Juniors:  Building the Future of Dragon Boating

DragonBoat SA is committed to growing our junior program for paddlers aged 10 to 17. By creating clear pathways from junior through to youth, premier, and senior divisions, we aim to foster lifelong participation and strengthen the future of our association, clubs and the sport.

Dragon boating offers young people a unique opportunity to engage in a dynamic team sport where they are supported by role models across all ages and genders. It’s a welcoming, inclusive environment that promotes fitness, teamwork, and personal growth.

We invite families and young paddlers to explore the benefits of joining our junior teams and becoming part of a vibrant paddling community.

Benefits of Paddling

• Learn leadership & team building skills
• Improve your health, fitness and wellbeing
• Make new friends
• Balance & co-ordination
• Enjoy the outdoors and affinity with water
• Travel interstate & overseas
• Spirit of competitiveness
• Cultural education of dragon boat paddling and racing.

What fitness level is required?

All fitness levels are welcome.

Where is training?

DragonBoat SA’s facilities are located at Aquatic Reserve, Cnr Old Port & Bower Roads, West Lakes.  The entrance to the reserve is off Bower Road.

When is training?

You will be given access to an App which will keep you informed of training sessions and competitions.  All sessions are optional, there is no minimum training requirement, however, like anything the more you put into it, the more you will gain from it.

Dragonmites

Becoming a South Australian Dragonmite is a special recognition within the South Australian dragon boating community—it’s a title awarded to junior paddlers who represent the state in national-level competition. It’s not just a nickname; it’s a badge of honour that signals you’re part of the official South Australian junior representative squad.

• Selection for Team SA Juniors: You’ve been chosen to compete at the Australian Dragon Boat Championships or other national events as part of the state’s junior team.
• Commitment to training: Dragonmites usually undergo focused training sessions, often with high-performance coaches, to prepare for elite competition.
• Team culture and pride: The Dragonmites name fosters camaraderie, identity, and pride among young paddlers. It’s a way to build team spirit  and celebrate junior development.
• Pathway to elite sport: For many, it’s the first step toward long-term involvement in high-performance dragon boating, including senior state teams or AusDBF national squads.

What is the cost?

To join the Dragonmites is free once you are a member of an SA-based dragon boat club. Details of clubs with junior crews can be found on the DragonBoat SA website.

For more information

Contact:       John Holland | M: 0412 356 616  | E: johnholland@senet.com.au

DragonBoat SA promotes a fun, inclusive and safe environment for its Junior participants.