Dragon Boat Program

Lanier Canoe and Kayak club Logo
Six dragon boats with different numbers

‘The Hardest Fun You’ll Ever Have’

The 2,000 year old sport of Dragon Boat paddling is both an entry level activity and high-performance, world-class racing. That means literally almost anyone can do it ages 9-99!

We offer people an opportunity to aspire to a higher level of competitiveness and teamwork unlike most other paddle sports, or any sport for that matter. A team, working hard, in harmony, as one, sharing a goal.

LCKC offers a range of opportunities for both serious and recreational dragon boat paddlers. Dragon boats accommodate 10 or 20 paddlers, a drummer to keep beat, and a trained steersman. Race distances can range from 100 meters to several kilometers.

Six dragon boats with different numbers.

LCKC Dragon Boat Team

LCKC also offers a Dragon Boat club membership for those who are interested in a longer-term training program. LCKC is a feeder program of the United States National Dragon Boat Team. In fact, many LCKC paddlers have competed in Dragon Boat Championships – including eleven in 2014, and 30 at the 2018 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships.

The club participates in regional regattas with an eye toward international events and a goal of having as many as possible compete with Team USA.

Athletes can sign up through a Dragon Boat Membership which includes three practices per week and the opportunity to race at different Dragon Boat events around the country.

Youth Dragon Boat Team

LCKC will start a new Youth Dragon Boat Team for ages 10 and up. This new team will start with one day a week practices, 2 hours long.  Working up to twice a week practices. The goal for this team will be to compete locally, regionally and eventually internationally.

If you are already an LCKC member in another Membership Program you will receive a discount on this team.

No experience needed, all equipment is included. Coaching is led by Dragon Boat World Champion Andrew Surles. Don’t miss this opportunity to start with this new team! Youth Dragon Boat Team

Recreational 

LCKC hosts a racing event each year where teams of paddlers from local businesses and organizations, and out-of-town teams battle it out for top honors in their divisions in the 10 paddler boats.

In the spring, The Annual Gainesville Hall County Dragon Boat Challenge  supports our local Special Olympics of Hall County. While some teams train and compete together regularly, most teams are recreational teams, and LCKC provides a training opportunity before the event.

Corporate Team Building / Sports Team

Looking for an exciting team building exercise for your organization or business?  Look no further!  LCKC can tailor a Corporate Team Building event to suit your needs.  Once your team is on the water, they will all be working together in unison, with the same goal!  Please contact us so that we may put together a special program for you.  Your team is guaranteed not to forget this event!  For additional information, info@lckc.org.