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Paradragons (PD)

Paradragons is an exciting new division in dragon boat, and it is inspirational to see this division race. Paradragons are defined by the IDBF as athletes who have some form of physical, psychological, neurological, sensory, developmental, or intellectual impairment.

Under the USDBF Special Interest Committee, the Paradragons Subcommittee promotes, supports, and develops paradragons sport in the US.

  • THE VISION - to create opportunities for anyone to compete regardless of age, gender, or impairment.
  • THE STRATEGY - to create an environment that encourages competition and thus greater participation.
  • THE PHILOSOPHY - open to anyone with any impairment, open to any age, open to any gender.
  • THE RULE BOOK - to integrate all three aspects of the above philosophy to allow different athletes to race fairly against each other. A "scoring" system is used to ensure fairness between teams. Composite teams are allowed.
  • RACE CATEGORIES - all races will be "Open" (no age or gender restrictions, standard & small boat), and all competition distances.

Paradragons was first introduced as a racing division at the 2023 IDBF Worlds in Thailand, where the very first Team USA Paradragons competed against other para-athletes from around the world. For information about the 2025 Team USA PD coach and crew, visit the Team USA Paradragons page.

This relatively new division is growing, and the Subcommittee's goal is to create awareness and encourage participation across the country.

Learn more about Paradragon Racing

  

 

Below are links to IDBF pages that are relevant to Paradragons:

For more information, you can also contact our IDBF Para Athlete Commission Representative.

Resources and FAQs
 

Get Involved

2023 CCNC Paradragons Champions - Adaptive Fusion

Adaptive Fusion at Club Crew Nationals in 2023

Adaptive Adventures

Adaptive Adventures