Paddles Ready

Just starting out in a dragon boat?

USDBF President Tommy Leonardi has a message for you: be patient! With so many moving parts, the key to mastering the stroke is relaxation and building repetitive muscle memory.

Know someone who just started paddling? Send them this video! Catch the full interview with Tommy Leonardi in Episode 07 here: youtube.com/watch?v=aboMsaLFNCw

"Paddling is not like hitting a ball. It's like throwing a ball."
USDBF President Tommy Leonardi shares an incredible coaching analogy to maximize your power. If you want to move the boat faster, stop trying to "hit" the water with an instantaneous splash and start holding the water to throw the boat forward.

Unlock your max power! Catch the full interview with Tommy Leonardi in Episode 07!

So powerful ..

The ultimate secret to boat speed? Keep it quiet! 🤫 USDBF President Tommy Leonardi breaks down why a quiet entry and catch mean a faster boat on race day. Stop making noise and start holding the water. United States Dragon Boat Federation

Catch the full technical interview in Episode 07 of Paddles Ready now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aboMsaLFNCw

From massive club crew domination to a brand-new youth committee, USA dragon boating is rising FAST. USDBF President Tommy Leonardi breaks down what is driving their rapid improvement and drops his best advice for new paddlers.

Catch the full interview in Episode 07 of Paddles Ready now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aboMsaLFNCw

𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗦𝗔 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴?

That’s the question at the centre of this episode of Paddles Ready, as Dougie and Hando sit down with Tommy Leonardi for a deep dive into the rapid rise of USA dragon boating on the world stage.

With over 30 years in the sport, 52 world championship medals as both a paddler and coach, and leadership roles across some of America’s most respected dragon boat programs, Tommy shares what’s driving the USA’s growth and why the next era of the sport could be its most competitive yet.

From OC1 crossover athletes and evolving race strategies to youth development and club culture, this episode explores how dragon boating is becoming faster, more professional, and more globally competitive than ever before.

🔥 In this episode:
✅ Why USA dragon boating is improving so rapidly
✅ The rise of OC1, outrigger, and crossover athletes entering the sport
✅ How the USA structures club crews and national team pathways
✅ Why Club Crew World Championships may be the best event in dragon boating
✅ The evolving battle between China, Canada, USA, Australia, and emerging nations

Plus:
👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Mark Slater from Brisbane River Dragons
👉 Hot Take of the Week: Are there too many dragon boat world titles?
This episode is a fascinating look into the evolution of modern dragon boating and the nations trying to push the sport to the next level.
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