The dragon boat is a team water sport originating in China, with traces dating back more than 2,000 years.

Practiced worldwide today, it relies on coordination, synchronization, and team spirit.

Teams paddle aboard a long, stable vessel decorated with a dragon head and tail, steered by a helmsman at the back and paced by a drummer at the front.

A dragon boat measures about 12 meters (40 feet) and mainly comes in two formats: the standard boat, which can accommodate up to 20 paddlers, and the 10-paddler boat.

Accessible and easy to learn, dragon boating is a unifying sport that emphasizes fun, collaboration, and team performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people make up a team?
A team generally consists of 22 people:

• 20 paddlers

• 1 steersperson (who also acts as coach)

• 1 drummer

Teams can be mixed, female, or male. In mixed teams, a minimum of 8 men is required to participate in competitions.

The steersperson-coach is included in your package.

Yes, dragon boat is a very easy sport to learn, accessible to all age groups and all fitness levels. The boats are wide, stable, and safe, and activities are always conducted under the supervision of certified coaches.

In competition, the sport is organized into different divisions so that everyone can progress at their own pace: the community division for beginner and intermediate levels, and the sport division for more advanced and performance-oriented paddlers.

Whether your goal is to discover the sport, stay active, or aim for high-level competition, the H2o club offers a team and support tailored to your profile.

How to Dress for a Dragon Boat Activity

To fully enjoy your dragon boat experience, it is recommended to avoid cotton clothing, as it retains moisture and becomes uncomfortable when wet. Instead, opt for technical garments made of lycra or nylon. On cooler days, wearing sports underwear (base layer) is strongly advised to keep warm.

For footwear, choose an old pair of espadrilles or sport sandals that can get wet.

Essentials for Warm Weather

• Cap or scarf to protect your head

• Sportswear (avoid cotton)

• Sunscreen

• Sandals or sports shoes

• Reusable water bottle

Essentials for Cold Weather

• Beanie or scarf to cover your head

• Sportswear (avoid cotton)

• Nylon coat and pants (windbreaker)

• Sandals or sports shoes

• Reusable water bottle

Yes! ☔️ Dragon boat is a water sport… so getting a little wet is part of the fun!
In case of light or moderate rain, the activity goes on as planned.

Only severe thunderstorms can jeopardize the activity. In the presence of electrical storms, the activity is temporarily suspended for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, until conditions become safe again.

Yes. We provide paddles as well as personal flotation devices (PFDs) to all participants.

For the regular development of a club member, it is however recommended to get your own paddle and PFD, mainly for reasons of comfort, fit, and convenience during regular training sessions.