Want to join a dragon boat team but not sure which one? Here's a quick rundown of the best teams in Singapore.
A dragon boat is a long, narrow vessel crewed by paddlers seated side by side. Typically, a standard racing boat consists of 20 paddlers, a drummer at the front, and a steerer at the back. The goal is to paddle in sync with the rest of the crew, making teamwork and synchronisation essential. Dragon boating is not only a fantastic team-building activity but also an excellent opportunity to improve your fitness.
If you’re keen to give this sport a try, here are five of the best international dragon boat teams in Singapore to consider.
1. Spanish Armada
Photo: Spanish Armada
Founded in 2008, the Spanish Armada dragon boat team is a diverse crew of paddle warriors. They train on the water every weekend and early Thursday mornings, complemented by land-based training on Tuesday evenings. From time to time, they also host Sunset Sangria, a social event by the Kallang River aimed at recruiting new members.
When I attended my trial session with them, I immediately felt welcomed and inspired by the other paddlers. I was a member of Armada for nine months and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie. In fact, some of my closest friends today are people I met through Armada.
2. Filipino Dragons
Photo: Filipino Dragons Singapore
What started as a small community of passionate paddlers in 2008, Filipino Dragons has since evolved into a high-performance team. In addition to regular water and land training, they also have a dedicated run club to help members build endurance. The team’s flagship event, Isang Bangkang Malaya (IBM), held annually commemorates the Philippines’ declaration of independence through dragon boating.
3. Austcham Paddle Club
Photo: Austcham Paddle Club Singapore
The AustCham Paddle Club is a dragon boat team affiliated with the Australian Chamber of Commerce. Established in 1988, they have consistently earned medals in major races and regularly challenge the best local teams for top honours. Water training takes place every weekend, with additional weekday sessions available for more experienced paddlers. They also run land-based training led by their experienced team coach.
4. American Dragons
Photo: American Dragons Singapore
The American Dragons is a dragon boat team affiliated with the American Association of Singapore. Since its humble beginnings in 2005, the team has become a familiar presence at major dragon boat competitions in Singapore and abroad. Their water training takes place every Tuesday morning and Saturday afternoon. Team members come from a wide range of backgrounds, and paddlers of all nationalities are welcome to join.
5. Gaelic Dragons
Photo: Gaelic Dragons Singapore
Started in 2004, the Gaelic Dragons is an Irish dragon boat team that welcomes paddlers of all backgrounds and experience levels. While primarily a sporting club, they also have a strong social culture, with regular post-paddle gatherings, cycling trips, BBQs, and other community events. Water training takes place every weekend and early Wednesday mornings.
Which team caught your attention? Pick a paddling club now and get fitter while having fun!
Top image: Singapore Dragon Boat Association
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