Beginner Programs
Dragon Boat racing is an inclusive sport for all ages and abilities. A sport where men and women can compete separately, or side by side on the same team.
At the 22Dragons dragon boat racing club we have teams for beginners and competitive athletes alike starting as young as 14 years old all the way to 85! Participants can register individually, or sign up as a group, something that is very popular among co-workers or friends.
Find the right fit for you
Interested in learning how to dragon boat? You’ve found the right place! 22Dragons holds different introductory and beginner-level programs coached by experienced and enthusiastic coaches.
We offer two options for new paddlers:
4-week introductory course
Seasonal programs
4-week Introductory Course
This introductory course is perfect for those who are unsure if they are ready to commit to the summer, lasting only 4 weeks, you will learn the very basics of dragon boating.
This is our most popular program and many paddlers join a summer-long team after taking this course!
What’s included?
- 1 hour practice, once a week for 4 weeks
- Equipment rental (paddle, personal flotation device, dragon boat)
- A fun and energetic coach!
Registrations are now open! See our available 4-week sessions below:
Bloc 1
- Mondays 18:30
- Tuesdays 18:00
- Tuesdays 19:00
- Wednesdays 18:30
Bloc 2
- Mondays 18:30
- Tuesdays 18:00
- Tuesdays 19:00
- Wednesdays 18:30
Bloc 3
- Tuesdays 18:00
- Wednesdays 18:30
Bloc 4
- Tuesdays 18:00
- Wednesdays 18:30
Summer 2026 registration will open in March 2026!
Summer-long Teams
This program puts together new and some returning paddlers in an 18-week introduction to paddling, dragon boat training, and racing program. This is perfect for someone looking to discover the dragon boat racing community in Montreal and enjoy time outside, on the water during the summer.
What’s included
- 1 hour practice, once a week for 17 weeks
- Equipment rental (paddle, personal flotation device, dragon boat)
- A fun and energetic coach!
- Racing at two local regattas (depending on program)
If you are interested, you can fill this form. Once you fill this form, a confirmation email will be sent to you within two business days. If you did not receive an email check your junk and spam inboxes or send an email to club@22dragons.com. Groups will be formed based on the responses from this form and a registration link will be sent to you. If not enough registrations are received, you will be sent an email with alternatives.
Summer 2026 registration will open in March 2026!
Women’s, all ages
- Location: 5527, St-Patrick Street, Montreal
- Level: Beginner
- Dates: May 19 to September 8, 2025
- Training schedule: Mondays 19:30-20:30 (arrive 15 minutes early for warmup)
- Includes racing at two local regattas.
- Price: $335 plus tax
Mixed crew, all ages
- Location: 5527, St-Patrick Street, Montreal
- Level: Beginner
- Dates: May 19 to September 8, 2025
- Training schedule: Tuesdays 19:00-20:00 (arrive 15 minutes early for warmup)
- Includes racing at two local regattas.
- Price: $335 plus tax
Mixed crew, all ages (no racing)
- Location: 5527, St-Patrick Street, Montreal
- Level: Beginner
- Dates: May 19 to September 8, 2025
- Training schedule: Wednesdays 19:30-20:30 (arrive 15 minutes early for warmup)
- No racing included. Possibility to race at the end of the season as an add-on.
- Price: $210 plus tax
Summer 2026 registration will open in March 2026!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dragon boat racing?
Dragon boat racing is a boat racing sport that has roots dating back 2000 years to China. It typically sees 20 paddlers, a drummer and a coxswain on one boat, and teams race each other in set distances. Dragon boat racing has been popular in Canada for decades, with paddlers from all ages, athletic abilities, and backgrounds coming together to form teams and race in regattas in Canada.
What should I bring?
We provide the paddles, personal flotation devices, and the boat. All you need to bring is:
- Athletic clothes
- Sun protection (sunscreen and hat)
- Filled water bottle
- Water shoes or sandal (optional)
Where will this activity be held?
Our club is located at 5527 Rue Saint-Patrick in the Lachine Canal Park. You can use the area in front of the docks as your group’s meeting point.
Are there any fitness requirements for me to participate?
Dragon boat is an accessible activity! Anyone can take part, no matter your fitness level or your physical abilities!
It’s raining! Is the activity cancelled?
The activity will take place rain or shine! We only cancel the activity in the case of lightning or if the Canal is closed due to heavy rainfall. In the case of a cancellation, you will receive an email as soon as we can.
22Dragons thanks Isabella Perelman, Lyne Larivière, Vera Wagner, Sarah MacDonald, and Eugene Sweetoo for providing the pictures for this page.