Syracuse Inner Harbor Fest

Dragon boat racing is a fun-filled, adrenaline pumping water sport activity.

Teams compete in Dragon Boats (provided by 22 Dragons), which are large canoe-like vessels crafted with ornately carved dragon’s heads and tails.

Crews of 10 to 20 people max and 1 drummer sit in pairs and paddle to compete in races over distances of around 180m (200 yards). Each boat has a drummer beating time to keep the paddlers in unison, and a professional helmsperson in the stern to guide the boat. Minimum age for paddlers is 12, anyone under 16 years of age needs to be with a parent or guardian in the boat.

Each team can participate in a racing how-to seminar and a 1-hour practice during the week leading up to the race. Each team will be assigned a 1-hour practice time on one of the three designated practice days. During this session, you and your fellow paddlers will learn the technique needed for dragon boat racing and prepare you for race day.

Here is a short clip about Dragon Boat Racing:

22Dragons Start a Dragon Boat Team – YouTube

How can I participate? JOIN A TEAM: The 2023 Syracuse Inner Harbor Dragon Boat Festival offers a day of great fun and team building for novice or intermediate community teams, as well as an opportunity for competitive sport teams to compete.

BECOME A SPONSOR: Increase company exposure to hundreds of event participants and spectators of all ages and help raise money for Clear Path for Veterans. See detailed information in the Sponsorship Package.

VOLUNTEER: Our volunteers are critical to running a seamless event to ensure all participants have the best experience possible. Please email mlynch@corcompanies.com to let us know if you’re interested.

BE A SPECTATOR (FREE): We encourage the local community to join us for a fun-filled day of dragon boat racing and entertainment in support of Clear Path for Veterans.

VENDORS ARE WELCOME: Whether an organization, food vendor, or independent business, we encourage vendors to participate so they can help build their brand while supporting the event. Please email mlynch@corcompanies.com to let us know if you’re interested.