1. What is dragon boat racing and where did it originate?
The sport of dragon boat is believed to originate in China thousands of years ago. Learn more: International Dragon Boat Federation - IDBF History & Culture
2. What are the Paradragon categories?
FULL Paradragon (abbreviated to PD1) – all paddlers in the boat have an impairment.
PARTIAL Paradragon (abbreviated to PD2) – broadens the scope for participation by Paradragons by allowing teams to be comprised as a mix of Paradragons and unimpaired paddlers.
SPECIFIC Paradragon (abbreviated to PD3) - provides the opportunity for paddlers with similar impairments to race each other. Example: Visually Impaired, etc.
3. What are paddler qualifications/eligibility for Paradragon?
Paddling as a paradragon is open to anyone with any impairment, open to any age, open to any gender.
4. If I have an impairment, can I paddle with an unimpaired team and a Paradragon team?
There are no rules prohibiting a para-athlete from paddling with non-impaired teams.
5. Do I need certification to paddle Paradragon?
There is no certification required to paddle on local teams at festivals. However, if your goal is to paddle competitively at International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) events, such as Club Crew World Championships (CCWC) or World Nations Championships (WNC), there are eligibility requirements. To learn more visit the IDBF Paradragon section.
6. How can I become a Paradragon athlete?
There are four (4) regions within the United States that can provide membership information and can assist you in locating a club or team in your area. Complete the ‘Get Involved’ form on the USDBF Paradragons web page.