Training &
DevelopmentÂ
Our Training & Development resources are organized into two sections: "Athlete Development" and "Coach & Team Development". PDUSA supports every skill level: from first-time paddlers and newly forming teams to experienced athletes, coaches, and established programs. With a strong grassroots focus, we strive to provide practical tools to recruit new para-athletes, introduce more people to dragon boating, strengthen local teams, and grow the paradragon community nationwide.
Paddling Adaptations
Dragon boat equipment can be adapted to help para-athletes participate safely and effectively. Examples include one-arm paddling systems and modified seats. Because every paddler’s needs are different, adaptations should be tested and adjusted with input from the athlete and an experienced coach. For information about adaptive seating options, watch the video below and contact Adaptive Adventures. For one-arm paddle adapters, contact Dillenschneider Designs.Â
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Please note that PDUSA does not provide adaptive equipment at camps or races. Athletes are responsible for arranging and bringing any equipment they need.
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Featured Teams
Paradragon teams across the United States provide inclusive opportunities for athletes of all abilities to train, compete, and build community. Adaptive Fusion in Long Beach, California; Out of Sight Dragons in Washington, D.C.; and Warring Redi Dragons in South Carolina welcome para-athletes and support paddlers who share a passion for dragon boat racing. Visit their team pages to learn more about practices, membership, and ways to get involved.
Adaptive Adventures
Adaptive Adventures is a national nonprofit organization that provides inclusive outdoor sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families. Its adaptive dragon boat program brings athletes together to build paddling skills, confidence, fitness, and community while competing as part of Team Blue. Visit the Adaptive Adventures website to learn more about its dragon boat teams, programs, and upcoming opportunities.
USDBF & Team
USA Paradragons
The United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF) is the national governing body for the sport of dragon boat in the the United States and sends our National Team to the IDBF World Nations Championships. Visit the USDBF website to learn more about Team USA, its competitive divisions-including Team USA Paradragon
—and opportunities to represent the United States in international competitions.
Strength & Conditioning
Build the strength, power, mobility, and endurance needed for effective paddling. Explore our annual strength plan, paddle-specific exercise videos from Suzy Strazzulla (@PaddlerZoneFitness), and mobility resources from Coach Annely Thorstad of Paddle Performance Framework—all designed to support performance and help reduce the risk of injury.
Technique Resources
Improve paddling efficiency by identifying common technique issues that can reduce power during the stroke. The Tek Li Coaching (TLC) Water Leak Guide provides practical guidance to help athletes develop a stronger, more effective stroke. For more in-depth instruction, K2N Online Paddle School provides technique videos, training plans, video reviews, and personalized coaching from Robert Norman for paddlers and teams. Coach Annely Thorstad’s "The Science of Dragon Boat" series explores the mechanics, hydrology, equipment, and energy systems that influence paddling performance.
Athlete Development
PDUSA Training Camps
PDUSA clinics and training camps bring para-athletes, support paddlers, coaches, and teams together to build skills, strengthen teamwork, and share inclusive coaching practices. PDUSA coaches may also be available to conduct customized clinics or camps with teams at their own locations. Visit our Events page to explore upcoming opportunities or contact us to learn more about hosting a PDUSA training event.
Effective Interactions
Strong communication helps every athlete participate safely, confidently, and independently. PDUSA’s Universal Rules of Thumb for Respectful Interactions offers a practical framework centered on clarity, consent, privacy, dignity, and athlete autonomy. For teams that include people who are hard of hearing or deaf, the Drummer Signs Guide provides simplified, dragon boat-specific gestures adapted from ASL to communicate common commands during practices and racing.
Starting a Team
Starting a paradragon team begins with building an inclusive community, recruiting para-athletes and support paddlers, and securing qualified coaching, equipment, and a safe practice location. Explore practical tips developed by PDUSA, along with the Mad Dragon Foundation’s Kick-Start Clubs Program, which may provide eligible new clubs with equipment, coaching, maintenance, insurance, and other resources.
Coaching & Racing Guides
Access resources that support effective para-athlete coaching by addressing individual abilities, appropriate adaptations, safety, and performance. Explore the official IDBF coaching resource, practical guidance developed by PDUSA coaches, and the current IDBF Rules for Paradragon Racing, covering race categories, crew composition, equipment adaptations, and competition requirements.
