About

What is the USDBF?

The United States Dragon Boat Federation is the national governing body for the sport of dragon boat in the the United States. It is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization.

The mission of the USDBF is to promote the growth and development of dragon boat in the US for fitness, recreation, and team-building at all levels of competition. We offer training, clinics, and certification for dragon boat officials, coaches, paddlers, and festival organizers.

The USDBF is a founding member of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), the international governing body of dragon boat, and is the US representative to the Pan American Dragon Boat Federation, which governs dragon boat in the Americas.

The USDBF represents an incredible diversity of youth athletes through athletes well over the age of 60. Learn more about who dragon boat here! Our member clubs, festival organizers, and vendors host training camps and training classes on paddling technique, steering, coaching, starting a festival, and a number of other topics.

As a member of the IDBF, the USDBF sends our national Team USA to the IDBF World Nations Championships. The Federation also organizes our US Club Crew National Championships every other year, where top crews in the US earn berths to represent the country at the IDBF Club Crew World Championships.

All photos courtesy of USDBF, SANCA, NBP unless otherwise noted.