The 2025 dragon boat racing season is shaping up to be one of the most exhilarating yet, with a packed calendar of international events celebrating speed, teamwork, and cultural heritage. From elite world championships to vibrant community festivals, here's a roundup of the most anticipated dragon boat events this year.
📅 July 14–20, 2025
📍 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) returns to Germany for the first time in two decades, hosting the 17th World Championships on the scenic Regattastrecke Brandenburg an der Havel regatta course. This event will feature top-tier national teams competing across various divisions and distances, promising a week of high-intensity racing and international camaraderie. Expected to host more than 3000 participant.
Championship Web-site
📅 September 18–21, 2025
📍 Ruse, Bulgaria
Organized by the International Canoe Federation (ICF), this championship will see club crews from around the world compete in junior, senior, and master categories. The event underscores the global appeal of dragon boat racing and its diverse participant base.
Championship Web-site
📅 July 4–6, 2025
📍 Montreal, Canada
Held at the historic Olympic Basin, this championship brings together club crews from across the Americas. Organized by seasoned hosts 22Dragons and H2O Playground, the event will feature both competitive and community divisions, fostering inclusivity and showcasing the sport's growth in the Western Hemisphere.
Championship Web-site
As someone who's been around the dragon boat scene for years, it’s hard not to get excited about where the sport is headed. Watching these international championships unfold—from the powerhouses in Germany to the club crews lighting up Montreal and the growing ICF presence in Bulgaria—reminds me just how global and dynamic this community really is.
These events aren’t just about medals. They’re about connection, grit, and that electric moment when 20 paddlers move as one. If you’ve ever been in a boat, you know the feeling. And if you haven’t yet—2025 might be your year to finally grab a paddle.
See you on the water. 🐉💪 Enjoy the water!
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