GWN Dragon Boat - News

Stand Up Paddleboarding Clinic Added to Camp

2011-12-09T10:58:31-04:00

GWN is excited to announce that Stand Up Paddleboarding will be offered at the GWN Florida Training Camp in April 2012! Led by Jessica Rando, SUP paddler/coach and founder of NuMe Fitness, the clinic is available in two formats.

Stand Up Paddleboarding offers an amazing full body workout and is becoming very popular among athletes. For more information and pricing, click here!

Registration opens for 2012 MLDB events

2011-11-01T11:04:01-04:00

Registration is now open for all 2012 Major League Dragon Boat events. Early bird rates are in effect for all 6 six stops but if teams register before January 1st, they save an additional $100! Started in 2009, Major League Dragon Boat (MLDB) is a festival circuit made up of 6 festivals in North America. In 2012, it is anticipated that a 7th stop will be added to the circuit. For now, teams can register for any of these 6 dragon boat festivals:

Greater New Orleans International Dragon Boat Festival - May 12, 2012
GWN Sport Regatta - July 21, 2012
GWN Dragon Boat Challenge - September 8-9, 2012
Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival - September 15, 2012
WhatIfCreditUnions.com Dragon Boat Festival - October 6, 2012
Walgreens Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival - October 20, 2012

GWN Challenge Raises over $40,000

2011-09-22T12:54:57-04:00

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada extends a heart-felt thanks to the individuals and teams that raised nearly $41,000 to support their work in wish granting during the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge on September 10 & 11, 2011, in Marilyn Bell Park.

Proceeds will go towards making the dreams of children, such as nine-year-old Karyssa-Jade, come true. Karyssa-Jade, who has been on chemo for half of her young life, was on hand during the awards ceremony on Sunday, September 11, to announce the winner of the GWN Challenge.

KPMG wins the GWN Charity Challenge!

Congratulations to the KPMG Envy Dragons for raising the most money, $11,405, and wining the GWN Charity Challenge. Courtesy of GWN, the KPMG Envy Dragons will receive a free team entry to all 2012 Major League Dragon Boat Series events.

In close second was TD Waterhouse with $10,720, followed by the RBC Golden Lions at $6,700and the GWN Corporate Team with $6,006.

Other teams that raised pledges for Children’s Wish were: Deloitte Dragons, Miracle Dragons, Tragically Quick, Mediair Mojos, St. Michael's Wings on Water, Mayhew Power Paddlers, Team Jones Brown, Paddlestrong, MCC Ridgetown, Osler Lady Dragons, SOB Dragons, Georgina Flyers, Fighting Carps (J.E.T.A.A. Toronto), Bridgepoint Blazing Paddles, Hakuna Matata, Dragon Boat Israel, RBC Royal Dragons, Blades of Fury, TD Komodo Dragons and the Pink Sensations!

Volunteers Needed for Mercer County

2011-09-13T10:29:03-04:00

GWN is looking for energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated people to join the team of volunteers at the Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival on September 17, 2011 in Princeton, NJ. If you would like to be part of this great event, please contact GWN.

Results from 17th Annual GWN Dragon Boat Challenge

2011-09-12T21:07:19-04:00

Congratulations to all the winners at this year's GWN Dragon Boat Challenge, especially to the Grand Mixed Division Champions OHDBC Mayfair Warriors, Womens Division Champions Entre Amies, and Open Division Champions NDC Ocean 1!

Results from Day 1 - Saturday September 10
Results from Day 2 - Sunday September 11

Volunteers Needed for GWN Challenge

2011-09-02T18:04:28-04:00

GWN and Children's Wish are looking for energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated people to join the team of volunteers at the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge on September 10 and 11, 2011 in Toronto. If you would like to be part of one of Canada's largest dragon boat festivals, please contact GWN or Frances Makdessian from Children's Wish.

2011 GWN Dragon Boat Challenge Schedule Posted

2011-09-02T12:04:24-04:00

The schedule for the 17th Annual GWN Dragon Boat Challenge is now available. To find out when your team is competing, please click here. Saturday racing will feature the first and second rounds of qualifying as well as the popular Industry Cups.
Don't forget to stick around for Rock The Boat. Performances with Diana Catherine and the Thrusty Tweeters and Spirit of the West get underway at 3:30PM on Saturday!

Public Service Cup to Honour Sgt. Ryan Russell

2011-08-30T14:54:02-04:00

From Tracey Finlay, Victim Services of Toronto and Crimes Waves Member

Following the untimely and tragic death of Sgt. Ryan Russell earlier this year, former members of the Toronto Police “Crime Waves” Dragon Boat Crew unanimously decided to reconvene this season in honour of our beloved Ryan.

With his wife, Christine (also a previous member of our crew and dutifully serving as our team Captain!), strongly supporting our decision to race this season in his honour, there was no further decision to be made. The Crime Waves were back training on the water in early May and headed for a season of sport and camaraderie.

After a summer of wins, losses, strength and fortitude, the Crime Waves are gearing up for their final regatta of the season. While the weekend of September 10 and 11 marks the end of the Toronto Police Crime Waves’ 2011 season, it also signifies the induction of the Sgt. Ryan Russell Public Service Cup, formerly known as the Industry Cup from the Great White North (GWN) Dragon Boat Challenge. In the spring of 2011, GWN announced that they were going to rename this highly sought-after trophy within the sport of dragon boat racing, after Sgt. Ryan Russell.

While it would be our team’s greatest victory to finish this season with the honour of winning this trophy, we also know that, as a team and as a family, we have already won. We have won because we were given the opportunity to know Ryan, to love Ryan, and to have “once upon a time,” paddled with Ryan. With his enthusiasm, strength, leadership, integrity, and great sportsmanship qualities upon us, we were blessed to have been Ryan’s teammates. We continue to paddle with the spirit of Ryan upon us – and for this, we are truly grateful. Thank you, Ryan. Thank you from all of us on the Crime Waves. You are the reason – the reason we, once again, paddle as one.

It will, indeed, be an honour for our team to compete in this category and hopefully, make the Toronto Police Service proud! We invite all of you to come out and cheer us on to victory! The Sgt. Ryan Russell Public Service Cup will be held at Marilyn Bell Park in Toronto on September 10 at 1:45 pm.

Win a free entry to all 2012 MLDB events!

2011-08-24T09:00:19-04:00

It was earlier announced that GWN Staff is raising funds to help grant a wish to a child with a life-threatening illness. To help motivate more teams participating in the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge to raise money, GWN is awarding the team that raises the most money (and raises more money than the GWN Staff) with a free team entry to all 2012 Major League Dragon Boat Series events.

The average cost of a wish is $10,000 and the goal for the event is to raise $40,000 to grant 4 wishes. GWN Staff have made it a personal goal to make one of these wishes a reality. With the help of every paddler, team captain, coach, and steers competing at the Challenge, the goal of 3 more wishes can be met! To register your team online, please visit: www.childrenswish.ca/dragonboatchallenge

GWN Charity Challenge Rules
1. All money must be submitted online or in-person to CWF by 12PM on Sunday September 11, 2011.
2. MLDB events include: Greater New Orleans International Dragon Boat Festival, GWN Sport Regatta, GWN Dragon Boat Challenge, Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival, Whatifcreditunions.com Dragon Boat Festival, Walgreens Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival.
3. This prize has no cash value and must be redeemed in 2012 by the winning team.
4. Entries can not be sold or given to other teams.

GWN's Charity Challenge

2011-08-16T15:22:52-04:00

In support of the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, the charitable beneficiary of the 17th Annual GWN Dragon Boat Challenge, GWN staff has made it a goal to raise funds to grant a child's wish.

Each year, thousands of Canadian children between the ages of three and 17 are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Since 1984, the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada has worked tirelessly to grant exceptional wishes to more than 17,000 children and their families.

The average cost of a wish is approximately $10,000. It is the event's goal to raise $40,000 in order to grant 4 wishes. GWN Staff have been challenged to grant one of those wishes and are hoping that this challenge will motivate teams and paddlers to help make three more wishes a reality.

To join GWN's Charity Challenge and create your own fundraising team page, click here. To support the GWN team, click here.

Walgreens Becomes Title Sponsor of Orlando Event

2011-05-24T13:09:56-04:00

Walgreens Commits to Title Sponsorship for the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival

ORLANDO, FL., May 24, 2011– GWN Dragon Boat announced Tuesday that Walgreens will be the new title sponsor of the annual Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival on October 15, 2011 held at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Entering its fourth year, this unique event features participants competing in 40-foot long canoes adorned with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails. Teams consisting of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer, and one steersperson, race down a 500-meter course on Lake Buena Vista. Social groups, corporations, and fitness enthusiasts alike embrace the sport of dragon boating because it builds camaraderie, emphasizes teamwork and unity, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

"We are excited to have an organization such as Walgreens take a leadership role in the event,” said Aaron Soroka, Chief Operating Officer, GWN Dragon Boat. “Their focus on the health and wellness of their customers and staff make the sport of dragon boating and this event a perfect fit."

“Dragon boating combines teamwork and physical fitness with centuries old tradition,” said Marlin Hutchens, Market Vice President, Walgreens. “We are excited to play a role in promoting healthy living through the sport to our customers as well as the people who work for us.”

The Walgreens Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival will be the last stop of the Major League Dragon Boat Series. It attracts recreational and competitive teams from all over North America and has been the catalyst for many new start-up teams in the Orlando area. With help from the Orlando Health Foundation, in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, the number of teams participating at the one-day regatta is expected to surpass 100 this year, making the annual event the largest in the Southeastern United States.

“Dragon boating has proven to be a great physical therapy for breast cancer survivors so it aligns well with our mission and outreach efforts in the community,” said Cheryl Collins, vice president, Orlando Health Foundation. “It’s a great way to be physically active and support a great cause."

GWN Dragon Boat and Walgreens believe this sponsorship will encourage others to discover the benefits of dragon boating and a healthy lifestyle. For more information or to register a team, visit www.gwndragonboat.com.

ABOUT GWN DRAGON BOAT
GWN Dragon Boat is North America’s largest full service dragon boat event marketing company producing over 45 festivals annually. Additional activities include training camps, dragon boat equipment sales and corporate events. For more information, visit www.gwndragonboat.com.

ABOUT WALGREENS
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2010 sales of $67 billion. The company operates 7,697 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.

ABOUT MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER ORLANDO
MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, part of Orlando Health, is affiliated with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked MD Anderson Cancer Center as the top cancer treatment center in the U.S. and has ranked it as one of the top two cancer centers for the past 13 years. Orlando Health, a 1,882-bed community-owned, Florida not-for-profit organization established in 1918, annually serves nearly 2 million Central Florida residents and more than 4,500 international patients. More information is available at mdacco.com.

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For Media inquiries, please contact:

Aaron Soroka,, 416-962-8899
aaron@gwndragonboat.com

Camilla Chapman, 321-843-1115
Camilla.Chapman@orlandohealth.com

MLDB season kicked off in Madisonville

2011-05-04T11:04:50-04:00

The Major League Dragon Boat season kicked off this past Saturday April 30, 2011 in Madisonville, LA. Spectators cheered on as local teams Mission Madisonville, Team Sodexo, and Pontchartrain Hardwood Dragons were all winners. East Bank Team Extreme, their second time at the Greater New Orleans International Dragon Boat Festival, took home top prize with a first place finish in the A Division Final. It was a great day of racing enjoyed by all in attendance and a great start to the MLDB circuit!

To view photos, visit the event gallery or check out the GWN Facebook page! For a list of all Major League Dragon Boat events, click here.

Greater New Orleans Int'l Dragon Boat Festival featured on Fox 8 News!

2011-04-28T12:34:41-04:00

The Greater New Orleans International Dragon Boat Festival was featured this morning on Fox 8 News. Rob Masson talked to GWN's own Aaron Soroka and Louisiana Northshore's Tanya Leader about the races happening on the scenic Tchefuncte River this Saturday April 30th. Admission if free for all spectators, with races starting at 9AM. To view the interview, click here!

Dennis Lindsay Joins Florida Training Camp team

2011-02-02T13:07:21-04:00

GWN is pleased to announce that Dennis Lindsay, from PROformance Athlete's Gym, has joined the Florida Training Camp Coaching team. Dennis brings with him an extensive background in coaching and training that will truly benefit Camp participants.

Dennis has trained Olympians and world-class Professional athletes from the NHL, NBA, PGA, LPGA and MLB. He has worked with over 100 current NHL Players, 20 individual Olympians, 3 Olympic Teams, and dozens of professional athletes from other sports.

To find out more about Dennis Lindsay, click here! To register for Florida Training Camp, click here.

Community Competition added to GWN Sport Regatta

2011-01-19T11:59:19-04:00

GWN proudly announces the addition of the all new Community Division to its annual GWN Sport Regatta! This first-ever division will feature Recreational, University, and Corporate teams going head-to-head in one of Canada's premier racing events!

Longtime participants can rest assured that the Sport Regatta they have come to know and love remains the same in format and competition!

For only $595.00CAD, Community teams can expect to participate in three races (1x200m & 2x500m). To find out more about the Community Division and the Sport Regatta, click here.

Win the Absolute Best Seats In The House

2011-01-07T15:31:49-04:00

Register your team for the 17th Annual GWN Dragon Boat Challenge by February 28th and be automatically entered to win the Absolute Best Seats In The House! Sponsored by Absolute Tent & Event Services, up for grabs is a 20 x 20 tent decked out with all the comforts of home-leather couches, lounge chairs, tables, fridge and more! The winning team will also enjoy a prime location within the Athlete's Village with a vantage viewpoint!

Register for the GWN Challenge now! For rates and registration information, click here.

2010 GWN Challenge Schedule Posted

2010-08-30T09:58:08-04:00

The schedule for the 16th Annual GWN Dragon Boat Challenge has been posted and can be viewed here. Be sure to make note of your team's first race time to allow plenty of time to arrive on site, check-in at race headquarters, and to be in the team marshaling.

The Stills Headline Rock The Boat

2010-08-19T13:27:41-04:00

An evening of dragon boat races and live music await you at Marilyn Bell Park in Toronto! Join us for Rock The Boat featuring The Stills live in concert! Happening on Friday September 10, 2010, Rock The Boat is the kick off to the 16th Annual GWN Dragon Boat Challenge!

Catch Montreal's The Stills live as they hit the stage and perform hits such as I'm With You and Being Here! The concert is a licensed all-ages show and is free to attend for all race participants and spectators.

For more info, visit: http://www.gwndragonboat.com/Default.asp?id=179&l=1

If you would like your team to participate in Rock The Boat dragon boat races, please contact GWN.

Train at a Walt Disney World Resort

2010-07-15T12:59:55-04:00

GWN is pleased to announce its Orlando Training Camp. Happening at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, this 3-day training clinic will feature an elite coaching staff, on-water and dryland session, video analysis plus a final day paddling excursion to Downtown Disney! Join us in Orlando from October 13-15 and stay for the 3rd Annual International Dragon Boat Festival on October 16th!

For more Orlando Training Camp information, click here

GWN Premier Women Do It Again!

2010-06-21T14:34:54-04:00

GWN Premier Women continue their strong season with another win as they take home the Gold for Sports Women Division at the 22nd TELUS Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival on June 19 and 20, 2010.

Follow the team and keep up-to-date on all the happenings as they prepare for the WCCC in Macau!

Register for the Sport Regatta and Save!

2010-06-16T16:00:25-04:00

The 13th Annual GWN Sport Regatta hits Marilyn Bell Park in Toronto next month! Did you know that if your team is already registered for a GWN event, you can register for the Sport Regatta and receive $100 off the fee? This competitive event is a great addition to any paddling season, primarily for teams travelling to Macau at the end July.

To take advantage of the MLDB Reward Program by registering your team for the Sport Regatta, contact GWN for more details.

Another Victory For The GWN Premier Women

2010-06-10T16:40:35-04:00

Congratulations to the GWN Premier Women! Fresh off a win at the OHDBC Womens Regatta, the GWN Premier Women took first place in the Sport Women's Cup Championship Final at the Pickering Dragon Boat Festival, the team's third event of the season. Check out the schedule page to find out where their next race will be!

GWN Challenge Attracting Teams From All Over

2010-06-03T12:53:49-04:00

This year, we're seeing some of the most diverse and competitive teams from all over attend the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge! KLM Blue Dragons, Dragon Boat Charleston, Arashi, Cape Breastoners, and DBCB Drachen Furie are just a few of the crews traveling to the September festival.

To find out about out-of-town team rates, contact GWN.

First-Place Finish for the GWN Premier Women!

2010-05-31T13:49:01-04:00

The GWN Premier Women started their dragon boat racing season this weekend with a first-place finish at the Outer Harbour Dragon Boat Club Women's Regatta! This strong finish comes on the heels of a 7th place finish in a 3000m race at the OHDBC 3000m Challenge.

Follow the GWN Premier Women all season long as they train and compete for the Club Crew World Championships in Macau, China.

GWN Sponsors OHDBC Women

2010-05-31T13:38:53-04:00

For Immediate Release

May 2010

Toronto’s Premier Women Dragon Boat Crew
Set to Win Gold in Macau, China, at 2010 World Club Crew Champs

Title Sponsorship from Great White North Dragon Boat Fuels the Team on its Road to Macau!

Toronto (Ontario) – GWN Premier Women, one of Canada’s elite premier women dragon boat crews, is proud to announce a new partnership with Great White North Dragon Boat, a leading sports and entertainment event organizer in North America. Toronto-based GWN Premier Women, formerly known as Outer Harbour Premier Women, is partnering with Great White North Dragon Boat as it prepares to go compete in Macau, China, for the 2010 IDBF World Club Crew Championships.

‘’Great White North Dragon Boat is extremely pleased to enter in a partnership with one of Canada’s best women’s dragon boat teams, and to follow their Road to Macau. We are confident that the GWN Premier Women will make Canada proud at the next World Club Crew Championships and we couldn’t be happier to help fuel their passion and dedication to the sport of dragon boat,’’ said Aaron Soroka, Chief Operating Officer, Great White North Dragon Boat.

‘’The entire team is absolutely thrilled about having the support of Great White North Dragon Boat. We couldn’t have asked for a better sponsor, especially since they are at the helm of so many successful dragon boat events,’’ said Andrew Fox, Coach, GWN Premier Women. ‘’This partnership gives us the resources that we need to fulfill our goal to win gold in Macau this summer. We look forward to a longstanding, successful relationship with our new title sponsor.’’

About GWN Dragon Boat

Each year, GWN produces more than 40 dragon boat events, which raise millions of dollars for community and charitable partners. GWN offers start-to-finish event management services, corporate team-building experiences, social marketing initiatives, premier training camps, and equipment sales and leases. GWN is the driving force in developing the presence of Dragon Boat Racing at an elite and grassroots level in communities across Canada and the United States.

A leader in creating and implementing successful inaugural events, GWN gives local organizing committees the tools to manage the event independently in subsequent years. GWN has developed specialized corporate team building opportunities to assist in promoting group spirit and teamwork in companies and organizations throughout North America.

About the GWN Premier Women

The GWN Premier is a group of dedicated paddlers who have been training together and welcoming new members since 2004. They are a hard working group of athletes committed to achieving a common goal for the team – to race competitively and be victorious in every race they enter. Team members come with diverse backgrounds in profession and culture. Each one carries on a responsibility to improve the organization as a whole, either as committee members spending time and effort to run the club, or as crew members actively seeking opportunities for the crew and assisting in fundraising activities.

About Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boat racing is the world's fastest-growing water sport – and also the most exciting one. Twenty paddlers move in unison, combining strength with teamwork in a boat whose elaborate design originates in ancient China. Teamwork is everything in dragon boat racing and synchronicity is more important than strength. A perfectly synchronized team will almost always beat a stronger, but less coordinated team. This harmony of purpose can only be achieved through countless hours of dedicated training, learning to be a complete crew and developing the team spirit and understanding necessary to work together, as one unit.

Within the Greater Toronto Area, there are approximately 6,000 people actively participating in dragon boat racing. Events are held in over 40 countries around the world.

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For more information, please contact:

GWN Premier Women

www.gwnpremierwomen.ca

On Facebook

On Twitter @GWNPremierWomen

Catherine Héroux

Team Captain, GWN Premier Women

catherine_heroux@sympatico.ca

416-553-4224

Great White North Dragon Boat

www.gwndragonboat.com

On Facebook

On Twitter @GWNDragonBoat

Aaron Soroka

Chief Operating Officer, GWN Dragon Boat

aaron@gwndragonboat.com

416-962-8899

Madisonville Louisiana Crawfish Boil

2010-04-07T09:53:38-04:00

The Greater Madisonville Chamber invites all Greater New Orleans Internatational Dragon Boat Festival participants to join us at our Annual Crawfish Boil on the beautiful Tchefuncte River.

For $15.00 a person, racers can learn how to "Suck the Heads and Pinch the Tails" of this favorite local cuisine. Beer and soft drinks will also be available for purchase.

WHERE: T-Rivers Incorporated
              1999 Main St
              Madisonville, LA 70447
              (985) 845-1711

WHEN:   Thursday, April 15th
               6pm-8pm

To RSVP please contact Louise at louiselovich@charter.net by April 12th.
To learn more about Madisonville please check out our website at www.TownofMadisonville.org

Winner of the Absolute Best Seats In The House Announced

2010-04-07T09:13:09-04:00

Jetstart will be livin' it up at the 16th Annual GWN Dragon Boat Challenge! As winner of the Absolute Best Seats In The House, the GTA-based team will enjoy the perks of a 20x20 tent fully equipped with leather couches, tables, patio furniture, sleeping cots and a stocked fridge!

You too can enjoy the perks of furnishings! Items such as leather couches, chairs, tables, and fridges are available for rent. Visit your crew profile to Get More or add it to your basket during registration.

GWN announces Rock The Boat!

2010-03-26T14:26:03-04:00

GWN is thrilled to announce the addition of night-time dragon boat racing to the 16th annual GWN Dragon Boat Challenge. Rock The Boat will introduce teams and spectators to a whole new racing experience and be treated to a night of post-racing live entertainment and festivities. Join us as 60 teams take to the water on the evening of Friday September 10, 2010.

For all Rock The Boat details, click here.

Challenge: Early Bird Deadline is Approaching

2010-03-16T16:15:55-04:00

Early bird rates for the 16th Annual GWN Challenge end April 1st! For Mixed Division teams trying to save on an entry fee, now is the time to register your team. Not only do you save $200 but your team is entered into the Absolute Best Seats in the House contest!

Click here for registration rates.

Richmond, Virginia added to MLDB Series!

2010-03-15T16:54:45-04:00

Together with Sports Backers, GWN is thrilled to announce the Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival. Happening on July 31, 2010 on the James River, the RIDBF will introduce the historic city of Richmond, Virginia to dragon boat racing. Registration is now open for the festival--for more information about this event, please visit our RIDBF page here.

Richmond is the newest addition to the MLDB Series and joins other stops in New Orleans, Toronto, and Orlando.

Click here, to read the full press release

6 Weeks Left Until New Orleans

2010-03-05T15:37:42-04:00

In only 6 weeks time, the first-ever dragon boat event in the New Orleans area will take place! Staged in the historic community of Madisonville, Louisiana on the Tchefuncte River, the event is attracting interest from locals and teams abroad.

The Greater New Orleans International Dragon Boat Festival is the 1st stop of Major League Dragon Boat--a series of festivals created by GWN.

To find out how to register a team for this historic event, contact Carolyn Lee or click here.

Find your new dragon boat team for the season

2010-02-12T10:54:55-04:00

Are you looking to join a new dragon boat team this year? GWN's Find A Paddler postings are a great way to connect with teams looking for new crew members. Requesting a posting is as simple as sending us your name, email, and where you're from. Be sure to include your dragon boat experience, events you'd like to attend, and skill level too.

To view current postings, please visit our Paddler Postings page.

Win a free entry to the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

2010-02-10T15:12:38-04:00

One lucky team will win a free entry into the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival. In order for your team to qualify for the random draw, your team must be registered for the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge by February 28th. Teams registering now also qualify for the Early Bird rate--that's a savings of $200! Register for the Challenge today.

The Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is a three-day event where teams can enjoy a premier racing experience and a multitude of onsite activities and live entertainment in the beer garden.

Register to Win the Absolute Best Seats in the House

2010-02-10T11:57:39-04:00

Watch the races in style and luxury in your very own team lounge. This 20 x 20 tent is fully equipped with modern luxuries such as leather couches, lounge chairs, tables, fridge, and more.

Sponsored by Absolute Tent & Event Services, the Absolute Best Seats in the House is the perfect escape from a full day of racing. Teams eligible to win this unique experience must register for the GWN Challenge by March 31, 2010. Click here to register your team today!

New Event Added to 2010 MLDB Circuit

2010-01-29T13:56:11-04:00

An official announcement will be made in the next few weeks, and while you'll have to wait until then to learn the location of this new festival, we can disclose that it'll be the second US stop on the MLDB 2010 calendar!

For more MLDB information, click here.

Pre-Event Party in the works for Orlando

2010-01-28T16:19:28-04:00

The Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort on October 16, 2010. In the works for its third year is a pre-event Paddler Party--hang out with crew members and other paddlers the night before the big race. More details to come!

The event will also feature a newly improved Awards Ceremony and new host resorts. To find out what else will be new for the end-of-season celebration, click here.

Florida Training Camp Selling Fast

2010-01-25T14:00:52-04:00

Tired of the winter blues? Reserve your spot at the Florida Training Camp and start to prepare for a week of fun in the sun. Week 1 is selling fast and Week 2 is 85% sold-out. Don't miss your chance to get a leg up on your competitors and enjoy a week on the water in April. Register today!

Coaching Sessions Added to Melbourne Camp

2010-01-25T14:00:08-04:00

Back by popular demand, coaching courses will now be available to Melbourne camp participants. Offered by Dragon Boat Canada, instruction will follow the recently-developed coaching manual developed by Dragon Boat Canada. Participants will receive a manual and certification from Dragon Boat Canada for the course.

Click here for more info.

International Dragon Boat Festival hires GWN

2010-01-22T11:09:49-04:00

It was announced Thursday January 21, 2010 that the International Dragon Boat Festival is the proud recipient of a $35,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. This boost has enabled the festival to contract Great White North as the race producer and equipment provider for the 2010 Peterborough event attracting breast cancer survivor teams from around the world!

“We can rest easy and know we are in good hands and put on an absolutely super event for our visitors from across the world,” says Carol Mutton.

To read the full article, click here.

New for the 16th Annual GWN Dragon Boat Challenge

2010-01-21T16:37:15-04:00

The 16th Annual GWN Dragon Boat Challenge now offers your team ways to pimp out your team tent! Make your team tent the envy of the Athletes Village--rent ammenties such as fridges, leather sofas, and cots.

To find out what else is new for the 2010 GWN Challenge, click here.

New Exciting Features Added to Sport Regatta

2010-01-18T15:12:23-04:00

The ever popular GWN Sport Regatta returns to Marilyn Bell Park on July 17, 2010 with new features in tow. In addition to a PFD exemption, the 13th annual event will introduce a 2k race on a 250m course!

To find out what else is new for 2010, click here.

MLDB Reward Program: Race More, Save More!

2010-01-15T14:28:39-04:00

The MLDB Reward Program is a program created exclusively for teams registering for more than one GWN event--the more MLDB Events you participate in, the more you'll save on each event registration.

For MLDB savings information, click here.

Registration Open for MLDB Events

2010-01-14T15:25:06-04:00

Registration is now open for each Major League Dragon Boat event! Take advantage of Early Bird Rates by registering early.

End of Season Crew Rankings Posted

2009-11-11T12:51:26-04:00

The final set of crew rankings for 2009 have been posted. With over 700 crews ranked at festivals across North America, the MLDB Ranking System provides insight into the dragon boat scene.

To check out the rankings, click here.

Florida Training Camp Early Bird Registration Open

2009-11-11T12:48:22-04:00

Registration for the Florida Training Camp is now open. The camp is your opportunity to spend a week on the water before your competition starts paddling and learn from some of the most decorated coaches in North America. Save money by taking advantage of the early bird discount until December 15th, 2009.

Orlando Health to present Orlando event video!

2009-10-14T21:40:10-04:00

Convention News TV and Orlando Health have joined forces to produce and present a 5 minute video covering the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival at WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT. The video will be posted on the GWN website Saturday evening.

To check out the video, click here.

Orlando International DBF schedule posted!

2009-10-09T09:25:57-04:00

The 2009 Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival at WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT race schedule is posted

Click here to view.

Orlando After-Party to be held at Motion!

2009-08-26T16:03:23-04:00

The 2009 Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival Awards Ceremony and After Party will be held at Motion Nightclub. Located at Downtown Disney, the doors will open at 6:00PM with the awards starting at 6:30.

The Party is open to all ages and free to attend.

Current Prize Pool for GWN Challenge Announced

2009-08-24T11:46:08-04:00

The GWN Challenge Prize Pool has grown to over $10,000. Check out the lastest distribution here. GWN will work to upadate the current distribution as teams continue to register.

Win a 3-Month YMCA membership at the GWN Challenge

2009-08-12T11:41:01-04:00

Win a 3-Month membership to the YMCA at the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge by being the top individual fundraiser or win memberships for the whole team by being the top team. To download a pledge form now and start raising money, click here.

100m dash to be added to the GWN Challenge!

2009-08-10T16:25:01-04:00

Come check out the top 6 crews of each category: mixed, women, open as they sprint to the finish line on Sunday's race schedule. Cheer for your favourite crew! Better yet, enter your team today to vie for your spot in this crowd-pleasing mad dash to the finish!

MCCT Drag'n Angels on TV

2009-07-31T11:09:16-04:00

MCCT Drag'n Angels are featured on this weeks episode of the "Healthy Gourmet" which airs this Sat, Aug 1 at 7:30 pm and again on Sunday Aug 2 at 6:00 pm. (Channel 72 on Rogers)

Thanks to the Viva channel for promoting healthy eating and giving exposure to the great team sport of Dragon Boating.

Survivor Dragon Boat: IDBF vs. ICF

2009-07-23T12:21:18-04:00

Most of you know the story.

1995: ICF rejects dragon boat. IDBF grows dragon boat. ICF takes a second look. IDBF says “hands off”. ICF says “mind your own business, this is a canoe”. IDBF says “no it’s not and GAISF now says so”. ICF says “we don’t care, we’re still doing it”… 2009…. Blah, blah, blah…

As with most controversy involving sports organizations there is an initial and ongoing tendency to play nice, embrace diplomacy and take the high road. It is sports after all; warring human-kind’s passive substitute for hand to hand combat in the streets.

Neither side of this debate wishes to be cast as the evil doer; the aggressor. The problem with this path is that the debate and all its unproductive side effects will linger on indefinitely.

This entire issue has been and is currently about who can keep up the game the longest.

Which side can secure the necessary alliances political and otherwise – Outwit!

Which side can continue to feed (finance) their respective offensive and defensive posture – Outlast!

Which side can the keep up the pace of a seemingly endless stream of argumentative documents dealing with this issue – Outplay!

Outwit, Outlast, Outplay… yes it’s a game but at the end of it all it is the athletes who decide with their votes. Not with slips of paper in a jar but with your past and continued commitment to participate in IDBF world championship regattas and other affiliated international competitions.

In one month’s time Prague will be host to over 2200 international dragon boat competitors along with hundreds of supporters, officials and fans of dragon boat.
In 2011 Tampa Bay will host not only the 2011 IDBF World Championships/Nations Cup but also the first PanAm Club Crew Championships. It will be a 10 day super bowl of dragon boat delivered to you by a city that knows how to host super bowls.

From my vantage point it seems the votes are already in.
Survivor Dragon Boat: It certainly looks like we have a winner.

Mike Kerkmann

Final Prize Pool Distribution for GWN Sport Regatta Announced

2009-07-15T13:59:20-04:00

The final prize pool for each division at the GWN Sport Regatta has been posted. Teams are set to battle of $2500 in cash and over $5000 in prizes. For information, click here.

Sport Regatta to proceed as planned!

2009-07-07T20:43:02-04:00

At this time, working with the appropriate parties, the GWN Sport Regatta will continue as planned. We look forward to a tremendous day of racing at Marilyn Bell Park.

Much has been made of the re-match between 2 of top 3 teams in the country as they meet for the only time this season. Along with many of the top 10 teams set to race, the action will be exciting.

Sport Regatta set to be most competitive event of season

2009-07-07T20:35:12-04:00

With little over a week before the first stop on the MLDB Series calendar, crews are making final preparations to battle for bragging rights at what will likely be the most competitive field in North America in '09.

Orlando Early Bird End of Tuesday!

2009-06-26T10:07:22-04:00

Don't miss you chance to save and register for the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival before the end of June to save $250.

Big Changes in the June Rankings

2009-06-26T10:06:44-04:00

With hundreds of crews racing this month, many have made big moves in the rankings. As over 600 crews are now listed, it is believed that this is the largest and most comprehensive ranking system. While little has changed for the top 5 many have made big jumps. Most notably, the Wyeth Wyverns have moved up 62 spots from their performance at the Independance Day Regatta in Philly. Appearing for the first time, many west coast crews have moved into the top 20.

Florida teams climb up the rankings ladder

2009-05-13T11:25:01-04:00

Coming off a strong off-season, Florida based teams have raised the bar in southern USA. Results from Miami, Tampa and Florida Keys have helped move top teams up the ranking. With much North-South debate, many are calling for the definitive showdown at Disney in October.

Anthony Travel ready to help teams heading to Disney

2009-05-12T11:55:31-04:00

Anthony Travel has finalized exclusive pricing for the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival. Using Anthony Travel participants of the event can save on hotels, flights, park tickets and rental cars. For more information and assistance making your trip to the event and Walt Disney World Resort magical, click here.

Right to Play to recieve a poriton of proceeds from GWN Sport Regatta

2009-05-07T12:12:52-04:00

GWN Dragon Boat is pleased to announce that $5 will be donated to Right to Play for every participant registered in the GWN Sport Regatta. For more information on Right to Play go to www.righttoplay.com.

Save $150 on your entry fee to the Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival

2009-05-01T14:21:15-04:00

Register before the end of May and save $150 on your crew's entry to the Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival. Register today and save.

Missed the Early Bird Rate, click here to still save $100

2009-05-01T14:19:41-04:00

With a record number of teams taking advantage of the early bird, the 2009 edition of the GWNC is shaping up well. If your team missed the early bird, you can still save $100 with our staggered pricing by registering before the end of May.

Early Bird Ends Soon for GWN Challenge!

2009-04-23T13:25:25-04:00

The early bird discount for entry to the GWN Challenge ends April 30 at midnight. Don't miss your chance to save $200 and register today.

Follow GWN on Twitter

2009-04-13T16:30:25-04:00

Follow GWN Dragon Boat on Twitter. Get the latest news about your favorite events as they develop. www.twitter.com/GWNDragonBoat

Creemore Returns As Official Beer of GWN Challenge

2009-04-13T09:20:15-04:00

GWN is pleased to announce that Creemore Springs has signed on for the second year as the Official Beer of the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge. After receiving rave reviews about their beer at the 2008 event, Creemore couldn't miss the opportunity to provide their refreshing natural spring beer to 2009 participants.

Official Hotel Announced For GWN Dragon Boat Challenge

2009-03-27T13:07:08-04:00

GWN is pleased to be able to offer exclusive rates at two downtown Toronto hotels for the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge. The Super 8 Downtown and the Days Inn are offering dragon boat participants fantastic rates on rooms for the event weekend. To find out more, click here.

One Month left for the GWN Challenge Early Bird, Register Today!

2009-03-23T15:45:43-04:00

Save $200 by registering for the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge by the end of April. Registering has its benefits, as you receive first choice for practice and tent selection.