In 2026, the Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club will celebrate a remarkable milestone: 20 years of paddling, racing, teamwork, and community spirit. The club began in 2006, when a small group of friends in Burnt Store Marina formed the Charlotte Harbor Paddlers. As the team grew, and its activities shifted to the Burnt Store Boat Ramp in Cape Coral, it embraced a new identity — the Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club.
If you’ve ever watched a dragon boat race, you’ve likely heard the unmistakable calls from the drummer at the front of the boat: “Paddles up! Power up!” Their job is to establish rhythm and unity, and while the commands may sound intense, the sport itself is welcoming, energizing, and accessible to adults of all ages. Whether you’re 25 or well into your 70s, dragon boating offers a uniquely inclusive and exhilarating experience for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
ABOUT THE SPORT
Picture a 40-foot canoe adorned with a traditional dragon head and tail, honoring an ancient Chinese heritage. A complete crew includes:
• 20 paddlers — ten per side.
• 1 drummer — setting the pace.
• 1 steersperson — guiding the boat.
“Working together, the crew propels the boat across the water with remarkable speed. Races, typically 200, 500, 1000, or 2000 meters, last only a few minutes,” says Coach Trish Koons. She calls dragon boat racing “the ultimate team sport,” where success hinges on one essential ingredient: perfect synchronicity. Synchronicity doesn’t just boost performance; it builds connection. Moving in rhythm with your teammates creates a powerful sense of unity, belonging, and shared purpose, elements shown to support mental well-being.
WHY GIVE IT A TRY?
Dragon boating is far more than an upper-body workout. Each stroke integrates your core, legs, and back, making it a full-body, low-impact sport suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
And the setting? Stunning. Practices take place in the morning or at sunset, when dolphins and manatees often appear along the canals. But for most paddlers, the real highlight isn’t the scenery, it’s the community. Coach Koons puts it best “You can train, you can be in shape, but the secret to success is working together as a team. There’s a great camaraderie that develops as a unit. The team works hard on the water, but they also have fun with social activities. The team is like one big family.”
HOW TO GET STARTED
The Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club welcomes anyone curious about the sport to join them on the water through two upcoming beginner-friendly programs:
Free Community Paddle
Date: Sunday, January 11
Time: 12 p.m.
A relaxed, introductory paddle for all ages and fitness levels. No experience required; equipment provided.
Dragon Boat 101 – Four-week beginner course
Dates:
• Option 1: Wednesdays, 1/14 – 2/4
• Option 2: Wednesdays, 2/11 – 3/14
Time for Both Options: 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Fee: $50. Designed for first-time paddlers; equipment provided.
Location: Burnt Store Boat Ramp, 230 Burnt Store Road, Cape Coral, FL.
Parking is free and there are rest room facilities on site.
Participants should come prepared to have fun—and get a little wet. And one friendly note: it’s paddling, not rowing.
Learn More: Ready to try something new, make friends, and build strength on the water? Visit the Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club’s website for more details and to sign up for our Free Community Paddle or our Dragon Boat 101 Course at: capecoraldbc.com.
