Capital City Dragons Program Overview

Capital City Dragons is DC's first and only year-round dragon boat paddling team. Our season begins once the weather warms up around early April and ends after our last race, typically in late August. For those who wish to continue training during the "off-season", we also provide organized indoor practices on our club's paddling machines. 

Race attendance: Attendance at a race is based on interest. If sufficient paddlers sign up for a race, we will plan on attending. Each race will have an associated race fee (typically $40-$50), which is to help cover the team's registration fee and a small contribution for race day food.

Adult team partnership: Capital City Dragons also frequently partners with our club's adult team, DC Dragons. Our teams practice together once a week, and will often combine rosters at certain races--either as a mixed, women's, or men's team.  Our club firmly believes that dragon boating--and paddling in general--is a sport to be enjoyed throughout your life. Capital City Dragon "alumni" are encouraged to join DC Dragons upon graduating high school and continue to foster their connection to our paddling community.

Interested in trying a practice with us? Please see our Schedule page for information on how to connect with us and prepare for your first practice!

Typical Races
Based on interest, our coaches will choose among the following races to attend each year:

• Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival
• Independence Dragon Boat Regatta
• Baltimore Dragon Boat Challenge 
• Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival
• Capital Dragon Boat Regatta​

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Each race will have an associated race fee (typically $40-$50), which is to help ​and a small contribution for race day food.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to know how to swim?
No. All youth paddlers and Youth Program Staff will be required to wear their PFD (personal floatation device)/life jackets at all times while out on the water.

What will my child gain from the program?
With a highly-skilled staff (many having coached festival teams and attended Dragon Boat camps for technique and training), your child will learn the basic techniques in Dragon Boating, one of the fastest growing team water sports in the U.S. and in the world! The program will instill the key concept of teamwork while providing opportunities to race in local (DC, Baltimore) and regional dragon boat competitions (Philadelphia) and to meet other youth from the surrounding area and schools. Paddlers will also develop an appreciation for the Anacostia River and contribute their time when community service opportunities are available.

What equipment do I need to buy? And what should my child wear?
There's nothing to buy! All equipment for paddlers is provided by NCAWPA, which includes paddles, PFDs, and the dragon boat. All equipment stays at the Anacostia Community Boathouse.  Since Dragon Boating is a water sport, expect your child to get wet at practice. Cotton clothing and jeans are discouraged; athletic apparel typically worn for other sports (such as track, basketball, etc.) and sandals or water shoes are more appropriate. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses!

How does my child join the Youth program?
Joining our team requires signing a few forms and paying our team's annual membership fee. See our club's Membership page for more information.

Does my child have to attend every practice?
No.  Dragon Boating is a team sport that depends heavily on paddlers consistently showing up to practice; however paddlers do not have to come to every practice.  Paddlers should sign-up for as many practices as they are able to attend.  

RSVPing for practice/further questions?
Please e-mail Head Coach James Dunbar at youth@ncawpa.org