Paddles Up! Oakville Dragonflies
Make International Debut in Puerto Rico.
The 2025 festival marked a historic milestone for the Oakville Dragonflies, as they took their talents beyond Canadian borders for the first time. This groundbreaking International competition ignited a passion for global racing in the 10-member crew. Their pioneering spirit and determination have paved the way for others to follow in their wake, inspiring a new generation of paddlers to push beyond their limits.
“…where your feet take you, that is who you are.”
― Frederick Buechner
Puerto Rico Festival 2025
There's something special about turning ideas into plans and plans into action. For our crew, that meant discovering the vibrant Puerto Rico Dragon Boat Festival held on the Condado Lagoon in the capital city of San Juan. With months of training indoors in the paddle pool and gym and multiple meetings together to understand and manage logistics, we set out united in friendship and sport.
As paddlers from around the globe converged, the air was charged with excitement and anticipation. The festival was a unique blend of international competition, island charm, and stunning scenery.
With over 50 crews from Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, it was an unforgettable experience that combined high-energy racing with warm island hospitality.
As the only all-Canadian women's crew, we proudly represented our nation, sporting our flag and receiving admiration for our unique and colourful shirt design generously sponsored by Michelle Lindsay Photography.
Several months’ worth of training in the paddle pool paid off, and we were thrilled to earn Silver in the Women's B Division 200m final, finishing in 1:17.41 minutes. Out of 22 women's crews, this achievement was a testament to our dedication and teamwork.
Our crew was swept up in the rhythm of the drum during races, and at the closing ceremony we let loose to the infectious beats of live music and Caribbean vibes.
These Travel Jerseys Certainly Brought The Zest!
Our jersey design was imagined and executed by the creative duo of Elizabeth Pearse and Michelle Lindsay. They blended hand-drawn and computer-generated images to create a unique graphic design that truly captured the essence of our Puerto Rican adventure.
Straying from our traditional Oakville Dragonfly colours, they opted for a vibrant tropical palette of dancing waves that screamed island flair. The design featured a map on the back, highlighting our journey, and small Canadian and Puerto Rican flags on each sleeve, symbolizing our hospitality and cultures.
The lime slice on the front, initially inspired by a setting sun, beautifully complemented the large dragonfly and added to the tropical vibe.
The design was a huge hit, with many crews in Puerto Rico wanting to trade shirts with us. Although we
didn’t have extras to share, we’re already planning for the next time.
A huge shout out goes to Michelle Lindsay Photography for generously sponsoring this first edition travel jersey!
“In life and in sport, we paddle hard - young or old, rain or shine, in the heat or in the cold - to the finish line, because we are, all of us, in the same boat.”
