Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore by immersing yourself in the water sport itself. These member clubs, schools and classes will show you the ropes.
Looking for a new sport in Singapore? Despite how intimidating it might look, dragon boat racing is for everyone! Sure, there are a couple of legit racing teams out there, but it’s not always about competition. This dragon boat season, we’ll point out a couple of places where you can pick up the one of the oldest sports in the world as a hobby, or spend a few hours on the waters bonding with your colleagues through mini-races you’ll never forget.
Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA)
Where else to learn the sport besides the Singapore Dragon Boat Association in Singapore? They have a couple of dragon boat-related activities to sign up for, introductory classes to start from scratch, and team-bonding sessions to turn your colleagues into a superteam. SDBA are also dragon boat event planners and rent out the boats for use.
Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA), Sport Singapore, 3 Stadium Drive, #01-33, Singapore 397630
FOCUS Adventure
Designed for people from all walks of life, this programme uses a smaller 10-men boat (as opposed to the usual 20-men ones), and you will be taught the basics before getting started on the races. You even get to design your very own Dragon Head to attach to your boat during the races for that personal touch.
FOCUS Adventure, 1 Gunner Lane, Sentosa, Singapore 099562
Dragon Boat Innovate (DBI)
Can’t decide if you want to do a course or just join in a one-day team-building session? DBI offers both programmes. The company also dabbles in premium dragon boat events, so hit them up when you want to do a ‘bespoke’ one for yourself.
Dragon Boat Innovate (DBI), e. [email protected]
SingExperience
Specialising in team-bonding activities, SingExperience also delves into dragon boat racing. Practical sessions and practice races will he held first before the main race of the day. They’ll even throw in a ‘Songkran’ party and a group photo at the flyer for memories.
SingExperience, e. [email protected]
Singapore Paddle Club
If a mere one day of fun and games under the sun is something you’re not looking for, get serious with the Singapore Paddle Club. The Club will help you master techniques in paddling and train you for competitive dragon boat racing – if that’s your end goal!
Singapore Paddle Club, e. [email protected]
InnoTrek
Through four sessions (of two-hour blocks), the coaches here will also focus on the well-being of the person and help develop positive character building, self-confidence, leadership skills, and more. Don’t expect to be an expert overnight!
Inno Trek, 2 Jurong East St 21 #02-186 Spore 609601
Or join a racing team!
But if you’re looking to take dragon boating seriously, there are a couple of dragon boat racing teams you can be a member of. Pledge your allegiance to the American Dragon Boat team, or the British team, or the Canadian… there’s heaps out there in Singapore, and you actually don’t have to be of the nationality to join. The clubs accept just about anyone interested in the sport.