Check out our page About Dragon Boat racing or watch this video to learn more about dragon boat racing- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYtfc6L4ekM. 

Dragon boats are 46-foot, double-wide canoes that seat 20 paddlers and one drummer. Each dragon boat will also have a race organizer official on board to steer and assist.

21. 20 paddlers plus one  "drummer." You may include 3 alternates. All teams must have at least 8 female paddlers and no more than 10 paddlers can be between the ages of 13 and 15. Boats comprising of High School Juniors and Seniors are permitted (16-18 year olds).

Yes. All teams must have at least 8 female paddlers and no more than 10 paddlers can be between the ages of 13 and 15. For safety purposes, the drummer cannot weigh more than 160 pounds.

Click on any of the Register Now buttons or click here to complete the registration form.

Teams will be registered upon receipt of the team registration form, along with the intial deposit of $150. Second payment of $600 is due by March 15 and final payment of $750 is due by April 15. If you need to cancel and notify us before April 15, your deposit will be returned less $100 handling fee. If you notify us after April 15 we will only return money paid if we can fill your spot. If we are able to fill your spot, your deposit will be returned less $100 handling fee.

Each team receives one practice. All teams will have the opportunity to practice during this timeframe. Practice session selection based on order of registration. Exact dates and times will be announced closer to the event.

The Festival is an all day event. Opening Ceremonies are at 8:30am. The first heat for Dragon Boat races will kick off at approximately 8:50 a.m.

At least twice. Depending upon your times, you may qualify for a third finals heat.

Are you a paddler looking for a boat or a team looking for a paddler? Complete this inquiry form and we will be in touch.

Boats can race with a minimum of 16 paddlers but ideally you want to fill your boat. If you need help filling some spots, please reach out to us and we will match you up with individual paddlers: paddle@spartadragonboat.com.

The festival and racing will go ahead if it is raining. Generally, the only time the racing is postponed is if lightning or high winds occur.

No, there is no fee to attend. It is open to the public so bring your friends and family to enjoy this community event!

Yes! The Lake Mohawk Country Club will have plenty of great food and drinks available for purchase.

Dragon boat racing provides your group with an adrenaline-pumping and competitive event that rewards synchronicity and teamwork. The money raised through this event goes to the Sparta Education Foundation which distributes the funds through grants to Sparta Public Schools. 

No, there will be no refunds. If following payment a team decides not to participate, the full payment, minus a $100 holding fee, will be returned if the team notifies the Sparta Education Foundation prior to April 1, 2020. After April 1, teams will be reimbursed the full payment, minus a $100 holding fee, only if a replacement team can be named.

Please remember this is a fund raising event run entirely by volunteers that enable the Sparta Education Foundation to make ongoing charitable contributions that enrich the educational experience of children in the Sparta Public Schools.

Please send an e-mail to: paddle@SpartaDragonBoat.com and someone will get back to you.