The Head Coach of Filipino Dragons Singapore speaks with me about leadership, teamwork, and the club's future.
Fresh from their success at the recent Singapore Dragon Boat Festival, I spoke with Raphael Lim, the Head Coach of Filipino Dragons Singapore, who joined the team earlier this year. He shares his thoughts on the club’s culture, its progress, and his vision for the dragon boat team.
Hello Coach Raphael! What do you think was the biggest factor behind the team’s performance at this year’s SDBF?
Photo: Filipino Dragons Singapore
RL: Hi Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed! I would say the biggest factor was team unity. We have paddlers with varying capabilities, levels of experience, and at different stages of their paddling journey. With our good team size, we were able to allocate paddlers into boat crews that best suited their abilities. This allowed us to compete in seven race categories.
Our paddlers understood and appreciated their respective boat crews, and everyone was united in giving their best and contributing fully to the crew they were selected for. At the same time, it allowed all of our paddlers to compete, rather than simply participate, at the SDBF 2026.
You joined Filipino Dragons as their coach earlier this year. What were your priorities when you first took on the role, and how has the transition been so far?
Raphael Lim, Head Coach of Filipino Dragons Singapore
RL: My first priority was to get to know and understand each and every paddler. Filipino Dragons Singapore has a large and active paddler base, so as Head Coach, I first needed to understand where everyone was in terms of fitness, paddling ability, mindset, and more. By doing so, I would be in a better position to plan, motivate, and train the team to improve and perform better.
Secondly, it was to change the team’s mindset – to become more disciplined and competitive, and to build a mindset centred on progress and results. So far, I have been pleased with the transition. We have been working together since January, and while it is still a work in progress, I am happy with how far we have come.
In just a few months with the team, what has impressed you most about the paddlers and the culture at Filipino Dragons Singapore?
RL: Filipinos are well known for their hard work and resilience. These qualities, together with their humility, are hallmarks of the team and have really impressed me. In addition, Filipino Dragons Singapore has an incredible team spirit. They really know how to party, dance, and showcase Filipino cuisine. At every race, I get to sample new and interesting dishes, which has been a real treat. I’m still trying to learn Tagalog, though!
I welcome anyone interested in joining us – just get in touch with Filipino Dragons Singapore through our social media channels. And to our current teammates, I hope we continue to stay humble, keep training, and strive to take the team to even greater heights.
If someone is on the fence about trying dragon boating, what would you say to convince them?
RL: I’d encourage them to just give it a go. One of the best things about dragon boating is that it’s easy to get started. You don’t need much equipment or special attire – just a paddle and a personal flotation device (PFD). There are always newbie sessions, and swimming is not mandatory. It’s an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy some sun, water, and teamwork. For an island city-state surrounded by water, it’s an ideal sport to try.
Looking ahead, what goals or aspirations do you have for Filipino Dragons over the next few years?
Filipino Dragons Singapore at SBDF 2026.
RL: As we continue to work together, my hope for the team is to:
1. Change mindsets and help every paddler become a stronger, better version of themselves.
2. Grow and develop Filipino Dragons into one of the premier dragon boating clubs in Singapore.
3. Continue competing and achieve our goals throughout the Singapore racing calendar.
4. Bring the team overseas for racing experience and exposure to a higher level of competition.
Salamat, Coach Raphael, and congratulations to you and the Filipino Dragons!
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