2024 Nanaimo Dragon Boat Regatta
UPDATE July 13, 2024 – Race Grid download HERE
Dragon boat racing is coming back to Nanaimo in 2024!
VI Paddling and the Nanaimo Downtown Business Association, in partnership with Nanaimo region dragon boat teams, will be hosting a one-day regatta on Saturday, July 13 in Nanaimo’s scenic Maffeo Sutton Park.
Featuring 200m races in 20-paddler international race standard boats, teams will be racing for medals provided by key sponsors, including Mosaic Forest Management.
Teams can compete in women’s (all female paddlers) and mixed (a minimum of 10 female paddlers) racing categories. Note: While not mandatory, crews are encouraged to use female sterns for women’s boats, in accordance with Dragon Boat Canada rules.
Despite the incredibly short timeline in which this event has come together, several community partners have stepped up to make the event a success:
- Angels Abreast, with support from Save-On-Foods, will host a carnation ceremony and will raise funds for the Nanaimo Regional Hospital oncology department. The event will also include a breast cancer survivor challenge race, and a BCS dinner on Friday night.
- Crimson Coast Dance Society will provide on-shore live dance performances, cultural displays, and entertainment
- Oddball Workshop will have paddling apparel for athletes and supporters
- Several local food trucks, including Sip and Sliders, will have tasty treats
And more!