Paddling Announcements

Paddling cancelled for Wednesday March 6, 2024. Temps still at 32 degrees at 9 AM which violates the criteria.

-Normal paddling every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9am, except as noted above. See details in text below.

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.

Any one new to paddling, at least 14 years old (minors accompanied by guardians), is welcome to paddle with us for three free sessions. Any current DragonSports USA (DSUSA) member is welcome to pay DSUSA Open Practice fees and paddle with us as often as they wish.  All paddlers, new or returning for the first time since the start of the pandemic, must pre-arrange their first paddling session (sign a waiver for DSUSA and one for GD).  See Paddle with us.

We practice Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 – 10 AM year-round, despite rain, heat or holidays (except during unsafe conditions announced above on this page). We start at the North Dock of Riverplace Marina (see About).

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!