FilAm led DC-based Dragon boat team heads to world championships

In the quiet months between seasons, when the water is cold and daylight fades early, the team’s work continues in ways that are often unseen. Preparing for international competition in Taiwan has required discipline during a time of year that naturally pulls people in many directions. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s bring family gatherings and demanding work schedules, yet the expectation within the club remains clear. The off season is not a pause, but a time to build a stronger foundation. Teammates are expected to stay committed in the gym, develop strength, and maintain fitness even when boats are stored and paddles are off the water.

To support that commitment, the club provides structure and accountability. There is a Wednesday training, a Saturday workout held over Zoom, and a Sunday team strength session at OneLife Fitness in Tenleytown. These sessions continue week after week until the team is able to return to the water in 2026. Beyond physical conditioning, they help maintain connection and shared purpose during the long winter months.

That sense of responsibility and unity is reinforced by a coaching structure built on service and experience. The club is entirely volunteer run, guided by three senior coaches who dedicate their time to the growth of the athletes and the program. Their role goes well beyond leading practices. They are deeply involved in recruiting, developing paddlers to the club boat level, and preparing teams for high level competition. Filipino coaches and leaders have played a particularly important role in this process. Their influence has helped shape a culture centered on discipline, mentorship, and long term development, all of which continue to define the team’s success.

When it comes to competition, the club takes a thoughtful and balanced approach. Each year, the team races throughout the Northeast and Mid Atlantic regions, competing against a wide range of crews. Some regattas are considered process races, where newer paddlers gain valuable racing experience alongside veterans without the pressure of results. Other events are outcome races, where the strongest lineups are assembled to compete against top teams with clear performance goals. This approach allows the club to grow depth while still striving for excellence.

The results speak for themselves. The team is now in its third national championship cycle and has finished as runner up three times. They have also qualified for the Club Crew World Championships (August 29 – September 6, 2026) for the third time, an achievement that reflects years of steady progress and collective effort rather than a single moment of success. Each qualification represents another step forward in the club’s ongoing journey.

Training continues to evolve as the seasons change. In February, the Senior A and Senior B teams gather for a weekend training camp in Florida, using warmer conditions to prepare for the upcoming season. By 2026, once it is safe to return to the water, the team resumes three on water practices each week. These sessions focus on building endurance, improving technical skills, strengthening teamwork, and developing the chemistry that is essential for success in dragon boat racing.

At the heart of the club is its community. The team is made up of approximately 120 paddlers ranging in age from their mid twenties to their seventies, creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Within that diversity, the Filipino presence has been especially meaningful. Filipino members have served as presidents, board members, recruiters, and coaches, helping guide the club from its early days to its place on the world championship stage. Their leadership and commitment have shaped not only the team’s competitive achievements, but also its identity as a supportive and driven community.

As the team looks ahead to Taiwan, the story is about more than racing on an international stage. It is about winter workouts that build resilience, volunteer coaches who give their time and energy, and a group of paddlers who believe in growing together. Every training session and every race is part of a larger journey, one defined by dedication, connection, and a shared love for the sport.

“Would you like to try dragonboat? DC Dragon Boat Club conducts free beginners sessions at the Wharf from May through October. Contact Francis Lira (fjlira.dcdbc@gmail.com) and reference this article.”