Dragon Boat Paddling

Returning to the Bay each spring through fall, we offer both competitive and recreational tiers. It’s the ultimate team sport, combining fitness, synchronized paddling, and an incredible community.

Season

May to Late September

Practice Days

Mondays & Thursdays (6:15 PM – 8:00 PM) + Social Sundays (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

Programs Available

One-Day Experiences, Clinics, Recreational (Huronic), and Competitive (Georgian)

Skill Level

Absolute Beginners to Competitive Athletes

Massive Perk:

Dragon Boat memberships include full access to Open Paddle, Masters, and Endurance Paddling programs.

Welcome to the Collingwood Sidelaunchers

The Sidelaunchers are our dedicated dragon boat community, made up of participants of all abilities, aged 18+.

Our focus is on personal growth, camaraderie, having fun, and delivering an unforgettable paddling experience. Guided by our Dragon Boat Canada-certified coaches, the club emphasizes good sportsmanship and participation. Regardless of whether you paddle for fitness, the outdoors, or the thrill of a regatta finish line, dragon boat is the ultimate team sport.

Which Program is Right for You?

We offer a wider range of dragon boat programs than ever before. Please note: Paddlers should only sign up for ONE of the full-season team options (Georgian or Huronic).

1. Recreational Team (Huronic)

Designed for returning paddlers or experienced athletes looking for a more relaxed environment. Team Huronic focuses on skills development and recreational racing, with an optional festival each season.

2. Competitive Team (Georgian)

Designed for returning paddlers focused on athlete development and highly competitive racing. Team Georgian requires a deep commitment, including a mandatory Spring Training Clinic and attendance at major regattas including participation in 2-3 festivals per season. Space is strictly limited to 25 paddlers and a waitlist will be utilized.

3. The Dragon Boat Experience (One-Day Event)

The Dragon Boat Experience (One-Day Event) is a two-hour on-water experience. Enjoy fascinating stories about Collingwood’s waterfront history while feeling the exhilaration of paddling in unison. No experience or equipment is required. Perfect for individuals or large groups looking for a corporate team-building activity.

4. Learn to Paddle (3-Week Clinic)

If you are completely new to the sport, or want a refresher on technique, this is for you. Over three coached Wednesday evening sessions, you will learn dragon boat safety and paddling skills. At the end, your coach will recommend next steps if you want to join a full-season team.

5. 1-Day Clinic

An optional intensive, one-day paddle development clinic featuring large boat practice, paddle video review with feedback, stroke correction, and guidance on mobility, cardio, and strength training. (Note: Do not sign up for this if you are registered for the Georgian Program, as advanced coaching is already included).

Equipment & Registration Requirements

For our Dragon Boat Experience and Learn to Paddle programs, the club provides all paddles and Transport Canada-approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). Just show up in comfortable athletic clothing.

Bonus: Other Program Add Ons

Did you know your dragon boat registration unlocks other Club programs? Other programs available are Open Paddle, Endurance, and Masters Sprint Racing. If dragon boat is your primary registration but you also wish to participate in our adult Masters sprint racing program, you can select the “Dragon Boat Masters Program – Add on” during checkout for $0.00.

Registration Code Required For Team Registration

For paddlers joining either the recreational or competitive team, please email our team managers at sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com to discuss your experience and best fit for one of the teams. You will then receive the code to complete your registration.

2026 Programs & Registration

Program	Dates / Schedule	Cost	Notes
Dragon Boat Experience (Option 1)	Wed, June 17 (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)	$30.00
Dragon Boat Experience (Option 2)	Wed, Aug 5 (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)	$30.00
Learn to Paddle (3-Week Clinic)	Wed, May 20, 27, June 3 (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)	$75.00
Optional 1-Day Clinic	Date TBA	$50.00
Team Huronic (Recreational)	Full Season (Mondays & Thursdays)	$400.00	Requires Code - Email us at sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com
Team Georgian (Competitive)	Full Season + Extra Training & Regattas	$550.00	Requires Code - Email us at sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com
Masters Program Add-On	Select at Checkout	$0.00	Add to Cart at Checkout

Frequently Asked Questions

I have never paddled before. Can I join a full-season team?

For complete beginners, we highly require registering for the 3-week “Learn to Paddle” orientation first. This ensures you learn safe techniques before joining a full 20-person boat. Once the clinic is over, your coach will help transition you to Team Huronic.

What happens if Team Georgian is full?

Team Georgian is strictly limited to 25 paddlers to ensure proper athlete development. If the roster is full, a waitlist will be utilized. We encourage you to reach out early for your registration code.

Should I take the Optional 1-Day Clinic?

The 1-Day Clinic is fantastic for paddlers wanting intensive feedback, including video review of their stroke. However, if you are registering for Team Georgian, do not sign up for this clinic, as this level of coaching is already built into the Team Georgian program.

How do I get an access code to register for Huronic or Georgian?

Access codes ensure athletes are placed in the boat that matches their skill and safety level. Simply email us at sidelaunchdragons@gmail.com with your past experience, and our team managers will provide the correct registration code.

How does the Masters Add-On work?

Because your dragon boat fee covers your basic club membership, you are eligible to join our Masters Sprint program for free. Just ensure dragon boat is your primary registration, and select the “$0.00 Masters Add-On” during the checkout process.

Have Questions About Dragon Boat?

Want to book a private corporate team-building experience, or need to request your registration code for the upcoming season?