FAQ's
Answers to frequently asked questions about the boat race and other race-related questions. If you didn't find your answer here, please email us at paddle@SpartaDragonBoat.com.
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 15 and 17 (no paddlers under 15 permitted).
Yes. All teams must have at least 8 female paddlers and no more than 10 paddlers can be between the ages of 15 and 17 (no paddlers under 15 permitted).
Click on any of the Register Now buttons or download the form here to register. Registration will be closed when we have 52 teams registered.
Teams will be registered upon receipt of an executed team registration form, along with the deposit of 50%. Final payment is due in full by April 15 or your spot will be released. Your deposit will be forfeited unless we are able to fill your spot. If we are able to fill your spot, your deposit will be returned less $100 handling fee.
Practice sessions will be held May 16-18. 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.
There may be groups looking for members. Please like our Facebook page and follow the conversation to see who is looking for members.
You are certainly welcome to join with another smaller group, or you can "sponsor" a boat that includes patrons, customers and members of your team. Like our Facebook page to see if there are individuals looking for a team to join.
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, 2019. 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.
We have looked at the website, read the FAQs, but we really want to speak to somebody about this. Who can we talk to?
Please send an e-mail to: paddle@SpartaDragonBoat.com and someone will get back to you.