colorful dragon boat with 23 person crew, racing
Rose Festival race in the BIG boats

The Golden Dragons PDX Dragon Boat Paddling Club is men and women, at least 50 years old, who paddle dragon boats for fun, fitness and friendship year-round on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. The club was founded in 1996 and currently has more than 160 members. We are an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

COVID Considerations

All paddlers must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Currently, wearing a mask is not required on the dock or while paddling, but is optional and an individual’s decision.

The Golden Dragons also enter teams of interested members in about two dozen dragon boat paddling competitions each year. We regularly compete in the Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race, other races from Tempe, AZ to Vancouver BC, as well as overseas.

Besides paddling and racing dragon boats, we also enjoy spontaneous and planned get-togethers for hiking, skiing, kayaking, food, birthdays, lectures, full moon paddles, biking, walks, holiday parties and other convivial activities. This is an awesome way to make new friends, stay in shape and enjoy yourself!