About Us in Words & Pictures

Garlic Fest paddle

The Dark Water Dragons is a member-supported non-profit Society bringing recreational dragon boating to Slocan Lake. Membership in the Society is open, please see the Membership page for age minimum, other details and membership forms.

Membership  provides the opportunity to safely participate in dragon boating on beautiful Slocan Lake. Our members enjoy the exercise,  the camaraderie and the ongoing health benefits from our regular paddling practices. 

Based on the research of Canadian sports medicine specialist Donald McKenzie, the repetitive upper-body exercise required in Dragon Boating has ongoing benefits for breast health and breast cancer survivors. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has been fundamental in supporting and encouraged dragon boating across Canada.

The dragon boat was purchased and launched on Slocan Lake on May 11, 2013. Each spring, we conduct orientation and training sessions. Our paddling season runs from mid-May to October. The dragon boat is moored at the Slocan Lake Boating Association marina located in New Denver, British Columbia (also known as the New Denver Marina).

dragon boat
A beautiful day for a paddle

 

 

Sometimes, we chant

The Dark Water Dragon’s Chant

I don’t know but I’ve been told
Slocan Lake could be so cold
Sunday mornings on the lake
Watch us paddle see our wake
Paddle click click is a drill
So have a listen if you will
Coaches beating on the drum
Paddle, paddle, let it run
We do pods and zig zags too
We are such an awesome crew
Gerry, Judy and Irene
Make us work but they’re not mean
We all like the stunning views
Helps to wash away the blues
Paddling over now we’re done
Dragon boating is so fun!