Laconia Dragon Boat Festival 2025
Lake Winnipesaukee
Laconia, New Hampshire
Dragon Boats are Coming Back 9/20/2025!
Get your teams together and come to Laconia’s 4th Dragon Boat Festival! Have fun and raise money for The Cure Starts Now to help find the cure for cancer.
We’ll gather at the NASWA Resort to have Dragon Boat races, a flower ceremony for loved ones touched by cancer, and fun for anyone racing or watching!
For more information go to LaconiaRotary.org.
What to Know About Dragon Boat Racing
Originating in China, dragon boat racing is a team sport consisting of a crew of up to fifty paddlers! Teams furiously paddle to the finish line, like any other race, and whichever boat crosses first wins. Our Lake Winnipesaukee version is a little more laid-back, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be competitive! This year’s Dragon Boat Festival will benefit Lakes Region Cancer Support Team, an affiliate of the cancer support community. We’re proud to show our support by hosting the “Awakening of the Dragons” Ceremony to kick off the festival.
Dragon boat racing is a little more complex than just a bunch of people paddling like mad. Each paddler must sync with their team, led by the rhythm of a vital member known as a drummer. There is also a “steer person” at the back of the boat responsible for maneuvering. Although no experience is necessary, you may want to build arm strength before taking on such a challenge. Teamwork is a crucial aspect of this unique sport. Boats compete at the same time, so coordination is paramount to success.
What is a Dragon Boat?? Glad you asked! A Dragon Boat is a 40 foot long, narrow canoe-like boat. The crew consists of 16 paddlers sitting two abreast, a drummer who sits a the head of the boat and beats out a paddling rhythm for the crew, and a steer-person at the rear of the boat. The steer-person will be a staff member from the 22 Dragon’s race coordination team.
Regardless of how young, old, big or little: once a paddler is in stroke, they are contributing to their team and get a perfect activity for friends and family.
Can I participate if I’ve never paddled a Dragon Boat Before?
Absolutely NO experience is needed to participate, and we provide the boats, paddles, life jackets, a time to practice and the race course. Participation is easy – create and register your team, designate a Captain.
What is the minimum age to participate?
12 years of age. People less than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
How many people do we need for a team and can we change who is paddling on our team for a race?
A team consists of 16 paddlers, 1 drummer, and a steersperson. (If your team does not have an experienced steersperson, we will provide one.) We recommend having a team roster of between 18-20 individuals, just in case there are any last minute changes in your team.
If an individual is listed on the team roster submitted, you can change who is paddling in any given race. You may not add individuals to your roster once it has been submitted when your team checks in on race day.
Who is running the race competition?
22Dragons, a company from Montreal, Canada provides the boats, all the necessary paddling, and safety equipment and will run the practices and the races. They are one of Canada’s largest dragon boat racing clubs, and with 22Dragons USA Inc, North America’s leading dragon boat racing event service providers.
How long is the racecourse?
The racecourse will be approximately 200 meters (about two football fields) in length. It will take about one to two minutes to complete a race.
Will we have a chance to practice paddling and working as a team with a dragon boat?
Yes! If your team does not paddle a dragon boat regularly, your team can participate in a racing “how-to” seminar and up to one hour of practice during the week of the festival with a 22Dragons Coach. After your team registers, your Captain will be informed of your practice date and time (which will be on the Festival week on Thursday or Friday in the afternoon or early evening). You should try to have all your team members attend.
Who steers the boat?
Good question – Teams do not need to worry about steering. Unless you have a very experienced steersperson a 22Dragons Staff Member will be on each racing boat to do the steering. Your team will handle the paddling and drumming!
How many times do we race?
Each team will race a minimum of three (3) times.
How long is the racing day?
Racing will take place from 8 am to approximately 1or 2 pm. There will be a late-morning break.
Will there be food and beverages available?
Food and drinks can be purchased from the NASWA Resort. Teams are welcome to bring pop-up tents, blankets, and chairs to make themselves comfortable! Please refrain from bringing food or drinks as the spectator area will have food and beverages available.
Is there parking?
Yes. Team members can park at NASWA. Other people can park at the Weirs Community Center, 25 Lucerne Ave, Laconia, NH. Bar Hoppa will provide shuttle service from WCS to the NASWA or you can walk there in about 10 minutes.
Where is a good place to stay overnight?
The NASWA Resort is offering team members 15% off for 2-night stay with code DRAGON. Call for reservations 888-55-NASWA and tell them you are with the Dragon Boat Festival.
AMENITIES
With outstanding amenities, a central Laconia location, and the perfect room for every guest, The NASWA Resort is the perfect place for your summer vacation. We are located directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, boast the largest private sandy beach on the lake, and offer free boat slips for our guests.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We are always adding to our events calendar to make every stay special. Join us for fun theme events, like our Mardi Gras Weekend, our legendary birthday celebration, Parrothead Weekend, and Reggae Fest. There is an event for guests of all ages to enjoy at The NASWA Resort.
BLUE BISTRO
The Blue Bistro offers Brilliantly Crafted Cuisine to our guests and visitors of the Lakes Region. Join us for delicious dining and delightful views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
BOOK YOUR STAY
There’s plenty to do all summer long, and plenty of memories to take home with you. Start making them now – your summer stay is a click away. Book your summer stay on our website now for the best price and experience.
