Irish Dragon Boat Association
The Irish Dragon Boat Association is currently looking to send a national team/s to compete at the 18th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (WDBRC) which will be held at Kwun Tong Promenade, Hong Kong between 17th - 24th October 2027. The WDBRC is the ultimate event where national teams compete to be crowned "World Champions" in the respective distances of 200, 500m, 1000m and 2000m.Do you have the drive and determination to represent your country on the world stage? If so, we will be holding an open day on Saturday, 24th October 2026 in Carlow. The open day will consist of two water training sessions and a classroom video analysis. The next training day is planned for Saturday, 28th November 2026.Eligibility Requirements:Athletes must:- Hold an Irish passport or qualify under the Residency Rule (Lived in Ireland for more than 3 years as at 17th October 2027; proof to be provided)- Be aged 40 years or older in the year 2027- Be readily available to attend all training for the Irish Dragon Boat Squad and Team- Be able to self fund the trip and any training costs- Regularly train in a dragon boat and 01/K1- Be willing to participate or already engage in a heavy weights program- Become an Individual Member of the Irish Dragon Boat Association- Live on the island of Ireland- Not have competed for another nation in the last 2 years (2025 & 2026)Both male and female athletes may apply at this stage. However, once all Expressions of Interest have been reviewed and we know the number of athletes available in each category, we will determine the most suitable crew compositions to move forward with. If you are definitely interested please complete the Expression of Interest form at this link forms.gle/getEAqsQMWChbDRT9 by midnight on Wednesday, 7th October 2026.We are also considering a BCP team, eligibility requirements will be the same as above, however there will be no age restriction. Athletes will also need to have been diagnosed with breast cancer and be well enough to train to a high level. Further details on how to sign up for this and a specific training day will be circulated at a later date. ** Please help in sharing the email to the wider audience **
Our final Helm Course of the year was in Belfast with the @Lagan Dragons. Congratulations 4 new helms in the club.
Dragon Speed Fest - Saturday, 12th September 2026**Apologies we did not get photos of all crews as we were a bit busy**
Dragon Speed Fest - 12th September 2026.Photos courtesy Phil Murphy.