Be Part of Our Crew

Find Your Place in the Boat

Dragonheart Vermont is a lot of things: a dragon boat club, a breast cancer charity, a competitive racing team, a fitness community, a volunteer organization. But ask any member what keeps them coming back and the answer is simpler than all of that: the people.

This is a club where breast cancer survivors paddle alongside supporters, where beginners train next to national champions, and where showing up for each other is just what you do. There's a seat in the boat for you, whether you're here for the sport, the cause, the community or all three.

What Members Say

"For us it's about the bond — having a place where you can go and people you can be around and they get it. You don't have to say anything. You could just say, 'I need a hug today.' Some people drum, some people run — for us, it's paddle."

- Deb Loughlin, Dragonheart Vermont member

"The members of Dragonheart Vermont are incredibly caring and supportive individuals."

- Rene Saenger & Carol Subin, Dragonheart Vermont member

"I've gotten invited over for family dinners and spent holidays with members of the team. That level of social connection really made my experience here in Vermont what it has been — and it's been incredible."

- Zach, Dragonheart Vermont member

After moving to Burlington without knowing anyone, joining Dragonheart gave me an instant sense of community. From my first meeting, I was welcomed by a supportive, energetic group dedicated to both teamwork and giving back. Getting back on the water after years away reminded me how much I love the challenge and adrenaline of pushing my limits. Even in the off-season, Dragonheart keeps me motivated, active, and connected. It’s more than a team—it’s a community.

- Andrea Bresnahan

Join for only $25

Have you been curious about dragon boating but haven’t taken the plunge? Now is the perfect time to give it a try!

At the end of our paddling season, we offer $25 memberships to new members who want to experience the sport and see what Dragonheart Vermont is all about.

New members will join our Catch 22 group on Thursday evenings for an introduction to dragon boating, where you’ll learn the basics, meet some amazing people, and get out on the water with us.

We’ll keep paddling until the water gets too cold for safe practices—usually through the middle to end of September. And there’s a bonus: late-season paddles often come with beautiful sunsets over Lake Champlain.

Come give dragon boating a try—you might just find your new favorite way to spend a Thursday evening!

And remember: this is a year round club and joining now means that you can sign up for Off Season Training (OST) fitness classes exclusively offered by Vermont Fitness to to Dragonheart Members starting in the fall. Additional fee applies.

Join now

Volunteers at Hope Lodge gather for a photo

Dragonheart Vermont Gives Back

Being a Dragonheart member is about more than paddling. When the season ends and we’re off the water, our Membership Committee keeps the spirit of giving going by finding meaningful ways for our members to support our local community.

From hosting dinners at Hope Lodge and organizing toy drives to fundraising for organizations that support people affected by cancer, we’re proud to give our time, energy, and hearts to causes that matter.

These opportunities are a wonderful way to stay connected, make a difference, and carry the Dragonheart spirit with us all year long.

Want to see what we’re up to? Check out the full list of our community activities:

Dragonheart Gives Back

Group of women smiling and paddling in a canoe on a sunny day.

Your First Season on the Water

Dragon boating is a team sport built on rhythm, timing and trust. Twenty paddlers sit side by side in a 41-foot boat, stroking in unison to the beat of a drummer. It's a full-body workout — arms, core, back, legs — and it's one of the fastest-growing paddle sports in the world.

New members typically start on the Catch 22 crew, a mixed-gender team that currently practices Thursday nights. You'll learn technique from our coaching staff, build strength and endurance over the season, and find your place on the team at your own pace. Some members come for fitness and friendship. Others end up racing at nationals. Both are exactly right.

The club provides paddles, life jackets and seat pads. Just bring clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet. You can store your valuables in a locked shed at the docks while we're out on the water.

Become a Member

A group of people smiling while seated in a canoe on a calm body of water.

Corporate Team Building on the Water

Dragonheart Vermont offers hands-on team building training for businesses and organizations. Designed by experienced executives and managers, delivered on Lake Champlain in dragon boats.

The program is a 3–4 hour experience that uses dragon boating techniques to build real teamwork skills: communication, listening, self-awareness, cooperation, and creating a supportive work environment. Exercises happen both off and on the water, and everything ties back to concepts your team can take back to the office.

Training is offered from late May through September on the Burlington waterfront. Participants need no athletic ability. Just be mobile enough to get onto the docks and in and out of the boats with minimal assistance. Blind and deaf employees can be accommodated with advance notice. Come prepared to get warm and wet: sunscreen, hat, comfortable clothes, shoes that can get wet and a water bottle.

Cost: $5,000 for groups of 16–20 people.

Smaller and larger groups can be accommodated with a fee adjustment. Dragonheart Vermont provides trainers, boats, paddles and personal flotation devices.

Contact info@dragonheartvermont.org to reserve a date.