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Life on the Team

What It Looks Like From Inside the Boat

There's what we tell people about being on the team — and then there's what it actually looks like. The sunsets after practice. The high-five tunnel after races. The post-paddle drinks and the holiday parties and the Meal Trains when someone needs support. The breathing-too-hard-to-talk moments in the boat, and the getting-to-know-each-other moments on the road.

Photo Gallery

On and Off the Water

A group of diverse people smiles and poses together in a canoe on the water. A group of diverse women smiling while rowing together in a boat on calm waters. Silhouetted lighthouse at sunset, with a rowboat passing by. Group of friends cheerfully enjoying a meal together at a restaurant. Four people in a joyful group hug, smiling outdoors. Group of women in a dragon boat, ready to paddle at a marina under a blue sky. A man in a dragon-themed tank top gestures near a wooden booth. A joyful woman in athletic gear poses with a peace sign among a group of women. Rowers preparing on a dock beside a rowing boat and waterfront scenery. Four people kayaking on a lake with a wooded shoreline in the background. A group of people enjoying a potluck meal at a festive gathering. A large group poses with a A rowing team paddles on the water at sunset with boats and a dock in the background. Two people pose with a fun frame to celebrate 20 years, while another takes a photo. A group of smiling people in a dragon boat on a sunny day. Four people in dragon boat gear pose at a festival booth with promotional materials. A group of people in a canoe on calm waters, holding paddles under a blue sky. Group photo of individuals on a dock by the water, with boats in the foreground.

Race Days

A dragon boat team paddles in a race on calm water. Spectators watch from the shore. Dragon boat racers compete on a calm waterway with spectators and colorful tents nearby. A group of women in dragon boat attire celebrating by the water. A team of rowers in a dragon boat paddles on water during a competition. Group of people in chairs under colorful tents, engaged in conversation and relaxation. A cheering group of women in athletic gear celebrates at an event. Woman in a red athletic top holding a dessert, smiling under a tent at an outdoor event. A group of dragon boat team members gathered for a discussion before a race. Lanyards for the Pan American Club Crew Championships, Montreal 2025. Three women in matching red Person in a colorful outfit performs with a dragon costume at an outdoor event by the water. Rowers compete in dragon boats on a calm waterway, with markers along the shore.

The Festival

A woman smiles while holding a bubble wand at a lively outdoor event. Group of people in nautical attire posing together outdoors by a marina. Two women pose together in vibrant costumes at an outdoor event. A group of women in straw hats and colorful shirts singing together outdoors. Two smiling women in colorful attire, celebrating with rainbow accessories and face glitter. Table covered with trophies and medals, featuring blue ribbons. A group of women in colorful attire gathers, smiling and celebrating together. Banner reading

Member Voices

"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
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"I am 81 years old. It has been 31 years since I was diagnosed and successfully treated for breast cancer. It's joyful for me to pay it forward."
- Carol Subin, Dragonheart Vermont member
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"The members of Dragonheart Vermont are incredibly caring and supportive individuals."
- Rene Saenger, Dragonheart Vermont member
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"I don't want to stand on the side and be a spectator. I want to be part of it."
- Peggy Bushey, Dragonheart Vermont member
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"The beauty of it is it's a very inclusive sport."
- Ed Nasta, Dragonheart Vermont member
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"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
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Competition Highlights

The club has a reputation at regional and national events — recognized for our "sea of red" and our spirit, especially the high-five tunnel after races and the occasional dance to whatever music is playing at a festival.

But we also show up to win. Here's what our crews have accomplished:

National Championships

  • Sisters (BCS) — 5x U.S. National Champions

  • Fifty Force (Sr B Mixed) — 5x U.S. National Champions

  • Green Mountain Girls (Sr B Women's) — 4x U.S. National Champions

  • Quicksilver (Sr C Mixed) — 4x U.S. National Champions

  • Blazing Comets (Sr C Women's) — 3x U.S. National Champions

  • Fire (Premier Women's) — 2019 U.S. National Champions

  • Green Mountain Men (Open) — 2017 U.S. National Champions (Sr B)

World Championship Medals

Only our Sisters crew has medaled at the Club Crew World Championships — and they've done it four times:

  • Gold — Hong Kong, 2012

  • Silver — Hong Kong 2012, Szeged 2018, Sarasota 2022

  • Bronze — Ravenna, Italy, 2014

Team USA

Individual paddlers have been named to U.S. National Teams every year since 2015. A total of 18 different members have been selected to represent the country, across racing classes including Breast Cancer Paddlers, Senior B Women's, Senior B Open, Senior C Women's, and Senior C Open (Men's).

Our founding Head Coach, John Dyer, was selected as Coach for the Senior C Open class national team in 2015.

The Spirit of the Team

  • The high-five tunnel — after every race, crews form a tunnel and cheer each other through. It's become one of the club's signature moments at competitions.

  • The sea of red — at festivals and nationals, the sheer number of members in red jerseys makes an impression.

  • The flower ceremony — each year at the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival and at competitions around the world, survivors toss flowers from the boats in memory of those lost to breast cancer.

  • Post-practice traditions — teams share drinks, meals, and sunsets at the waterfront after practice. Holiday parties, Meal Trains, and travel bonding happen year-round.

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