Tampa Dragon Boat Training - Florida

NOW RECRUITING IN TAMPA BAY ! 

***By Registering Today, you are applying for a position on the team. We will be in contact with you shortly for a brief interview***

Veterans and Civilians with physical disabilities, we want you to join our newest “Team Blue” Adaptive Dragon Boat Team, in collaboration with Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Club and the Bay Pines VA.

• Recommend parking in the south lot by Tampa Prep school and then following the river walkway north to the Tampa River Center boathouse 

You will race in two large festivals in Tampa and Sarasota over the next couple months. 

If you are interested in being part of the fastest growing watersport, enjoy being part of a team, are willing to commit to training and competing this may be the sport for you. 

No water or paddling experience is necessary, but a commitment to your team, training, fun, and adventure is. We invite you to apply for the 2023 Dragon Boat family. Volunteers are needed at various levels and will be a part of our competition team at regional festivals. 

By registering you will continue to receive event specific details. 

This team will race over the follwing months Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Festival and in May at the Sarasota Dragonboat Festival. Be a part of the world class para-dragon team! 

Your Team Blue beginning video- Our Team Blue Foundation

What is Dragon Boat Racing?

Dragon Boating, a sport founded in China over 2000 years ago, started as an international sport in 1976 in Hong Kong and has a worldwide participation of over 50 million competitors.  Dragon boats are fast and powerful recognized for the camaraderie, strength and endurance fostered amongst the team. 

The crew for the Hong Kong class dragon boat is typically 22, made up from 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow (front) of the boat, 1 'drummer or caller' at the bow facing toward the paddlers creates the heartbeat and rhythm of the boat, and 1 sweep (steerer) standing at the rear of the boat controlling its track.

Benefits of Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon Boat racing is a fun team-building activity and participating in a dragon boat event can benefit warriors, family, caregivers, and others in numerous ways.
 

- Dragon Boating creates an inclusive environment.
- People of all ages and fitness levels can participate
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- The nature of the sport emphasizes unity and working together
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- Driving towards the finish line produces energy, enthusiasm and motivation
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- Paddlers communicate by cheering each other on
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- The sport encourages leaders to move to the forefront.
- Twenty paddlers in one boat = increased camaraderie. 

Dragon boat races feature an exhilarating combination of premier sport competition in concert with an entertainment showcase for corporations, community organizations, and families.  This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of representing warriors and disabled veterans and their supporters.

How will you train? 

Expect to progress in your skills learning how to paddle efficiently and effectively with your new unit, into phases of endurance and taking this new fitness and family into your at-home life. Together, we will learn how to improve our fitness, canoe stroke, power and ability to feel the hull of that dragon boat move with speed and stealth.  

You will need to sign a contract of commitment for the 2023 season that states you will be able to attend 80% of the sessions. 

Our team coaches and mentors will provide the resources and skills necessary to reach to the highest levels. Adaptive Adventures, Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Club and Bay Pines VA healthcare system are coming together to build an adaptive paradragon boat community in Florida. We will also have multiple others assisting in the development and sponsorship of this team including Triwest HealthCare Alliance, and DAV Charitable Service Trust.