Looking to learn more about dragon boating? We’ve collected commonly asked questions from within our community and grouped them below for quick access.
We hope you’ll find all of your answers here, but if not, please email info@gwndragonboat.com with your questions.
Only one person can register a team online. They are known as the team captain.
To register a team, the team captain must have an online account on gwndragonboat.com. To create an account, you will need a valid email address. If an account already exists, please login using your email address and password.
Once logged in, click on Events for a full event listing. Select the event you would like to race in and the race class. Follow the registration prompts until you are at the payment page.
Teams can pay by Visa, MasterCard, Cheque or e-Transfer*.
You will receive $25 discount which will be automatically applied during the registration process.
Mail payment to:
Great White North Communications
1 Westside Drive, Unit 3
Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
M9C 1B3
You will receive $25 discount which will be automatically applied during the registration process. *e-Transfers are only available for Canadian events and residents, instructions will be included on the confirmation page through the registration system.
This can be done automatically through the online registration system or by calling into the office with the credit card info.
If you are paying for your order with an international Visa or MasterCard, please note that the purchase price may fluctuate with exchange rates. In addition, your bank or credit card issuer may also charge you foreign conversion charges and fees, which may also increase the overall cost of your purchase. Please contact your bank or credit card issuer regarding these fees.
Early Bird Pricing will only be honoured if payment is received within 15 days from the date of registration. If payment is not received within 15 days, the registration will be cancelled. Regular teams fees must be received by GWN no later than 10 days before race day. Any registration not paid in full 10 days before the event will be cancelled.
A team registration is not secured until full payment is received.
Your racing fee includes the use of GWN dragon boats, paddles, lifejackets, and a space within the Athletes’ Village. Depending on each event, some features that may or not be covered by your racing fee include:
These details are available on each event page.
Teams can pay by Visa, MasterCard, Cheque or e-Transfer*.
You will receive $25 discount which will be automatically applied during the registration process.
Mail payment to:
Great White North Communications
1 Westside Drive, Unit 3
Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
M9C 1B3
You will receive $25 discount which will be automatically applied during the registration process. *e-Transfers are only available for Canadian events and residents, instructions will be included on the confirmation page through the registration system.
This can be done automatically through the online registration system or by calling into the office with the credit card info.
If you are paying for your order with an international Visa or MasterCard, please note that the purchase price may fluctuate with exchange rates. In addition, your bank or credit card issuer may also charge you foreign conversion charges and fees, which may also increase the overall cost of your purchase. Please contact your bank or credit card issuer regarding these fees.
Team fees must be received by GWN no later than 10 days before race day. Any registration not paid in full 10 days before the event will be cancelled.
A team registration is not secured until full payment is received.
We have the MLDB (Major League Dragon Boat) Reward Program, which rewards mixed teams who participate in multiple GWN events by offering a discounted rate. The more MLDB events you participate in, the more you’ll save on each event registration.
Register your team for a second MLDB event and save $100 on the event’s registration fee. Register your team for a third MLDB event and save $200 on the third event’s registration. The more events you participate in, the more savings will stack up. Contact GWN at info@gwndragonboat.com prior to registering.
Please note:
Discounts cannot be applied to existing registrations and refunds will not be given to teams who may have already registered prior to the creation of the discount code. MLDB Rewards are excluded from “Out-of-Country” Rates offered at Events.
All registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. GWN reserves the right to alter, change, cancel and/or postpone the event as a result of circumstances that would affect or impact the event which are beyond their control. Participants acknowledge and accept this policy by signing the waiver.
Event Guard offers your team peace of mind against the unknown.
Cancellation or Postponement
If the event is cancelled or postponed more than 12 hours in advance of the scheduled first race, receive a full refund.
Cancel for Any Reason
Cancel anytime up to 30 days in advance of the event for any reason and receive a full refund.
Please see each event page for Event Guard rates.
The team captain will be in charge of managing the team’s registration, ensure waivers are signed, and will be the key contact for bookings and festival communications.
By default, the team member that registers for an event on gwndragonboat.com is considered to be the team captain. If captaincy needs to be changed online for your team, please contact info@gwndragonboat.com
Similar to divisions, in dragon boating there are classes. There are generally three classes: Mixed, Women, and Open. A dragon boat team consists of 20 paddlers and a drummer.
Mixed teams comprise of male and female paddlers. A Mixed team can have up to a maximum of 10 male paddlers in the boat and any number of female paddlers in the boat. A drummer may be male or female.
All 20 paddlers must be female in a Women’s team.
The Open category allows any combination of men, women, non-binary, gender fluid, gender non-conforming and gender queer paddlers.
Community teams race with one primary goal: to have fun. A Community team is new to the sport and typically only races once a year. A team is considered a Community team if they compete in 3 or less events in a year.
A Corporate team is made up of paddlers who work for the same company, such as Team CIBC.
A BCP team is a team comprised of all Breast Cancer Paddlers. All paddlers and the drummer must be Breast Cancer Survivors. Unless racing as part of a Women’s Division, male Breast Cancer Survivors can paddle or drum on a BCP crew.
An ACP team consists of athletes of all genders and ages who are survivors of any type of cancer.
Comprised of athletes with some form of physical, psychological, neurological, sensory, developmental, or intellectual impairment. Various disabilities that may include: limb loss, limb loss of use, spinal cord injury, visual impairment, hearing impairment, PPSD, and neuro muscular diseases such as MS or Parkinson).
At some events, GWN will separate competitive teams (Sport) from new recreational teams (Community).
To qualify as a Community team, a team must not race in more than 3 festivals in a season.
A Sport team is considered a team that competes in more than 3 festivals in a season.
If your team is registered for a race, held as part of a Major League Dragon Boat event, that is sanctioned by a dragon boat governing body (such as USDBF or ERDBA), the following IDBF Competition Regulations and Rules of Racing shall apply:
Races may be held for Single or Mixed gender crews or in Open Competition, with the exception of the Steerer (Helm) the following age categories, as at 1st June, will apply to the Junior Class:
Junior A. Competitors under the age of 18 but at least 12 years old.
Junior B. Competitors under the age of 16 but at least 12 years old.
Junior C. Competitors under the age of 14 but at least 12 years old.
Note: This means a competitor whose 18th; 16th; 14th; birthday falls on or after 1st June, can compete as a 17, 15, or 13 year old, respectively in a Championship that takes place after that date.
Races can be held for Mixed or Single gender crews or in Open Competition, with the exception of the Drummer, all competitors must be aged 40 or over, on the 1st June, in a given year. The Senior Racing Classes are:
Senior A. Competitors over the age of 39 (40 plus*)
Senior B. (Grand Dragons) Competitors over the age of 49 (50 plus*)
Senior C. (Great Grand Dragons) Competitors over the age of 59 (60 plus*)
Note: The term ‘over the age of’ means that a competitor must have reached the age of 40, 50 and 60 years of age, respectively as a minimum, by and including the 1st June in a given year.
An industry cup is a race consisting of teams from a similar industry. For example, there may be a Banker’s Cup, Real Estate Cup, or Public Relations Cup.
At least 70% of the crew must be part of the same company or industry to qualify. A minimum of three teams from the same industry is required for an industry cup to be offered.
The team roster lists all participants competing on your dragon boat team. The roster will include the participants’ names and roles, such as paddler, steersperson or drummer.
Rosters for MLDB events have a maximum capacity of 26 members. That includes, 24 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersperson.
If you’re a Team Captain looking to build your roster, download this handy guide.
After registering their team, team captains will build their roster online by adding each team member (first name, last name, email address).
The registration system will send invitations via email to all team members.
Once an invitee receives the email, they will be prompted to accept or decline the invitation to join that crew.
Once they accept the invitation, they will be brought to the website to create an account and digitally sign the event waiver.
Please read the Waiver, and place a check in the box beside the sentence: “I digitally sign this Waiver and accept the Regulations set within”. Click the “Submit” button to continue. Acceptance will appear on your Crew Management homepage.
A paddler is completely registered when their status on the Online Crew Management Tool displays as ACCEPTED.
If your status displays as PENDING you must sign your online waiver.
Our telephone number is 416.962.8899 – we are happy to assist you.
Captains: Please register one of the family members with the one email address they have. For the other family member(s), please use the member’s phone number(s) in conjunction with our domain name: e.g. 4165551212@gwndragonboat.com. (We will receive the member’s invitation). This way, the participant’s name will be in the system as this also acts as your team’s roster list.
Please have the family member(s) send in their waiver to the GWN Office by email. GWN will then electronically sign the waiver on their behalf and accept membership on the team.
Email: info@gwndragonboat.com
The minimum age is 12 years old and everyone under the age of 18 will require a parent/guardian’s permission to compete, waivers must be signed by paddler’s parent/guardian. Paddlers under age 14, their parent/guardian must be in the boat with them.
Some GWN events include “Experience Dragon Boat Programs”, made up of participants who have signed up as individuals.
This is the perfect opportunity to try the sport. No experience necessary!
We provide the paddles, PFDs, steersperson/drummer (if needed) and the boat.
Click here to learn more about our program at an event near you.
You can download a copy of the Major League Dragon Boat Rules of Racing here.
You can download a copy of the Major League Dragon Boat 2K Rules of Racing here.
Drones are not allowed at Major League Dragon Boat events unless the owner/operator meets the following criteria:
If permission is granted, at no time is the drone to be flown within 50 feet of a person, vehicle, boat, or tent and at no time can it be flown over any of those.
GWN Events reserves the right to grant, withhold or revoke permission at any time for any reason.
Unauthorized use at Major League Dragon Boat events can lead to disqualification from the event for the entire team.
You can download a copy of the Major League Dragon Boat Rules of Racing here.
Team captains can go to the Online Crew Management Tool and click the “MY CREW” button to begin.
From the drop-down list, select the position for that team member (paddler, drummer etc).
Enter both the First and Last names and Gender of a team member.
Click the “Invite Button”. This will generate an invitation email. Once your invitee receives the email, they will be prompted to accept or decline your invitation to join your crew.
If they accept the invitation, they will be brought to the website to create an account and digitally sign the event waiver
Paddlers can update their profiles using the Online Crew Management Tool.
Captains can add or delete crew members from their roster using the Online Crew Management Tool, before 12:00PM EST on the Wednesday before race day.
Every participant must accept their crew invitation and digitally sign their event waiver by a deadline in order for Registration Kits to be created. Participants must complete the process by 12:00PM EST on the Wednesday before race day. The online crew management tool locks after this time and so only paper waivers will be accepted on race day, at team check-in.
Sport teams normally race multiple distances, while Community teams race one distance. The most common distance is 500m, with top teams competing a race in about 2:00. Most new teams are in the 2:30-3:00 range. At the sport level you may see teams racing 200m, 1000m or a 2k pursuit.
Teams typically race three times at a regatta. The exact numbers and distances will be noted on the event page.
The official “draw” or race schedule will be posted on the event page on the Monday before race day.
The time from your first race in the morning will be used to rank your team, placing you among teams of a similar speed/skill level for the semi-final and final.
Visit the event page and click “Athletes’ Village”. There will be a chart listing the team sites in the Athletes’ Village. If the cell in the chart is empty, that site is available.
To reserve a site for your team, email bookings@gwndragonboat.com
Please allow 48 hours for confirmation from GWN Bookings.
A schedule of available practice slots will be posted on the event page under “Practices”.
To reserve a practice time for your team, email bookings@gwndragonboat.com (please allow 48 hours for confirmation).
Everyone must sign a waiver before attending a practice.
Your team should arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to your scheduled practice time. This allows time for parking, warm-ups, etc. Please be respectful of any teams practicing after you, and return to the docks a few minutes in advance of your finishing time to allow for unloading.
A Coach is an important member of a dragon boat team. Coaches help your team make the most of your practice time:
If you are in need of a coach, contact info@gwndragonboat.com
Some events will supply teams with a coach for a one-hour practice session before the event, included in the team’s registration fee. Check your event page for details.
All teams have different approaches to training, depending on goals and expectations, commitment levels and overall fitness.
Some teams will train together in a dragon boat multiple times a week, while others will come together for a one-hour practice before racing at an event.
Fitness is an asset, but a team must practice together in a dragon boat to refine their sync and work together as one. If you are a new team and practices are offered on your upcoming event’s page, you are strongly advised to sign up for one!
For those looking to make rapid improvements before next season, GWN hosts a training camp in Florida every spring. For more information, click here.
All participants who have signed a waiver and agreed to receive communications from GWN will receive two newsletters, sometimes three, before the event. The first will be sent out on Monday two weeks before the event, and a second will be sent on Monday the week leading up to the event.
Par of our commitment to our local partners, as is with each community that hosts MLDB events, is to provide them with the economic impact of our festival.
All teams are required to complete and submit a MLDB Lodging Form the week leading up to race week.
Each team captain must report to GWN Race Headquarters on race day. Check in consists of confirming your team roster, ensuring all waivers are signed and fees are paid. Race kits will be handed out for each team.
A race kit consists of wristbands for every member listed on the roster, as well as a copy of the roster that was completed online. Only members that have signed a waiver will be given a wristband to compete. Promotional items and samples may also be handed out as part of the race kit.
Check in typically opens 1-2 hours before the first race of the day.
Using the Crew Management Tool, you can check to see how many team members still need to electronically sign their waiver.
Any member listed as “Accepted” has signed their waiver digitally.
Any member listed as “Pending” has not yet accepted his/her invitation and electronically signed his/her waiver.
To send an invitation reminder, click on “Reminder“.
If you are experiencing difficulties completing your waiver online, or have missed the waiver deadline, you may download a copy of the waiver and submit it in person at Race Headquarters. However, we strongly urge you to complete waivers online as this will make the check-in processed much easier and speedier on race day.
The team roster lists all participants competing on your dragon boat team. The roster will include the participants’ names and roles, such as paddler, steersperson or drummer.
Rosters for MLDB events have a maximum capacity of 26 members. That includes, 24 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersperson.
As a Team Captain, you’re responsibility is to have your Roster completed online, through the Crew Management Tool, before 12PM EST on the Wednesday before race day. Failing to do this means that your team members are not able to complete and digitally sign an online waiver.
If the deadline has passed and your online team Roster remains blank or incomplete, you must submit a fully completed Roster during Check In at Race Headquarters. Please download this Roster Template and fill out your team members in alphabetical order.
If you did not complete your electronic waiver online by the deadline specified, you must submit a paper copy to race headquarters on race day. No exceptions. Rosters are printed days in advance of the races so if you complete your waiver online after the due date, it will not appear on the team roster.
Participants with incomplete waivers will not be given a racing wristband until a waiver is received by race headquarters staff.
Every participant under the age of 18 years old will need the permission of a parent/guardian.
If you are the parent/guardian of a minor participating in a MLDB event, please download the GWN Waiver , sign it and submit it to GWN before the waiver submission deadline.
Yes, participants must keep their racing wristband on at all times.
Replacement wristbands will only be issued at Race Headquarters if the participant is listed on the team roster and if identification is provided.
Bring your equipment (if you own any), spare clothing, sunscreen, water, and cash for any vendors on site. There is typically food and water available for purchase, and several events feature a beer garden.
We supply the boats, PFDs and paddles, so you’re all set for racing equipment. Bring extra clothes for each race – you will get wet! Paddlers are permitted to use their own PFDs or paddles provided they meet safety requirements. Paddles and PFDs will also be available for purchase on race day in the Pro Shop.
MLDB events include an area called the Athletes’ Village. Teams reserve a space in the Village before the event, which will be their spot to hang out in during the day. Teams can rent a tent, tables and chairs or bring their own. Some teams bring a full spread of food and beverages, play music, or even decorate their tent.
Results will be posted in the Race Headquarters tent, after every race. Once you leave the dock area, head over to the tent and wait for the results runner to post race times. Alternatively, results will be actively announced by our MC.
Don’t want to stand in a crowd? Results are posted live from every event on gwnresults.com.
Your first race of the day will be pre-determined and will be used to seed your team into the next rounds of racing. Progressions will be posted on a results board in the Race Headquarters tent. Make sure that you visit the tent often throughout the day to find out when you will be racing next.
Race progressions will also be posted on gwnresults.com.
At MLDB events, there is a fun and interactive expo area. This often includes live entertainment, the Health and Wellness Village, food vendors, retail vendors, and a kids’ area with games and activities.
After racing in a Division Final, your team will be officially done! That doesn’t mean you should pack up and go. Participants are welcome to stick around until the last race of day is done and to enjoy all the on-site activities and programming.
Wear comfortable clothing that does not hold or absorb moisture and has a tighter fit. Thermal or dri-fit tops and stretchy/spandex shorts or pants are all appropriate choices. If you are racing multiple times in a day, bring a change of clothes to avoid the dreaded act of putting on wet spandex.
Yes. Sometimes you will finish a race feeling like you just cannon-balled into a swimming pool, other times you will only experience a few odd splashes from your teammates’ paddles. It all depends on where you sit and the intensity and technique of your teammates. Do not bring anything into the boat like wallets, phones or iPods as these items could suffer water damage.
This happens very rarely. If your boat flips, remain calm. If you are under the boat, swim out so your team captain can do a head count. All participants must wear PFDs.
Racing is still on even if it’s rainy! Only thunder and lightning or extreme wind/weather conditions are grounds for cancelling races. Races must be put on hold for 30 minutes following each thunder clap.
Yes! All of our events are completely free for spectators. Whether it is your family or friends, bring them to cheer you along and spend some time roaming the festival grounds and activities.
Results will be posted on the event page of the GWN website. During the event, you can find live results at gwnresults.com.
Great! Looking to have some fun on the docks? GWN is always looking for fantastic volunteers.
As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to be a part of the exciting and fast-paced action that is dragon boat racing. You’ll also get to experience the energy and excitement of the festival event atmosphere and be a part of a vibrant community of dragon boat enthusiasts. Volunteers will be needed to help with various tasks in ensuring the safety and smooth operations of the event through the various outlined tasks:
If you would like to volunteer, we can promise some food, drinks, a really cool shirt, and community service hours (if applicable) so please complete this Volunteer Form to join our team! To get more info or ask any questions, feel free to send us an email at volunteers@gwnevents.com.
Interested in being a vendor? Email us at sales@gwnevents.com to find out more.
Learn more about starting your own festival and who to contact here.
Read more about our sponsorship and partnership opportunities here.
Read more about media coverage here or contact media@gwndragonboat.com
Thank you for you interest in joining the GWN Dragon Boat family! We’re always looking for seasonal staff to work at dragon boat festivals throughout North America. Send us an email at info@gwndragonboat.com with a short bio and include any experience/qualifications. We contract Race Officials and Steerspeople.
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GWN and MLDB updates!
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GWN and MLDB updates!
Sign up for our newsletter for the latest
GWN and MLDB updates!
