Join a new Dragon Boat Racing League
Beginners are welcome at the new Dragon Boat Racing League at Nathan Benderson Park. This 8-week league designed for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. This is a fun, high-energy way to get on the water, build community and train.
The Dragon Boat Racing League (DRBL) is an 8-week course from Feb. 23 through April 18, 2026. Practice is once per week. Team practice times will be coordinated once teams are set. Final event is Race Day on April 18 at the Sarasota Dragon Boat Festival. No experience is needed. The fee is $175 per person which includes coaching, equipment, team jersey, festival registration and a team tent.
There are three ways to register:
- Register as a solo paddler: Perfect if you want to join in and you will be placed on a team.
- Register as a whole boat or start your own team: Bring your community, neighborhood, club, gym or workplace and enter as a full team. Discounted per-person pricing applies when registering a full boat.
- Register multiple people under one name: Want to make sure you're on the same team with friends, family or co-workers? You can enter multiple participants under your registration so you stay together.
Sign up or learn more at www.nathanbendersonpark.org/dbrl. Practices start the week of the 23rd but registration can be completed after that date IF there is remaining room in the boats.
