UAE Dragon Boat Nation

In EP04 of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando are joined by Claudio Schermi, President of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of Dragon Boating and why one statement matters so much:

“We are a sport.”

Broadcast live from Macau, Claudio shares exclusive insight into the global growth of dragon boating, the recent milestone of establishing the IDBF headquarters in Hong Kong, and what it will take for dragon boating to gain greater recognition on the world stage.

In this episode:

• The global expansion of dragon boating across 80+ member federations
• Why dragon boating must be recognised as its own sport, not a discipline
• The role of club crews and why they are the foundation of the sport
• The pathway toward Olympic recognition and global legitimacy
• The economic and cultural impact of major dragon boat events

Plus:
👉 Hando’s Phantom Call returns with a fast-paced 100m race simulation
👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring rapid-fire insights from the paddling community
👉 Hot Take of the Week: Technique vs power — what actually wins races?

This episode goes beyond racing. It is about identity, growth, recognition, and where dragon boating is heading on the global stage.

Visit: https://paddlesready.com
Subscribe to Paddles Ready for more dragon boat stories, interviews, race talk, club conversations, and global paddling insight.



Click the link below:
https://youtu.be/XpgyGpUL4to?si=1Wk6ObsUmWqUFXc6

Is Dragon Boating Ready for the Olympics? Claudio Schermi | EP04 s dragon boating ready for Olympic recognition — and what has to change for the sport to reach the next level?In EP04 of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando are ...

Your Paddles Ready Podcast 3rd episode is officially live!

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Thanks again for being part of the show! It’s a great episode and we’ve loved working with you on it.
https://youtu.be/LmCB_7hAxMk?si=rd2wEOcQbo80vMUq

Paddles Ready 2 likes. ""This Could Be Their Last Adventure” — The Power of Dragon Boating with Meri Gibson (EP03)"

Get ready for the last race of the season!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D3E8PmF5A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

UAE Teams,
Race is tentatively scheduled for next month.

Episode 2 of Paddles Ready is out now! This one tackles a question we've all wondered about, why isn't dragon boating in the Olympics?"

Paddles Ready 6 likes, 3 comments. "EP02: Why Isn't Dragon Boating in the Olympics?"

A big shoutout to Douge and Nick for launching the very first episode of Paddles Ready, a platform dedicated to becoming the global voice of dragon boating and watersports.

This isn’t just another podcast. It’s where the heartbeat of the watersport comes alive, from live race commentary and event coverage to athlete stories and expert insights from across the world. Whether you’re a paddler, coach, supporter, or simply love the sport, this is where everything connects: the competition, the culture, and the stories behind every crew.

Dragon boating has always been about teamwork, resilience, and community, and Paddles Ready brings all of that together in one place.

Please visit their IG and Youtube Channel and subscribe >>

IG:
Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLHuH1ebcPY

EP01 : It’s here! Welcome to the Paddles Ready Podcast.

Domination!
We are proud to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our two outstanding teams representing the UAE at the DBRQ 1st International Dragon Boat Race in Doha, Qatar, Classics Dragon Boat Team and Gladiators DBT Abu Dhabi. Both teams delivered exceptional performances, demonstrating remarkable skill, discipline, and unity throughout the competition, and proudly lifting the UAE flag on the international stage.

The UAE truly dominated the international race division. Classics Dragon Boat Team delivered a stellar performance, emerging as the Overall Champion with an outstanding medal tally of 5x Gold, 3x Silver, and 1x Bronze, a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and world-class paddling standards.

200m Race
🥇 Champion - Premier Open DB22
🥇 Champion - Premier Open DB12
🥇 Champion - Premier Mixed DB22
🥈 1st Runner-Up - Premier Women DB12

500m Race
🥇 Champion - Premier Open DB22
🥇 Champion - Premier Open DB12
🥈 1st Runner-Up - Premier Mixed DB22
🥈 1st Runner-Up - Premier Women DB12
🥉 2nd Runner-Up - Premier Mixed DB12

Equally impressive, Gladiators DBT Abu Dhabi demonstrated strength and consistency, securing 3x Gold, 4x Silver, and 1x Bronze, and earning the title of 1st Runner-Up Overall, proving once again why they are among the most respected teams in the region.

200m Race
🥇 Champion Premier Women DB12
🥈 1st Runner-Up Premier Mixed DB12
🥈 1st Runner-Premier Mixed DB22
🥈 1st Runner-Premier Open DB12

500m Race
🥇 Champion Premier Mixed DB22
🥇 Champion Premier Women DB12
🥈 1st Runner-Up Premier Mixed DB12
🥉 2nd Runner-Up Premier Open DB12

Congratulations to all the paddlers, coaches, and supporters behind these remarkable victories. Your dedication, passion, and teamwork continue to elevate the sport and inspire the entire UAE dragon boat community. Outstanding job, teams!

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Qatar Dragon Boat Regatta organizers for delivering an exceptional and memorable 1st International Race. Your hard work and commitment created an unforgettable experience for every participating team.

Our sincere appreciation goes as well to the GCC paddling community for their incredible support and participation, adding energy, camaraderie, and healthy competition to the event.

CC:
Head Coach Classics Dragon Boat Team : Ian Troy
Head Coach Gladiators DBT Abu Dhabi : Jerson Ray

Are you ready crew?

It's official Paddlers!!!! Abu Dhabi, here we come... 💃💃💃🐉💪🏆🏅Block your calendars for the first race of the 2025/26 season at Shangri-La Abu Dhabi - 25 & 26 October 2025! Paddles Up!!!

.ecrf

Calling All Dragon Boat Teams from the UAE!
Get ready to represent and race for wellness at the first-ever Rhythms of Wellness: NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 in Cebu, Philippines this September 20–21, 2025!

Experience world-class competition on a 200-meter course at the stunning NUSTAR Boardwalk—featuring exciting categories like:
- Premiere Open & Mixed (DB22)
- Premiere Women, Senior-A Open, 24U Open, Para-Dragon 1 Open (DB12)

This is your chance to bring the UAE dragon boat spirit to an international stage, only 5 days left to register!
Sign up now: https://forms.office.com/r/u8Z0riMypA

📩 For inquiries, contact [email protected]

Visit the FB Page here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122104635974942917&set=a.122104636010942917