Our Athletes

Dragon boat racing is uniquely accessible to people of all fitness levels, ages, and abilities. It is multicultural and inclusive. It is welcoming to people looking for a recreational opportunity on the water, and it is challenging for an athlete, at the top of their game, looking to be selected for Team USA.

The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the international governing body of the sport of dragon boat.

In 1991. IDBF embraced the principles of anti-doping and enshrined in its Competition Regulations an Anti-Doping Policy and Rules. These measures have been implemented at IDBF World Championship Regattas ever since and revised, as and when required, to incorporate the Anti-Doping Rules for International Federations, promulgated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Some dragon boat competitions will require participants, including coaches, managers and paddlers, to document anti-doping education and athletes will be subject to testing as outlined in the Anti-Doping Rules. For more information on anti-doping rules, forbidden substances, forms and other resources visit IDBF Antidoping

The IDBF currently recognizes three Special Interest divisions:

1. Breast Cancer Paddlers: for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer
2. All Cancer Paddlers: for those who have been diagnosed with any cancer
3. Paradragons: for those who have some form of recognized impairment, and their supporters

Standard race distances are 200 meters, 500 meters, and 2000 meters, with an additional 1000-meter distance only run at IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (not at IDBF Club Crew World Championships).