FAQ

Please email us at [email protected] for any questions you may have including for group bookings, programs, practices, memberships, rentals, or partnerships. Please click here for the latest COVID-19 updates, adjustments to programs, and new dock procedures.

Dragon Zone FAQ:

Location: Our facility is located at Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, at the foot of Ontario Street, just south of Science World. If you are taking transit, Main Street Science World is the nearest stop. Visit translink.ca to plan your trip here.

Parking: There is free street parking in the area and there is pay parking underground.

Lockers and belongings: We strongly recommend leaving your valuables at home. Avoid bringing large bags, as storage space and availability is limited. Limited shelf storage space is available in our dock sheds for teams and paddlers.

Waivers: Come prepared and ready to go! Speed up your check in by bringing in a waiver. Youth aged 18 or under are required to have a parent/guardian sign their waiver. Click here to find all waivers.

Clothing: We suggest layering your clothing so that you can peel layers off as you warm up, and you will get wet. Ideal clothing includes:

• Dry-fit clothing (shorts and t-shirt if hot, long sleeved shirts/shell pants/water resistant jackets if cold)
• Hat or cap
• An old pair of runners or flip flops

There are showers and washrooms at Creekside Community Centre if you want to change after paddling. If you are storing any bags, bring your own lock to use a locker.

Q: How can we learn to paddle or get into classes?
A: We offer programs year round for everyone. Intro to Dragon Boat Classes are offered from April to August, and offer great ways for you to learn the basics of dragon boat paddling. We also offer options that allow you to learn to paddle and then race at some of our dragon boat events. We offer youth/school group bookings and corporate team programs year round. Click on Paddle on our home page for information on how to get into boats, or contact us for more information.

Q: Do all paddlers have to wear a PFD?
A: Yes, everyone paddling must wear a PFD even if they have lifeguarding skills or can swim.

Dragon Boat FAQ:

Q: How many people can fit in a boat?
A: Up to 20 or 24 depending on the type of boat. Dragon Zone uses a fleet of BuK 20 person, 6-16 24 person, and Swift 10 person dragon boats.

Q: We want to start a team. How do we get started?
A: Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you get set up! Looking only for practice slots? We offer multiple options that fit your needs. Need coaching and steerspeople? We can help you find the perfect person as well. Cross-training options are also available; Dragon Zone has a fleet of flatwater and OC-1 and OC-6 boats, and Creekside Community Centre has a gym as well. Coach boats are also available.

Q: How much advance notice should we give you if we want to book a session?
A: At least 2 weeks notice would be appreciated so that we can find staff for your session. If your group is greater than 60 people, please give us at least 3 weeks notice.

Youth and School Group FAQ:

Q: What times are available for booking?
A: Youth and school groups are welcome to join us any day of the week. Please email us at [email protected] for information on setting up your youth group booking.

Q: How long is each session?
A: The whole session will be about 90 minutes. The first 15-20 minutes will be a safety talk on land, followed by on-water instruction and mini-races.

Q: Can parents come too?
A: If the parents are adult chaperones, they are more than welcome to join in on the fun! Please note that each youth/school group will have a limited number of chaperone/teacher spots per booking. We will be happy to help you plan your day.

Q: What are the chances of a child falling in the water?
A: This has yet to happen as dragon boats are very stable, and our trained staff will do everything in their power to keep the children safe, so long as the children abide by our safety rules.

Q: What kind of groups take part in the Youth Program?
A: Elementary school classes, secondary school classes, Grade 8 Mixers, leadership student groups, community centre clubs, ESL and international students, other sports teams, university groups, YMCA groups, and summer camps…just to name a few!

Q: What are some risks involves in dragon boating?
A: Paddling will always have an inherent risk of falling into the water. However, our trained staff do everything they can to minimize this risk, including a safety talk, having everyone wear a PFD, and a minimum of 1:10 staff to student ratio.

Other risks include slipping on the docks and hitting your thumb against the side of the boat while paddling. We ask that all participants be careful while on or near the docks and boats.

Outrigger FAQ:

Q: What boats do you have?
A: We offer a fleet of Hody or Nelo OC-1 and various OC-6 boats, available year round.

Q: What process do I have to go through to get an OC-1 pass?
A: A graduated program, much like when you get a drivers license, is in effect to allow you to first take out a Hody OC-1 while under supervision, then a Hody OC-1 without supervision, then a Nelo OC-1. This includes a combination of passing a huli drill/orientation, completing a minimum number of supervised/unsupervised sessions, and passing a written safety test. More details are available from our staff and at dragonzone.ca/outrigger.

Q: We have an OC-6 team. Can we book boats for our practices?
A: Dragon Zone offers OC-6 practice slots for OC-6 teams as well as dragon boat teams looking to expand into OC-6 paddling. Please visit dragonzone.ca/outrigger for more information.

Flatwater FAQ:

Q: What boats do you have?
A: Dragon Zone has a new fleet of Nelo and Hody K-1 and C-1 boats, as well as a number of team racing boats.

Q: What Flatwater programs do you offer?
A: Please email [email protected] for further information. We usually offer weekly Youth Summer Paddling Camps that include instruction on K-1, C-1, SUP, and team flatwater boats in July and August out of our False Creek location.

The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society acknowledges its work takes place primarily on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands and waters of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.