One month free - no commitment
Come and Try Dragon Boating in the heart of the Inner West
Our coaches love introducing new paddlers to the sport.
NO Paddling Experience Needed!
Join one of our Saturday morning sessions and and we'll make sure you get all the support and instruction you need.
What do you have to lose? See our FAQ's below 👇
📍Canal Road, Lilyfield - on the Bay Run
Teamwork. Fitness. Fresh Air.
Are you "fit enough" to try dragon boating? The answer is yes.
Dragon boating is a unique, low-impact sport where the boat does the work when the technique is right. Unlike a solo workout, you have 19 other people pulling with you. Our sessions on Iron Cove are designed specifically for adults who want to work on their fitness with a low risk of injury.
What you gain:
Core & Functional Strength: Improve your posture and power through guided, rhythmic paddling.
Mental Clarity: There is something meditative about the sound of the water and the synchronized stroke.
A Ready-Made Community: We are a diverse group of professionals, parents, and retirees who value a laugh as much as a workout.
Medals: Once you've learned the technique, there will be opportunities to compete at local, state and national regattas.
Ready to find your seat? Your first 28 days are free. No strings, just paddles.
What happens on your first session?
Once you're registered and booked in, this is how a typical session goes:
06:45am - warm welcome, paddle selection, basic instruction, warm-up stretches. Store your belongings in the container.
07:00am - Get in the boat with your "buddy" - the paddler you will be sat with for the session - and up to 18 other paddlers. Head out on the water with our expert coaches and sweep.
07:15am - The coach will put the crew through a structured set of drills that build technique and fitness, swapping sides to balance the effort across the body. New paddlers receive extra attention for a safe and enjoyable session.
08:30am - return to the boat ramp, cool down stretches
08:45am - optional social breakfast, usually at Nield Park Pavillion
How To Find Us
We're next to the Bay Run footpath between UTS Haberfield Rowing Club and Le Montage. Look out for the Green and White shirts by the boat ramp on Canal Road and the 12m long Dragon Boats on the water.
Car: park on Canal Road for Blackmore Oval or along Maliyawul St in front of Le Montage
Bus: 437, 440, 445 stop at Mary Street (10 min walk)
Light rail: Leichhardt North station (9 min walk)
Bike or Walk: between the bridges where Hawthorne Canal meets Iron Cove
We have paddlers in their 40, 50s, 60s and 70s. Some come for fitness, some for the breakfast, some for the racing and medals. Whatever your reason, come and give it a try.
It's time to hit the water, get fit and have fun!
If you're ready to try Dragon Boating, START HERE
Our 28-day free trial is the easiest way to see if the sport is for you with zero commitment and includes:
Access to training sessions for 28 days
Supportive and friendly coaching
Full insurance coverage while you're with us
Use of our club paddles and boats
Joining us for a session is as easy as 1-2-3
1️⃣ Register:
Click the link below and select "New Member" and then the FREE "Dragon Pass."
2️⃣ Check the Schedule:
Once registered, we’ll reach out with open training dates. We typically paddle from the Canal Road boat ramp in Lilyfield at 6:45am on Saturday mornings.
3️⃣ Show Up:
Bring a water bottle, clothes you don't mind getting a little wet and your willingness to have a go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone has questions before they make the decision to get in a Dragon Boat. If you have a question not covered here, message us on our Facebook page or email info@ffbdbc.com.au
Not at all! Our "Come-and-Try" sessions are designed specifically for people who have never picked up a paddle before. If you do have experience this will be a great way to come and find out about our club.
Dragon boating is for all fitness levels. While it is a workout, you will build the specific strength and endurance you need as you train. New members report feeling stronger and fitter after just a few weeks of paddling.
We're on a mission to help improve men's physical and mental health, especially later in life. As a club we compete in regattas in the senior divisions, i.e. over 40s, over 50s and over 60s. We have a strong women's and mixed team and are looking to widen the talent pool for our mens team.
Dragon Boating is a safe water sport, provided everyone heeds the instructions of the coaches. We train where we are never far from land, however course participants should be able to swim 50m with confidence or will be provided with a life jacket (PFD)
Suitable clothes to paddle in. Gym wear is fine, quick drying t-shirt and shorts.
Footwear that you won’t mind getting wet such as crocs, sandals, old runners, any other water sports shoes (no thongs)
Water Bottle – you will need water on the boat
Hat / Sunscreen
Hair clips or scrunchie for those with longer hair
Sunglasses (not expensive ones)
Change of clothes and towel in case you get wet
No. The club provides all necessary equipment for beginners, including paddles and life jackets if needed.
Yes! Expect some splashes from your own paddle and those of your teammates. It’s part of the fun.
We paddle all year round, even in light rain. The only time we cancel is if there is lightning, high winds, or unsafe water conditions. If the session is cancelled due to poor weather we will text you to let you know.
It is very low-impact on the knees because you are seated. We teach "core rotation" to ensure you use your whole body, which helps strengthen the muscles that protect your back.
Dragon boats are very long and heavy, making them remarkably stable. While capsizes are extremely rare, we go over safety drills so everyone knows what to do.
Great news. You can enjoy fully insured paddling for free with no commitment for 28 days with our Dragon Pass. Our training sessions are:
Saturday 6.45am - our general training session, perfect for beginners
Monday 6.00pm - technique and race training
Wednesday 6.00pm - endurance and technique
After 28 days you will need to become a paid member of the state level sports body (DBNSW, $135 for 12 months) and a paid up member of FFB Dragon Boat Club. General
Membership is $230 p.a. (July 1st - June 30th) which provides access to FFB training sessions, boats and paddles and includes an FFB paddling top and cap for new members. For those who want to take part in race competitions there are further fees of around $2-300 p.a.
Car keys and other valuables can be placed in the secure club container.
There aren't any private changing facilities at the boat ramp. the nearest public toilet is at Blackmore Oval (2 min walk)