Youth (16U, 18U, 24U)

YOUTH TEAM USA

Your Dragon Boat Journey Can Keep Growing.

There is no single path through dragon boat. Some athletes join for community. Some discover competition. Some become youth leaders, volunteers, coaches or officials. Others choose to explore the opportunity to represent the United States.

Wherever you are today, your next step starts with learning what opportunities are available.

TRY DRAGON BOAT: Attend an introductory practice, youth event or Regional Youth Camp and experience the sport.
JOIN A CLUB: Connect with a youth program in your region and become part of a crew.
DEVELOP AS AN ATHLETE: Build technical skills, fitness, teamwork, race knowledge and consistency.
COMPETE: Explore club, regional, national and other eligible competition opportunities.
LEAD: Contribute to your team and community through youth leadership, service and mentorship opportunities.
EXPLORE TEAM USA: Learn about current Team USA opportunities and the selection process for the applicable cycle.

Interested in joining Team USA?

All athletes must register with the USDBF and pay a membership fee. Once registered, you can apply for the teams that you are interested in.

Step 1 - Register as a Member and log in as a member:

Step 2 - Apply for Team USA

16U & 18U Divisions (aka Juniors - 16 and Under, 18 and Under)

Athletes are eligible for 16U if they are between ages 12-16, inclusive, in 2027.
Athletes are eligible for 18U if they are between ages 12-18, inclusive, in 2027.

24U Division (aka 24 and Under)

Athletes are eligible for 24U if they are between ages 12-24, inclusive, in 2027.

What is Team USA Dragon Boat?

Team USA Dragon Boat represents the United States in an eligible international dragon boat competition. Team USA crews are separate from club crews and are formed through the applicable national team process.

What youth age divisions are available?

International dragon boat competition includes youth age classifications such as 16U, 18U and 24U. The exact divisions offered, age eligibility and championship requirements may vary by event and cycle. Athletes should always review the current official USDBF and IDBF information for the opportunity they are pursuing.

Do I need to be a USDBF member?

Current USDBF Team USA youth information states that athletes must register with USDBF and apply for the team opportunities in which they are interested. Always review the current Team USA youth page for the applicable cycle and membership requirements.

Team USA 2025 Juniors

Join USDBF

Do I need to belong to a dragon boat club?

Club participation can provide regular training and valuable experience. Team USA eligibility and application requirements should be confirmed through the current official selection information for the applicable cycle.

How do I learn about Team USA selections?

Follow official USDBF communications and review the Team USA Youth page for current applications, announcements and cycle-specific information.

Are there tryouts, camps or athlete assessments?

The selection process may include applications, camps, testing, time trials, technical observation or other assessment components. The specific process is established for the applicable Team USA cycle and should be reviewed in the current official selection materials.

What is a time trial?

A time trial is an individual performance assessment completed under a defined protocol. When a time trial is part of a Team USA selection process, athletes should follow the exact equipment, distance, testing and submission requirements published for that cycle.

Do I need previous racing experience?

Experience requirements may vary. Athletes should review the current selection criteria and communicate with the appropriate Team USA program contact if they have questions about a specific opportunity.

What costs should athletes and families expect?

Team USA participation may involve expenses such as travel, lodging, uniforms, training camps, race-related costs and other program expenses. Costs and payment expectations can vary by cycle and event. Families should review the current program information before committing.

IDBF Worlds Bling Count

2019:
Team USA Juniors took home 1 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals.
Team USA U24 took home 1 silver and 10 bronze medals.

2023:
Team USA Juniors took home 15 gold and 4 silver medals.
Team USA 24U took home 1 gold and 10 silver medals.

2025:
24U: 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 9 Bronze
18U: 10 Gold, 2 Silver
16U: 3 Gold, 4 Silver, 6 Bronze
Team USA Juniors won the Junior Cup!

Can athletes from any USDBF region apply?

Athletes should review the published eligibility requirements for the applicable Team USA cycle. Current opportunities and application instructions are communicated through official USDBF channels.

How will I know when applications open?

Monitor the official USDBF website, USDBF communications and approved USDBF social media channels. Youth athletes and families are encouraged to review Team USA information regularly during an active selection cycle.

Who selects Team USA athletes?

Athlete selection is conducted through the applicable Team USA structure and published process for the relevant cycle and division. Refer to current official USDBF selection materials for specific roles, criteria and procedures.

Does exploring Team USA guarantee selection?

No. Team USA is a competitive pathway. Applying, attending a camp or completing an assessment does not guarantee selection.

Where can I find current Team USA Youth information?

Use the official USDBF Team USA Youth page for current registration, application and cycle information.

Who selects Team USA athletes?

Does exploring Team USA guarantee selection?

No. Team USA is a competitive pathway. Applying, attending a camp or completing an assessment does not guarantee selection.

Where can I find current Team USA Youth information?

Use this official USDBF Team USA Youth page for current registration, application and cycle information.