Give it a Go - Sunday 13th September
Event information
Registration for this event closes at Fri 11 Sep 2026 19:00.
Ever wondered what it’s like to jump in a dragon boat, paddle as a crew and race down the harbour?
Come and Give Dragon Boating a Go with the Auckland Dragon Boat Association at Westhaven Marina on Sunday 13 or Sunday 27 September.
No experience? Perfect, this morning is designed especially for brand-new paddlers.
You’ll learn the basics on land with experienced coaches, get fitted with a lifejacket, jump into a boat with a crew of other newbies, then put it all together with a fun race to finish!
We’ll provide the boats, paddles, lifejackets and coaching, you just need to bring comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet, suitable footwear, a drink bottle and your sense of adventure.
After paddling, you’ll also get the chance to meet Auckland’s dragon boat clubs, find out when and where they train, and see where your dragon boating journey could take you next.
Event details
- Date: Sunday 13 September
- Time: Please arrive at 8.50am ready for our briefing. We’ll be finished at approximately 11am
- Location: Z Pier, Westhaven Marina, Auckland
- Cost:Absolutely FREE!
- Activity: Dragon boating — no previous experience required
What to bring:
- Gym or activewear you’re happy to get wet
- Bare feet, jandals or water shoes
- A plastic water bottle, no metal bottles in the boats, please
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A sense of adventure!
Who can take part?
Anyone aged 12 years or over who can swim 50 metres unassisted.
You don’t need to be fit or experienced - just come ready to learn something new, meet some great people and have a bit of fun.
What happens on the day?
We’ll start with a safety briefing before splitting everyone into crews. Our coaches will teach you the basic dragon boat technique on land before we load the boats and head out onto the Waitematā Harbour.
Once you’ve had a chance to find your rhythm as a crew, it’s race time!
Afterwards, you’ll also get to meet Auckland’s dragon boat clubs and find out how you can keep paddling if you discover - as we suspect you might - that dragon boating is your new thing.
Can't make 13 September?
No worries – we're doing it all over again on Sunday 27 September
Want to see what we’re all about?
Check out the Auckland Dragon Boat Association on Facebook and Instagram for race photos, videos and a taste of Auckland’s dragon boating community.
Ready to jump in? Spaces are limited, so hit the register buttom to register and secure your free spot!
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