New Paddler Day
New Paddler Day is a free, community-oriented event at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, where anyone 11 and older can try out dragon boating and outrigger canoeing. Life jackets and paddles are provided, and the sessions include on-land training and on-the-water orientations.
NBP has several Dragon Boat Teams, including Survivors in Sync (Breast Cancer Team), Warriors (All Cancer Team), NBP Paddling (Mixed and Womens teams) and NBP Veterans (Military Veterans from all Service Branches).
The sessions generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 8, 2026, and participants are advised to arrive 20 minutes early for gear fitting. While it is free and tickets are not strictly necessary, organizers recommend reserving your spot ahead of time.
RSVP form: https://nathanbendersonpark.org/event/new-paddler-day-free-august-8/
