Dragon Boat
Dragon boat is a team paddling sport where crews race long boats powered by synchronised paddling.
1980 saw Australia’s first involvement in dragon boat racing when the WA Surf Life Saving Association sent a team to the Penang Festival.
Discover more about dragon boat
Clearinghouse evidence base:
- Modified Sports - adaptations that make dragon boat more inclusive and accessible.
- Australian Sport History - history and Hall of Fame information about dragon boat.
Evolution:
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF) [1997-]
Participation
An estimated 16,000 Australians [aged 15+] participated in dragon boat at least once in 2025. 2
An estimated 9,500 Australian women [aged 15+] and an estimated 6,500 Australian men [aged 15+] participated in dragon boat at least once in 2025. 2
Explore further participation statistics for dragon boat through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab
Governing body
Australian Dragon Boat Federation, opens in a new tab is the organisation recognised by governments at all levels as the national controlling body for the sport of dragon boat in Australia.
History
The first Australian dragon boat organisation was established in 1985 with the formation of the Western Australia Dragon Boat Association.
The national body, the Australian Dragon Boat Federation, was formed in 1997 after earlier attempts to establish a national organisation were unsuccessful. 1
Documents
The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Annual Report 2024-2025[PDF • 4.27 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Annual Report 2023-2024[PDF • 4.74 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Annual Report 2022-2023[PDF • 2.87 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Annual Report 2021-2022[PDF • 1.93 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Annual Report 2020-2021[PDF • 4.08 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Annual Report 2019-2020[PDF • 2.63 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Annual Report 2018-2019[PDF • 2.41 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Annual Report 2017-2018[PDF • 5.99 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Annual Report 2016-2017[PDF • 1.82 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Annual Report 2014[PDF • 3.1 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Strategic Plan 2019-2023[PDF • 2.77 mb]
- Australian Dragon Boat Federation Strategic Plan 2016-2020[PDF • 1.14 mb]
REFERENCES
- About Us, opens in a new tab, Australian Dragon Boat Federation, (accessed 26 August 2026)
- AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 15 October 2025)
Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
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