Discover Dragon Boating in Ladysmith

The Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society consists of three teams whose paddlers are driven by a shared passion for being on the water.

Whether you crave the adrenaline of racing or the joy of being out on the water in a recreational capacity, we welcome you to explore our website to learn more about the world of dragon boating offered right here in our own backyard.

Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society will be offering winter paddling & introduction to paddling this winter

This is a great chance to try dragon boating for the first time or sharpen your skills over the cooler months.

Winter Paddling

When: Saturdays, starting October 19, 2024, until April 2025 (Final date, TBD). 9:00 am
Duration: 1 hour classes (depending on weather)
Cost: $100 for the season OR $20 per drop-in session (when space is available)
Location: Depart from Oyster Bay Marina in Ladysmith

Intro to Paddling

When: Saturdays, starting October 26, 2024 for 6 weeks (at 10:15 am)
Duration: 1 hour classes (depending on weather)
Cost: $60 for the session (if you choose to continue with winter paddling, pay the difference of $40)
Location: Depart from Oyster Bay Marina in Ladysmith

To sign-up or learn more, send us a message via our contact form.

Get to know the Ladysmith dragon boat teams and come give it a try

Whether you're seeking a vibrant community, a path to fitness, or an opportunity to relish the outdoors by the water's edge, dragon boating offers it all. Our teams cater to diverse abilities, age groups, and competitive spirits.

Learn more about our teams then get in touch so we can invite you for a trial session or help you pick the right team.

Meet Our teams

Recent Updates…

Witch Way to Transfer Beach?

The Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society joined in on the annual Ladysmith witches paddle at Transfer Beach on Sunday, October 13. See some highlights in the gallery.
Best in the World!

Congratulations to 49th Dragons Coach, Marnie Craig and the VIP Flat Out team for their double medal performance at the 2024 Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, Italy earlier in September.
Panda-monium on the Finish Line: Sync or Swim Takes Silver in Comox

Sync or Swim had an successful end to the 2024 dragon boat season, taking home Silver at the Comox Dragon Boat Festival on September 14. Read more about the race!
Man Overboard! Sea Dragons to the Rescue

Partnering with Ladysmith Search and Rescue (RCMSAR Ladysmith 29), we had the opportunity to practice vital paddler-overboard drills using a rescue dummy. Read the full story.
Nail-Biting Finish in Victoria

Sync or Swim claimed gold in the Women’s B division at the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival, narrowly beating the competition in a race so tight, no one knew the winner until the official times were posted. Read the full story.
Bute Island Paddle and Picnic

On Monday, July 22, paddlers from the 49th Dragons headed over to Bute Island for a picnic and a swim. This has become an annual (anticipated!) event for each of the Ladysmith Dragon Boat teams.
Blown Away at the Nanaimo Regatta

This past weekend on Saturday, July 13, Sync or Swim attended the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Regatta organized by VI Paddling which unfortunately ended up being cancelled as a result of wind. Read more about the experience.
Sea Dragons and Sync or Swim Compete at Sproat Lake

Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society proudly represented at the 2024 WCDBS regatta, sending two teams, The Sea Dragons and Sync or Swim, to compete at Sproat Lake Provincial Park on June 9, 2024. Learn more about the race.
49th Dragons have two new Steerers!

We have two new steer persons! Congratulations to Heather and Jim for successfully completing the Steerers course!
Gold Medal in FGPC Super Sprints!

Sync or Swim took home the gold medal in the Women’s A Division in the FGPC Super Sprints held in Victoria on May 26, 2024. Read more about the race.
Sync or Swim and their #1 Cheerleader

Here’s a snapshot from after Sync or Swim’s May 10th practice. This team has been practicing hard, getting ready to compete in the FGPC Super Sprints in Victoria on May 26.
Paddling Season has begun!

The 49th Dragon’s were out in the Ladysmith Harbour for their first paddle of the season on April 18. See more photos from their beautiful paddle.
Looking Back - Festival of Lights Parade

Here’s a fun memory from a few years ago. Members of the Ladysmith Dragon Boat society put together a faux dragon boat and paddled their way through the annual Ladysmith Festival of Lights parade.
Cold Plunge Challenge from the West Coast Warriors

At the onset of the New Year, the Port Hardy West Coast Warriors challenged Ladysmith’s Sync or Swim to a cold water plunge. The challenge was accepted and completed on January 26, 2024. Read the story.
Beautiful Day for Winter Paddling

The Ladysmith Dragon Boaters had perfect conditions in the Ladysmith harbour on November 25, 2023 for a winter paddle. 2023/2024 was the first winter paddling season for the society.
Last Paddle of the Season

Bundled up on October 30, the 49th Dragons ventured out into the harbour for the last paddle of the season. Despite it being a bit cool, the calm water and sunshine made for a perfect paddle to wrap up the 2023 season. Learn more about this team.
Joining in the Ladysmith Witches Paddle

On October 15, members from all three teams of the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society dressed in their most wickedly fun witch costumes and paddled their to Transfer Beach in Ladysmith Harbour. Read the story.
Cold Dipping Paddlers

The Sync or Swim dragon boat team decided to swap paddling for a chilly swim in the Pacific on October 2 as a way to wrap up their 2023 season. Read the story.
Ladysmith Wins Gold in Comox Festival

The Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society made a triumphant return to the racing scene at the Comox Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Members from several Ladysmith teams came together for a remarkable performance that clinched the gold medal in a thrilling competition. Read the story.