The paddle stroke that moves a dragon boat is beneficial to the alleviation of lymphedema, a symptom related to breast cancer surgery. That’s one reason why breast cancer survivors have rallied to the sport of dragon boating. Most of us paddle on both sides of the boat, but you can ask to paddle on only the right or left.
It’s not just the boat that unites us — it’s also the bonding and friendships we form in this Club. Together, we create strength and camaraderie that transforms us from survivors into warriors.
Our home port for practices and paddles is Pier 4 Marina. It is in the heart of the beautiful Annapolis Harbor.
Pier 4 Marina
301 Fourth Street
Annapolis, MD 21403
Schedule
We paddle when the combined temperature of the air and water is 100 degrees or more. We’re typically out on the water four days each week during the outdoor season — on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Each practice and paddle has a different focus. The descriptions below provide a general overview of the session. Practices are about 2 hours long, including a group stretch before and after we paddle.
Open practices (Tuesdays)
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. These coached practices are open to all. New paddlers learn the basics, and experienced paddlers advance their skills. Coaches emphasize the techniques essential for paddling effectively and preventing injury.
Wellness paddles (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Morning paddles are available for those who want to paddle for approximately 5 kilometers and enjoy the magnificent birds and other natural sights around us. These wellness paddles offer an excellent opportunity for individuals in active treatment or recovery to get on the water.
Race practices (Thursdays)
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Get your heart pumping on Thursdays. These practices provide an aerobic workout as we train for races and international festivals. We also work on endurance. New paddlers can join us on Thursdays after attending at least three Tuesday or Saturday practices. We encourage you to talk with a coach about what to expect at Thursday practices.
Open practice (Saturdays)
8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Start your weekend out on the water! These coached practices are open to all. New paddlers learn the basics, and experienced paddlers advance their skills. Coaches emphasize the techniques essential for paddling effectively and preventing injury.
Discovery paddles (4th Saturday of each month)
8:45 to 10:45 a.m. We hold introductory discovery paddles for guests on the fourth Saturday of each month from April to September. Experienced paddlers handle the boat, so anyone recovering from treatment is welcome to join us. You can paddle (or not) as you wish. Come to try dragon boating … and enjoy the nourishment of being on the water with friends.
Email to sign up for an upcoming discovery paddle. If you enjoy paddling with us, then you can join the Club. We hope you will!
Sign up to attend practices and paddles
Members must use TeamSnap to sign up for practices.
What to wear and bring
We provide personal flotation devices, paddles, and seat pads. However, you may bring your own if you prefer.
Some members order a custom paddle with our Annapolis Dragon Boat Club logo.
You will get wet from splashes. We recommend wearing:
- A t-shirt or fitness top during warmer months and an additional quick-dry layer during cooler months
- Comfortable, quick-dry shorts or pants
- Water shoes, Crocs, or flip-flops
We also recommend bringing:
- A reusable plastic water bottle
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- A change of clothes in case you get wet