What we’re about
Blazing Paddles is the most welcoming group of Dragon Boat and outrigger canoe enthusiasts in SOFL. Outdoor fun, good community and a great workout!
Please join us for our main group Dragon Boat practice this Saturday @ Holland Park, 801 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL @ 8.30am. (arrive at 8:15 so you have time to find us, sign a waiver and get your equipment from one of us).
We are a very diverse group with a love of all types of paddle sports. Our members come from all walks of life, all ages, and all backgrounds. We are fitness minded, but never fanatics. We train seriously but always have fun, on and off the water.
Some of our members train hard for our race events against other regional teams…but if you prefer a more mellow experience we have practices for you, too. Since we launched in 1999 our team has an enviable record, and is currently reigning champion of several local paddling titles.
Also many of our members have developed a love for Hawaiian style outrigger canoe. (OC6) Ask about practices on Thursday and Sunday.
Want to give it a try? Many of our members had no paddling experience when they joined. We will teach you all you need to know and help you get into great shape. Come try it out and see why so many people have fallen in love with this sport. You’ll enjoy a great workout on Florida’s scenic waterways while meeting new people.
Please call the Captain "Iron" Will at 954.232.7434 to reserve your spot and ask any questions.
What you will need: Please bring water or a sports drink, sunscreen and hat, and wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. We strongly suggest some sort of rear padding – mountain bike shorts or any small pad will work to start with.
One last thing: Our members use a different program to sign up for practices. If you only see a few RSVPs here, don't think we are not going to have a crew.
OK…so what IS Dragon Boating? …Only the world’s fastest-growing team water sport! It's a great workout for core, cardio and all-around fitness. Teams of ten to twenty paddlers (depending on boat size) take to the water, paddling in synchronization. A steersperson at the rear maneuvers the boat. Teamwork is key, as races are often won or lost by less than one second. During races, a drummer sits at the front of the boat to encourage the paddlers. Most races are 500m in length, although 1,000 – 2,000m exhibitions are becoming common.
With 0C6 we are in a 6 person boat with an outrigger. Races are in the ocean and are usually over an hour in length.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Saturday In the ParkHolland Park, Hollywood, FL
Our Saturday practices are generally in Holland Park in Hollywood and we use dragon boats. Most of these are excellent practices for newbies. You WILL be challenged and coached, and it can be frustrating the first couple times, but you WILL get better quickly if you're open to it. Recommended minimum donation is $10, Venmo, Paypal preferred. Donations go to SOAR, the 501c3 that owns the boats. Please contact Captain Iron Will Murphy 954 232 7434 to reserve your seat and to ask any questions.
Note that we do not use Meetup for management of our members -- just because you don't see a lot of people signed up for a practice does NOT mean it will not be well-attended. We generally have 12-22 paddlers on Saturdays even though you may see 1-4 signed up here.
Please do reach out to 954 232 7434 by Friday evening to make sure we have a seat saved for you.
Save time and complete the waiver before practice: ONLINE WAIVER
- Saturday In the ParkHolland Park, Hollywood, FL
Our Saturday practices are generally in Holland Park in Hollywood and we use dragon boats. Most of these are excellent practices for newbies. You WILL be challenged and coached, and it can be frustrating the first couple times, but you WILL get better quickly if you're open to it. Recommended minimum donation is $10, Venmo, Paypal preferred. Donations go to SOAR, the 501c3 that owns the boats. Please contact Captain Iron Will Murphy 954 232 7434 to reserve your seat and to ask any questions.
Note that we do not use Meetup for management of our members -- just because you don't see a lot of people signed up for a practice does NOT mean it will not be well-attended. We generally have 12-22 paddlers on Saturdays even though you may see 1-4 signed up here.
Please do reach out to 954 232 7434 by Friday evening to make sure we have a seat saved for you.
Save time and complete the waiver before practice: ONLINE WAIVER