Registration & Fees

The 2025 Dragon Boat Regatta is your chance to experience the ultimate team-building challenge while enjoying a fun-filled day on the water.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
• Location: Canal Dock Boathouse, 475 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT
• Race Schedule: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Entertainment & Activities: DJ music, food trucks, awards ceremony
• Have questions? Contact dragon@canaldock.org.

Team Registration

Fee: $2,000 per team (includes a professionally coached 1-hour practice session, at least 2-3 races, and use of all necessary equipment)
Register online today!.

Team Requirements

• 16 paddlers + 1 drummer(up to 3 alternates allowed)
• Minimum of 6 women on a mixed team
• All participants must be at least 16 years old
• A professional steersperson is provided

How to Register

1. Complete the registration form
2. We’ll invoice you
3. We'll email you a link to register your team members

️ Practice Sessions

• When? June 4 - 6 from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Where? Canal Dock Boathouse
• How to schedule? The team captain will select a time slot during registration.

Secure your spot early – team spaces are limited! Register Your Team Now!

Race Day Logistics

Event Location

Canal Dock Boathouse, 475 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT
Parking: Free parking is available nearby, but carpooling is encouraged.

Race Day Timeline (tentative)

Time	Activity
7:00 AM	Check-in & Team Set-up
7:30 AM	Team Captain’s Meeting
8:00 AM	First Heats Begin
11:00 AM	Semi-Finals
12:00 PM	Championship Races
12:30 PM	Awards Ceremony & Celebrations

Race Format

• Sprint races: 200-250 meters (lasting 1-2 minutes)
• Each team competes in at least 2 races
• Professional steerspersons will be provided for all boats

Team Area & What to Bring

• Water bottle (hydration is key!)
• Sunscreen & hat (protect yourself from the sun)
• Waterproof shoes/sandals
• Windbreaker/splash jacket (weather can change quickly)
• 10’x10’ pop-up tent for shade
• Folding chairs & blankets
• Cooler with water & snacks
• Team t-shirts, decorations, and spirit gear!

Prohibited Items:

• No pets (service animals only)
• No grills (gas, charcoal, or electric)
• No alcohol until your races are done

Safety Guidelines

Dragon boat racing is an exciting, high-energy sport, but safety is our top priority.
All participants must follow these guidelines:

General Safety Rules

• Life Jackets Are Mandatory: Every paddler must wear a properly fastened U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times.
• No Alcohol or Drugs: Any paddler suspected of being under the influence will be disqualified.
• Age Restrictions: No children under 16 years old on boats.
• Medical Conditions: If you have asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, or any other medical concerns, notify your team captain before race day.

On-the-Water Safety

• Do Not Stand in the Boat – Stay seated to avoid capsizing.
• Capsize Protocol:
• Stay with the boat and perform a headcount.
• Listen to the Boat Captain’s instructions before retrieving paddles.
• If directed, swim to the nearest shore or rescue vessel.

Key Commands Every Paddler Must Know

• "Brace the Boat" – Hold paddle flat on water to stabilize the boat.
• "Hold the Boat" – Stop paddling immediately.
• "Back Paddle" – Reverse direction.
• "Let it Ride" – Stop paddling and let the boat glide.

First Aid Support:

• Trained medical personnel will be onsite throughout the event.

Paddling & Racing Tips

Dragon boat racing is about teamwork, endurance, and rhythm. Follow these tips to get race-ready!

The 6 Key Stroke Phases are:

1. Rotation: Engage your core and twist your torso.
2. Extension: Reach forward for maximum stroke length.
3. Catch: Drop the paddle straight into the water.
4. Pull: Use your back muscles, not just arms.
5. Exit: Remove the paddle when it reaches your hip.
6. Recovery: Reset and prepare for the next stroke.

Winning Race Strategies

• Strong Start: 6 deep strokes, followed by 20 power strokes.
• Stay in Sync: Follow the lead paddlers – synchronization is key!
• Power 10s: A 10-stroke burst in the last third of the race gives a final push.