Paddling Memberships
Our membership is open to everyone over the age of 16, of all skill levels. We are a recreational team so you don’t need experience to join; we are out to have fun.
Annual paddling membership fees are $50 for paddlers. For those wanting to support the team, we also have a $10 membership for non-paddlers. Donations over the minimum are always welcome, and help support others join the team. To ensure that the annual membership fee is not a barrier to joining, talk to our Membership person if you need extra time to pay or if you can’t afford the full fee.
Membership allows the paddler, coach or steersperson to attend all regular and special event paddles, the Annual General Meeting, and vote on issues affecting the society.
All paddlers are required to understand their safety responsibilities on the dragon boat. At this time, the Dark Water Dragons Paddler Handbook is available in PDF format. It outlines paddler, steersperson and coach responsibilities, basic commands, and overview of paddling technique. The handbook includes the team’s Safety Policy and Emergency Procedures.
All members are required to supply and wear their own personal CSA approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD).
To become a member, please complete the attached Membership Form and bring along with payment to any paddle.
Bring a Friend
Local guests who want to experience dragon boating are invited for one free paddle. Non-local guest paddlers are welcome at regular paddles, space for members permitting, for a fee of $10.00.
Guest paddlers will be partnered with members to orient and guide them throughout the first paddle.
Prior paddling experience is preferred for guests. We encourage everyone to watch videos on paddling technique. This video shows the technique as a slow-motion series.
All guest paddlers must sign the DWD liability waiver form before boarding the boat and read the DWD Safety Policy and Procedures. Guests must bring and wear their own CSA approved PFD.
Age Requirements
The minimum age for members and guests is 16 years to ensure the individual is able to paddle properly. For any paddler under 19 years of age, a legal guardian must sign membership and liability waiver forms, which are available at each practice.
Link to DWD Paddler Agreement, Waiver and Release membership form.
Link to DWD Safety Procedures.
