
De qué se trata
Our team consists of members from diverse backgrounds who are committed to growing from novice to competitive dragon boat paddlers and love to have fun in the process!
Lightwave was formed in 1996 when dragon boat racing first became a sport in the Bay Area. We paddle year-round and compete in domestic and international races, 5-6 times per season out of Redwood City. Our team is made up of veteran paddlers and newcomers to the sport. We share similar passions to feel the boat glide above the water when we are paddling in sync, motivate each other on and off the water, practice hard, love to bring home trophies and medals and most importantly, hang out and eat together after each practice session or race.
We are a year-round team that competes 5-6 times per year domestically and internationally. We have competed in CDBA (California Dragon Boat Association) regional regattas, sprint races, the Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival, as well as races in Seattle, Portland, and Las Vegas. Internationally, we have competed in Vancouver. Our races span 250 meters up to 1000 meters in length. While we are a competitive team, we welcome newcomers of all experience levels.
About our practices
- Lightwave is always recruiting! Any new member gets a 30-day free trial period to see if they would like to join the team. After the trial period, if you decide to become a member, an annual membership fee is due that covers usage of all boats, personal flotation device (PFD) and paddle. Once you have paid your membership fee, you will have access to all our team communications including information about our practices, land training, fun team events and races.
- First-time paddlers are welcome! We will teach you everything you need to know to race in a Dragon Boat! We practice along Redwood Creek and launch out of Bair Island Aquatic Center (BIAC) Boat House, 1450 Maple St., Redwood City, CA 94063. Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q79rkuFabWrGeMkB6
- Wednesday Practice: 5:30PM to 7:45PM
- Sunday Practice: 10:00AM to 12:15PM
- A typical practice consists of:
- 15-minute warm up on land involving a series of stretches and dynamic movements.
- Team member introductions.
- Overview of safety commands and paddling technique.
- A paddle warm-up (up to 2000 meters or 15-minute continuous paddling).
- Technique and race drills.
- 250 - 500 meter race pieces.
- 5-minute cool-down stretches.
- Team announcements.
Important Notes:
- We highly recommend you eat well and hydrate prior to coming to paddle. This is an anaerobic sport. Water is essential!
- You will be sore for the next few days after your first practice! Remember that this is a sport that utilizes your whole body.
- Like any other sport, we work hard and you will be paddling for the majority of practice. While you may be sore for a few days, you will get stronger!
- Must be 18 years or older. Teens are welcome to join but must be accompanied by an adult guardian.
How to Gear Up:
- What to wear: Athletic, quick-drying, light and breathable clothing, water shoes or sports sandals, wind/waterproof jacket/windbreaker (during cooler weather).
- What to bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, extra clothes (you will get wet paddling).
- What not to wear: Denim, heavy cotton and bulky clothing
- Paddles and PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) are provided at the practice site for free.
Technique video:
Team LightWave rotation technique
Race video:
Lightwave: 2025 CDBA Regional Regatta Mixed Final