Join the Fun!

Please note, Festival participants should go to the FESTIVAL tab to register for the FESTIVAL. Thank you!

Whether you want to test the waters, learn the basics, or jump on a racing team, we've got a seat for you!

Want to give it a try?

Email our Mission Director and get up to five free sessions. We welcome everyone, regardless of whether or not you've had a cancer diagnosis.

Are you a cancer survivor?

Scroll down to learn more about our P.A.T.H. program.

Group of women taking a selfie and smiling

P.A.T.H.

Paddle. Achieve. Transform. Heal.

P.A.T.H. is DBC’s free outreach program for cancer patients and survivors in the local communities of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties. Participants enjoy a private group setting learning the basics of dragon boating and creating support for one another.

Novice Sessions

Getting involved with Dragon Boat Charleston is not only good for your health and fitness, but it is fun! To help get everyone started, we host novice sessions throughout the year. It's a great way for our new members to learn the basics and get to know one another!

I AM INTERESTED IN THE NOVICE SESSION

33086451_177330596308704_8956212843271684096_o

Group of people with Charleston Thunder on their shirts doing a cheer

Two people smiling in front of the water

Our Teams

People join Dragon Boat Charleston for a variety of reasons: support, paddling, improving their overall health, and achieving personal goals. Some members prefer a relaxing sunset paddle; others are looking for international competition. Most of our members prefer a little of both!

You do not need to join a team to paddle with us! But for those looking for competition, we have a number of teams that paddle in regional, national and international events.

All Cancer Paddlers (ACP) – the Awakened Dragons are adults who have had any type of cancer. DBC is proud to be recognized as the first all cancer survivor team in the U.S. We began in 2003 and are thrilled that ACS teams are now popping up all over!

Breast Cancer Paddlers (BCP)– The Paddles and Pearls team is made up of breast cancer survivors. This is the most common type of team. The first BCS team started in 1996 in Vancouver. There are now more than 140 BCS teams in 12 countries around the world.

Women’s – The Holy City Silver Dragons and The Salty Sisters are two of our women's teams which include community paddlers and cancer survivors.

Men’s – Charleston Thunder is made up of all men, of all ages. Some are caner survivors and some are community paddlers.

Outreach – The Eye of the Dragon is for our newest cancer survivors joining us through our P.A.T.H. program.

Because we have such a wide variety of members, we also developed mixed teams for competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How is DBC funded?

DBC is sustained by the generous support of our donors, sponsors, and our annual Charleston Dragon Boat Festival. You can support us by clicking on the donation box at the top of this page.

2How much does it cost to join DBC?

Cancer survivors pay no membership fees. Cancer survivors also participate in our fitness and nutrition programs free of charge. For community paddlers (those without a diagnosis of cancer), membership is $125 per year.

3When does DBC practice?

Our paddling season is March - November, with practices on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.

4How do I get started?

If are you are new to the sport, the best way to start is to try out the PATH or Novice sessions . You MUST register in advance - E-mail Lucy@dragonboatcharleston.org to get started.

5What do I wear/bring?

Wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting wet. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, closed-toed shoes, and a hat. Bring water in a plastic bottle (glass and metal bottles aren't permitted in the boats). DBC will provide your paddle and life jacket.

6When can I go to a race?

You can go to a race as soon as you feel ready and have talked it over with a coach. DBC goes to several races each year.

7How many members does DBC have?

We're continuing to grow! Currently, we have about 150 members.

8What is the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival?

More than 40 community and corporate teams join together in a friendly competition each May to raise funds for DBC's mission programs. This is DBC's largest annual fundraiser.

What Our Paddlers Are Saying About DBC

"I had no idea when I started paddling with DBC that it would become an essential part of my life. What started as having fun on the water in 2003 blossomed into a network of friends and a support group that kept me sane as I underwent surgery and chemo in 2005 and again in 2007. It’s an escape from the horrors of cancer, where I am accepted whether I am strong or weak."
Lynda, Cancer Survivor
"DBC provides a community that accepts everyone where they are physically, as well as emotionally, and allows them to fully participate in a true sport as a team member. Paddling provides a positive challenge for physical and emotional growth, combined with the beauty of the outdoors and just plain fun. It’s good medicine."
Belinda, Cancer Survivor
"Having cancer revealed my physical vulnerability, produced great fear, and threatened my mortality. DBC enhances my physical strength and makes me fearless. The peacefulness of the water, the drum beating in time with my heart, and the communion between paddlers who have all faced a fearful foe, makes me feel immortal."
Gene, Cancer Survivor
"Water is an integral part of the Lowcountry. Getting outside to exercise is important for physical health and mental well-being. A person who has had surgery, been stuck in the infusion room or under a radiation machine (cut, poisoned and burned) doesn’t feel like doing anything. It sucks the strength from a person. You feel that you will never feel human again. You feel ruined. Dragon boating is an opportunity to get outdoors and become one with your body again. You start to feel like maybe you can overcome the cancer toll. You note your surroundings and realize what a great lifestyle the Lowcountry has. The exercise helps build your stamina and brightens your outlook on the future."
Lois
Cancer Survivor