Ancient Spirit. Modern Glory.

Welcome to the New Haven Dragon Boat Festival, where 2,000 years of tradition meets the adrenaline of the harbor.

Join us at the New Haven Community Boating/Canal Dock Boathouse for New Haven’s most electrifying waterfront event. Experience the thunder of the drums, the splash of the paddles, and the fierce camaraderie of dragon boat racing.

A Global Phenomenon, Right Here in New Haven

Dragon boating is no longer just a legend; it is a global movement. Since the "Modern Era" began with the 1976 Hong Kong International Races, the sport has exploded into a vibrant, independent discipline.

By joining us, you become part of a massive global community:

• 50 Million participants across China.

• 300,000+ paddlers in the UK and Europe.

• 90,000+ enthusiasts in North America.

• Thousands more competing from Australia to the Caribbean.

Now, it’s New Haven’s turn to paddle.

The Legend Behind the Race

The Dragon Boat Festival (the "Double Fifth") is steeped in history. It originated over two millennia ago to honor Qu Yuan, a poet and patriot who drowned himself to protest imperial corruption.

Legend says villagers rushed out in boats, thrashing their paddles to scare away fish and protect his body. Today, we honor that spirit of protection and perseverance.

• The Rituals: Traditionally, parents tied five threads of colored silk to children to ward off evil spirits, and families shared Zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo) and Realgar wine to fight off misfortune.

• The Race: We continue the tradition of "thrashing the water"—but today, we do it for gold, glory, and team pride.

Registration & Fees

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026

• Time: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Location: New Haven Community Boating / Canal Dock Boathouse, 475 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT

• Questions? Contact us at ctdragons@canaldock.org

Team Divisions & Requirements

Choose the division that best fits your team:

• Women

• Open

• Mixed (Minimum of 10 women)

Team Composition: Each team consists of 20 paddlers (16 minimum required to race), 1 drummer, and up to 3 alternates.

️Team Registration

Registration fees include one practice session, the race, and a full day of fun!

Click Here to Register Your Team

Practice Sessions - One-Hour Sessions

After registration and payment, a link will be send to book your practice.

• Dates: Thursday, June 4 – Friday, June 5, 2026

• Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Location: New Haven Community Boating/Canal Dock Boathouse

Individual Registration

Want to paddle but don't have a team? No problem! Reach out to us at ctdragons@canaldock.org and we will help get you on the water.

Race Day Logistics

Event Location

New Haven Community Boating/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

• "Sitting ready" - Hold paddle across your lap
• "Paddles up" - Hold your paddle in the catch position, ready to take a stroke
• "Paddle" or "Go" - Take a stroke and start paddling
• "Let it ride" or "Let it run" - Stop paddling and go back to sitting ready position
• "Hold water" – Stop paddling immediately and keep the paddle in the water to stop the boat from moving
• "Brace the Boat" – Hold paddle flat on water to stabilize the boat.
• "Back Paddle" – Reverse direction.

First Aid Support:

• Trained medical personnel will be onsite during 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: Rotate forward for maximum stroke length.
3. Catch: The position where the paddle goes into the water.
4. Press: Connect your leg drive, back muscles, core, and arms to press the paddle back in the water.
5. Exit: Remove the paddle when it reaches your hip.
6. Recovery: Air time when the boat is not moving.  The time when you move your paddle forward to setup for the next stroke.

Winning Race Strategies

• Strong Start: 3 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.