Join the Club
Dragonheart Vermont is a dragon boat club for breast cancer survivors, supporters, and anyone who wants to paddle. Competitive racers and people who want to stay active outdoors with like-minded company share the same boat, the same lake, and the same summer evenings — and they all give back to the community together.
We have over 200 members across 10 teams, and we welcome new paddlers of all ages, genders, and experience levels. You don't need to have paddled before. You just need to be at least 14 years old.
What Membership Includes
When you join Dragonheart Vermont, you get:
- On-water practices on Lake Champlain from May through September
- Coaching from our staff led by Head Coach Brett Haug
- Discounted entry to race at regional, national and international competitions
- Off-season training from November through April (additional fee)
- A community that shows up for each other year-round
You also become part of the club's volunteer and fundraising efforts — including the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival, our largest annual event and the engine behind our community giving.
Membership Types & Costs
Annual membership runs January 1 through December 31
Breast Cancer Member — For breast cancer survivors who plan to paddle at practices. $100/year. Membership is free for those survivors classified with advanced (Stage 4) breast cancer.
Standard Paddler — For supporters and community members who plan to paddle at practices. $300/year
Youth / Student — For paddlers aged 14–24 who are enrolled in school. $25/year
Non-Paddler — For people who want to stay connected to the Dragonheart Vermont community without paddling. You can upgrade to a paddling membership at any time. $100/year
Associate Paddler — For members of another dragon boat team who compete with Dragonheart Vermont at national or international events when their primary team is not participating. $150/year
Sisters for Life — An alumnae group for breast cancer survivor paddlers who are no longer actively paddling with Dragonheart Vermont. $10
What to Expect as a New Member
New Member Meetings
Dragonheart Vermont hosts meetings throughout the year for new and prospective members. It's the best way to learn about the club, ask questions, and meet people before you get on the water.
2026 New & Prospective Member Meeting:
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October 7 — In person at FUMC, South Burlington (6:00 PM) Register Here
Your First Practices
Most new paddlers start on the Catch 22 crew, which currently practices Thursday nights. You'll learn technique, get comfortable in the boat, and find your rhythm with the team. The club provides paddles, PFDs (life jackets), and seat pads. Just show up in clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet.
Practices run weeknights from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Dyer Docks (20 Lake Street, Burlington). Parking near the waterfront can be tight. Arrive early. Free parking is available after 5:00 PM at the Merrill Lynch lot, and metered spots are nearby (the ParkMobile app helps).
Beyond Paddling Season
The club doesn't shut down in the fall. Off-season training runs November through mid-May at Faith United Methodist Church in South Burlington, led by Vermont Fitness (Head Coach Brett Haug's program). Sessions are tailored to dragon boat fitness and are exclusive to members.
There are also all-membership meetings, volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and community service projects throughout the year. Dragonheart Vermont is a year-round community: paddling season is just the part that happens on the water.
Ready to Join?
Questions? Email us at info@dragonheartvermont.org or come to a new member meeting — we'd love to meet you.