Welcome to the Oakville Dragonflies, Dragon Boat Club. We’re a women’s team based in Oakville, Ontario, built around community, teamwork, and a shared love of paddling.
Whether you’re brand new to the sport or looking to compete, there’s a seat in the boat for you. With three teams for different experience levels, it’s easy to get involved. Come join us on the water and see what dragon boating is all about.
One Boat. One Beat.
More than a team, we’re a community built on connection, commitment and a shared love of the sport. Our Mission, Values, Vision and Goals shape how we show up - for one another, for our community and every time we take to the water.
Our Mission
One Boat. One Beat. Stronger Together.
We paddle with heart, compete with courage, and we lift one another up - on the water, in our community, and in life.
Our Values
Connection. Commitment. Community.
We value the strength of every individual and the power of the crew. We show up for one another, paddle with purpose, compete with integrity, and celebrate the journey as much as the finish line.
Our Vision
Strong Women. Strong Community.
We envision a community where Dragon Boat is about more than racing - it’s a place to connect, belong, challenge ourselves and lift one another up.
Our Goals
Strong Crew. Big Impact
We strive to continually improve - as paddlers, teammates and people. We aim to compete with integrity, celebrate every achievement and show up for our community.
FAQs
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Dragon boat is a team paddling sport with roots stretching back more than 2,000 years in China. The modern sport made its Canadian debut at Expo 86 in Vancouver, when dragon boats from Hong Kong were brought to False Creek for exhibition races.
A standard competition boat carries 22 people: 20 paddlers, a drummer who sets the rhythm, and a steersperson who guides the boat.
Races are short, fast and surprisingly intense. Getting 20 paddlers moving in precise rhythm takes technique, timing and plenty of teamwork - and once the boat gets moving, there’s nothing quite like it.
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The Dragon Boat season officially begins in May 2027. Although all 3 of our teams will be on the water by the first week in May, the duration of the season differs from team to team, with some of our paddlers paddling until early October. We also offer the opportunity to our paddlers to take part in poolside paddling throughout the cold winter months to keep up their technique and fitness.
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It is not necessary to purchase a lifejacket and a paddle if you are just starting out with Dragon Boat as everything you will need to keep you safe and well equipped is supplied by the club. However, should you decide to continue paddling longterm, it is recommended that you purchase a blue lifejacket that matches with the official Oakville Dragonflies team kit. Inflatable PFDs worn around the waist are also permitted.
Should you ever wish to purchase your own paddle, please familiarise yourself with what is permitted by the IDBF (International Dragon Boat Federation). These paddles are largely available for purchase at festivals throughout Ontario. It is recommended to have your paddle sized for you as it is not a case of one size fits all. -
Our teams take part in many different festivals throughout the season. The number of festivals will vary depending on each respective crew. Festivals are a great way to put into practice what we have learned throughout the season and to showcase our strength and unity as a crew.
We also have several paddlers taking part in festivals further afield. In recent times we have had crews take part in The Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival and we also have a 10 person crew that took part in an International Festival in Puerto Rico (2025) where they won a silver medal. We currently have a team with their sights set on competing in Puerto Rico, 2026! -
It's a watersport, you're going to get wet. Even if it rains, you will find us out on the creek practicing our hearts out. The only time that practice will be cancelled is if there is lightning or the conditions are unsafe. Our coaches are experienced and knowledgeable and will never put us in harm's way. You will be notified of any changes and missed sessions due to inclement weather are generally made-up afterwards.
2027
Spring Season
A quick note for our eager future Dragonflies!
We love your enthusiasm - honestly, we’re excited that you’re excited! That said, we’re still in the middle of wrapping up our 2026 season, so we’re not quite ready to release all the details for Spring 2027 just yet. There are still a few paddles to put away, a few more dragons to slay and the finer details to iron out!
In the meantime, please fill out the form below. It will give us a better idea of your experience, what you’re looking for and any questions that you may have. We’ll keep your information on hand and will be in touch well before the start of the 2027 season with more information and to let you know where you stand.
So, you’re not being put on hold - we’re just making sure that we have the right information before we set anything in motion.
Thank you for your patience, and even more so, for your enthusiasm. We can’t wait to see what 2027 brings! - Team Captains
Meet Our Team Captains
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Julie van Hemelryck
Thursday Evening - Festival Crew / Experienced
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Elizabeth Pearse
Wednesday Evening - Festival Crew / Intermediate
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Michelle Lindsay-Orsi
Tuesday Evening - Technique / Extra Practice Crew
“Dragon boat races are not won by the strength of the arms, but by the unity of the hearts.”
— Chinese Proverb
Something Epic Is On The Horizon
The Oakville Dragonflies are heading west for an adventure bigger, bolder and wetter than ever!
Vancouver - June 25 - 27, 2027
Stay tuned … the adventure starts here!
“A true team player
wants the same amount of light
to shine on everyone.”
— unknown
Sponsorship.
Hey Oakville Businesses!
We’re the Oakville Dragonflies, your local community-based Dragon Boat crew, and we’re reaching out to invite you to be part of something awesome. Our team is all about connection - both on the water and with the people who make Oakville special, like you! Supporting local isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s what keeps our paddling community strong and thriving.
By sponsoring our team, you’re not just helping us across the water - you’re getting your name out there too! With exposure at local and regional races, your brand will be seen by a wide audience. Plus, your logo will look fantastic on our training jerseys, banners or tents. (Talk about visibility!) It’s a great way to show that you’re invested in our community, and let’s be honest, it’s also a pretty cool sport to be a part of.
So, if you’re ready to partner alongside us, we’d love to chat about how we can support each other. Let's do this together! One Boat, One Beat!
Want to see what we’ve been up to? Follow us on Instagram!
