Everything new paddlers ask us before their first session. Still stuck? Get in touch.
Because dragon boat is one of the rare sports that hits mind, body, and community all at once — and it does it with a kind of energy most people don’t expect.
No one can carry a dragon boat. No one can hide. No one can win alone. When 20 paddles hit the water in perfect timing, the boat lifts, the glide changes, and you feel the power of collective effort. It’s addictive.
It’s legs, core, back and shoulders — all firing. It’s timing, rhythm and precision. It’s explosive power and endurance. It’s strategy, not chaos. A full-body workout disguised as a team sport.
You can start at any age, any fitness level, and still progress quickly. But you can also push all the way to state, national and international competition. Very few sports offer that kind of pathway.
Dragon boat clubs are famously inclusive, multicultural, supportive, social and competitive in the best way. People join for fitness and stay for the friendships.
Race starts. Drum pounding. Water flying. Your sweep calling commands. Twenty people locked in, breathing as one. There’s nothing else like it.
Dragon boating isn’t just a sport — it’s a tradition with thousands of years of history. Every race connects you to something bigger.
You don’t have to be physically fit to begin — many members started having never played any sport. Our Season Program builds fitness gradually and safely in three phases: gentle technique work, then power and strength, then shorter, more intense speed sessions. If you have a heart condition, are pregnant, or have any medical issue that may affect physical activity, see your doctor for clearance first.
No — strength builds gradually and safely over the season. Dragon boating is one of the most effective all-over strengthening exercises around, working legs, glutes, abdominals, core, back, shoulders and arms in combination.
Co-ordination isn’t a prerequisite — many members started with co-ordination challenges (and still have them on land!). Staying in time with other paddlers takes practice, and you’ll be coached in technique across the entire season.
Comfortable gym-style clothes: shorts or leggings, a t-shirt or singlet, and a spray jacket or hoody in cooler months. You’ll get a little splashed, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting damp. Footwear is essential — crocs, thongs or old sandshoes are fine. A hat and sunglasses are recommended. Once you’re hooked, most members move on to paddling-friendly gear like neoprene shorts and a club top.
Just a bottle of water. Everything else is supplied — paddle, life jacket, boat and laughter. Hot showers and change rooms are available at the paddling venue.
Yes. Dragon boating builds strength and, done safely and regularly, can help rehabilitate some injuries. We recommend seeing a doctor for clearance first, and ask that you notify the coaches of your injury before you begin so you can be introduced to the sport safely. Contact the Head Coach at johnholland@senet.com.au for advice.
Some people prefer left, some right, others like to switch. Both arms are involved, so it doesn’t depend on your dominant side — we encourage members to be as consistent as possible on both sides.
The boats are owned and maintained by Dragon Boat SA — a large expense partly covered by DBSA registration fees.
Yes. Dragon Boat SA’s registration fee includes public liability and personal accident insurance.
Absolutely. Plenty of our paddlers enjoy the fitness and social side without racing competitively. As long as the coaches know your intent, you can attend all training without racing at regattas or the Australian Championships.
ACDC welcomes paddlers from age 9 up. We have over 100 members and pride ourselves on the diversity in the club — it’s common to see a student racing alongside a 60-year-old paddler. Some of our senior paddlers are among the strongest. Racing has divisions for all ages, so crews can combine ages or split into age-specific crews for competition.
Very competitive at both State and National level — we train and race hard — while equally valuing our social events and the sense of family the club is renowned for. We respect the diverse range of ages (9–65+) in the club: students, youth and older paddlers who work hard on the water and socialise hard off it.
ACDC trains at Aquatic Reserve, Cnr Bower & Old Port Roads, West Lakes — enter off Bower Road. Our Goolwa Dragons and Desert Dragons regions train at Hindmarsh Island and Bordertown/Lochaber respectively.
Dragon Fire trains Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings at West Lakes, with a Saturday Come ‘N Try & Development session at 9.45am. Goolwa Dragons train Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Hindmarsh Island. Desert Dragons train seasonally at Bordertown and Lochaber — check Facebook or phone for current times. See the Training page for the full timetable.
Most members train 1–3 sessions a week depending on their region and goals — social paddlers often do one session, while race crews build up to multiple sessions across the season’s three training phases.
It’s AusDBF’s free come-and-try program: unlimited sessions over 28 days, fully insured, at no cost. Register online, then turn up to any session at any of our three regions.