What we're about
This group is operated by SOAR, a 501c3 promoting paddlesports, adventure racing and other outdoor recreation.
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.
Who is Blazing Paddles? We are a very diverse group of people that love water sports. Our members come from all walks of life, all ages, and all backgrounds. We train hard but have fun, on and off the water. Established in 1999, our team has an enviable record, and is the reigning champion of several paddling titles.
Want to give it a try? We’d love for you to join us! Most of our members had no paddling experience when they joined. We can teach you all you need to know and help you get into great shape.
Come try it out and see for yourself 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.
What you will need: Please bring water or a sports drink, sunscreen and hat (for daytime practices), and wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting splashed (this is a water sport, after all). Also, a willingness to learn and have fun!
One last thing: Our members use another program for practice signup, so don't think if you see few RSVPs that we are not going to have a crew. Please call the Cap'n at 954.232.7434 to confirm, as plans can change due to weather or competitions, etc.
Upcoming events (4+)
This is a regularly scheduled practice for Blazing Paddles team members.
If possible, if you are a new paddler, please join us every Saturday (unless we are racing) for Introductory Dragon Boat Training. Those sessions are designed to teach you the paddling stroke, basic boat commands and the Seven Fundamentals of Dragon Boat Racing. Plus you will have an opportunity to speak with veteran paddlers and get a good idea of what dragon boating is all about.
If your schedule does not allow you to come out on Saturdays, or you cannot make Saturday practices for awhile, please contact Captain Will Murphy [masked]) to discuss the possibility of attending this practice if there is an open seat.
PLEASE GET CONFIRMATION BEFORE MAKING THE TRIP! WEATHER AND OTHER FACTORS CAN CAUSE US TO CANCEL, MOVE OR OTHERWISE CHANGE A PRACTICE. [masked]
NOTES: 1) ALL of our practices are challenging. You should expect it to be a learning experience if you have not paddled competitively before. You are going to get lots of corrections. DON'T be discouraged. 2) Note that we do not use Meetup as our management tool. Don't assume that if you don't see other people signed up here that no one is coming. Our members sign up elsewhere. Always contact us to confirm that practice is on. 3) We have pandemic protocols in effect. Please ask about them before coming out. 5) Recommended minimum donation is $10 (to SOAR, the 501c3 that owns the boats). Venmo, Paypal, Zelle available. If only cash works for you, we will gratefully accept that.
Reminder of renewed protocols (subject to change): 1) Don't come if you are ill or have reason to think you may have been recently exposed to covid19. 2) Sanitize hands before leaving your car. 3) Wear a mask when in close quarters. 4) Handle your own gear including washing it after. 5) One to a bench except for pairs of vaccinated paddlers. We may not be switching seats with one another. (We can still switch sides -- with masks on as you pass near the paddlers in adjacent rows). Note that the restrooms there might be closed so plan ahead.
Thank you.
- Will
- 1 attendee
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[masked] to reserve your seat and to ask any questions.
- Will
- Vicki
- 2 attendees
This is a regularly scheduled practice for Blazing Paddles team members.
If possible, if you are a new paddler, please join us every Saturday (unless we are racing) for Introductory Dragon Boat Training. Those sessions are designed to teach you the paddling stroke, basic boat commands and the Seven Fundamentals of Dragon Boat Racing. Plus you will have an opportunity to speak with veteran paddlers and get a good idea of what dragon boating is all about.
If your schedule does not allow you to come out on Saturdays, or you cannot make Saturday practices for awhile, please contact Captain Will Murphy [masked]) to discuss the possibility of attending this practice if there is an open seat.
PLEASE GET CONFIRMATION BEFORE MAKING THE TRIP! WEATHER AND OTHER FACTORS CAN CAUSE US TO CANCEL, MOVE OR OTHERWISE CHANGE A PRACTICE. [masked]
NOTES: 1) ALL of our practices are challenging. You should expect it to be a learning experience if you have not paddled competitively before. You are going to get lots of corrections. DON'T be discouraged. 2) Note that we do not use Meetup as our management tool. Don't assume that if you don't see other people signed up here that no one is coming. Our members sign up elsewhere. Always contact us to confirm that practice is on. 3) We have pandemic protocols in effect. Please ask about them before coming out. 5) Recommended minimum donation is $10 (to SOAR, the 501c3 that owns the boats). Venmo, Paypal, Zelle available. If only cash works for you, we will gratefully accept that.
Reminder of renewed protocols (subject to change): 1) Don't come if you are ill or have reason to think you may have been recently exposed to covid19. 2) Sanitize hands before leaving your car. 3) Wear a mask when in close quarters. 4) Handle your own gear including washing it after. 5) One to a bench except for pairs of vaccinated paddlers. We may not be switching seats with one another. (We can still switch sides -- with masks on as you pass near the paddlers in adjacent rows). Note that the restrooms there might be closed so plan ahead.
Thank you.
- Will
- 1 attendee
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[masked] to reserve your seat and to ask any questions.
- Will
- Vicki
- 2 attendees
Past events (1,816)
- Vicki
- Will
- 2 attendees