring a group for a one-day team-building experience.

We have programs year-round, with something for current and future paddlers of all experience levels. Learn more and register below.