San Francisco Dragon Boat
Novice Challenge 2024
August 24, 2024
Lake Merced, San Francisco, California
Experience the thrill of dragon boat racing!
The California Dragon Boat Association presents the San Francisco Dragon Boat Novice Challenge on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Lake Merced, San Francisco, California.
New to dragon boating? Want an excuse to drench your coworkers? This is your chance! The novice race division is specifically designed for people who are not experienced dragon boat paddlers to learn a new sport, build teamwork, and meet cool new people! Gather your colleagues and friends together for a day of paddling, food, and fun!
Come race alongside (and against) other companies, community groups, and other amazing people!
The race course is 200 meters long and usually takes less than 2 minutes to finish. All equipment is provided and you get up to three (3) coached practices to prepare for the race!
Paddlers, are you ready?
What is a corporate/novice team?
A corporate/novice team is a team that consists primarily of paddlers who are not actively racing on year-round teams. Though none are required, a maximum of three (3) experienced paddlers (actively paddling on a competitive/recreational team this year) are allowed on a corporate/ novice team. This allows us to preserve the spirit of the race and maintain an even playing field for all teams involved.
Ready to join? Gather 16+ of your colleagues, friends, and family, register, and you’re off to the races!
What’s included?
Up to three (3) practices tailored to your team’s needs and schedule (register early to secure the best practice time slots!)
Experienced coach(es), drummer, and a certified steersperson to teach you and keep you safe
Guaranteed at least 3 races on race day
Paddles and life jackets for practices and race
Professional canopy tent, table, and chairs provided on race day
What’s the cost?
Due to unexpected changes in the race schedule, prices are discounted this year:
$5000 for sponsoring corporate/novice teams
$2500 for corporate/novice team (discounted from $3000)
$1250 for nonprofit* community team (discounted from $1500)
*based on 501(c)3 tax ID certification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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20 paddlers (excluding drummer and steers) fit on a boat, so for the best experience, we recommend having a full boat.
A minimum of 16 paddlers is required to race.
A maximum of 10 male paddlers are allowed in the boat.
The minimum age is 14.
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There are many ways to get funding! Most companies have funds for health & wellness activities, team-building activities, or Asian cultural activities (e.g., through DEI initiatives). Another way is to simply gather your group of paddlers and split the cost for a fun and unique activity. There may also be external grant funding you can apply for.
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We do not accept individual paddlers for this race. However, feel free to email us and we can try to pair you up with a team that needs extra paddlers!
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Once your team is registered, you will be assigned a coach and steersperson. You will then coordinate with them to schedule your practices.
You will receive three (3) practice sessions during the weeks prior to the race at one of our practice sites across the San Francisco Bay Area.
No experience or equipment is necessary, we have you covered!
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Our primary practice locations are:
Lake Merced in San Francisco
Bair Island Aquatic Club in Redwood City
Lake Vasona in Los Gatos
Suisun City Marina in Suisun City
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Race day starts at 8am and ends around 3pm, including several race heats per team, activities, food, and an awards ceremony.
Each team will be provided with a canopy tent, table, and chairs in a designated area of the camp ("Paddler's Village").
Bring your own snacks and drinks!
All racing equipment is provided.
Wear layered clothes and you will most likely get slightly wet (splashes) during the race. Detailed race day information will be provided prior to race day.
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We strive to keep team registration fees as low as possible. As a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)3 organization, all proceeds go toward maintaining the Northern California dragon boat community.
According to IRS regulations, the part of your registration fees above and beyond the services provided is tax-deductible. A donation receipt can be provided upon request. Contact treasurer@cdba.org for any questions.
Get in Touch!
Have any questions not answered above? Please feel free to reach out to us at noviceracedirector@cdba.org or use the form here! We can't wait to paddle alongside you!