World Beat Dragon Boat Club
Join the World Beat Dragon Boat Paddling Club.
Paddles up! The World Beat Dragon Boat Club is accepting new paddlers, no experience necessary. It is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Willamette River, get a great workout and meet some really fun people.
If you'd like to join a team, or just want to go out and test the waters (sorry), we'd be happy to have you! You do not need to be a member of an existing team to join. Individuals are welcome, and we’ll assign you to a team based on your availability and team need. There are two seasons: Spring (April-June) and Summer (July-Sept). Hope to see you on the water!
If you are interested in starting your own team or joining an existing team, contact our office at 503.581.2004 or dragon@salemmulticultural.org.
You can attend 2 practices at no charge to try it out and see if it is something you want to commit to. Teams meet at the Riverfront dock, by the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler; you will want to arrive 15 minutes early so the boat can leave on time.
The club provides paddles to use while you are practicing and has a few PFDs to borrow. You will want to wear clothing that is comfortable for the current temperature and that can get wet. For your safety, flip flops are not allowed on the boat. Please bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for protection. It is easy to get sunburn with the sun reflecting off the water - even on overcast days.
The cost is $30 annual club dues, plus a $30 per month practice fee. Typically, the teams practice for two 3-month seasons, but may start practice a month early or practice a month later. There may be other related costs for team shirts, additional races (that your team may decide to participate in) and as in any sport, you may decide to purchase your own equipment - such as a paddle, PFD, gloves, water shoes, etc. as you become more engaged in the sport. Your Dragon Boat Team Captain can provide team-specific information.
The resources below have information on what to expect from paddling with a club. If you're ready to start, please fill out the waiver and bring it to your first practice.
Looking for information specifically about the World Beat Festival Races? Click here!
2022 Practice Schedule
Sunday, 5:00 PM
Tuesday, 6:00 PM
Thursday, 7:00 PM
The Angry Unicorns are a magical and tenacious group of women who joined together to form the Salem Multicultural Institute's first dragon boat team. Established in 2010 in the state's capitol, the team began as "Salem Mixed Up", but changed their name to reflect the 'little bit of magic' that happens when you bring a dynamic and diverse group of women together to paddle with persistence, determination, and enthusiasm. Dedicated to each other and to our community, we paddle for fun and fitness. Unicorns are said to be uncatchable...watch out, because we paddle like we stole it!
A-U, we're golden, baby!
We also welcome men for practice paddles during the off season.
For more information contact us on:
2022 Practice Schedule:
Wednesday, 6:00 PM
Saturday, 9:00 AM
The Highland Roosters are one wild and cocky bunch; a flock of fun-loving, kilt-wearing, cock-a-doodle-dooing paddlers out of Salem, Oregon - though we all wish we were from the Scottish Highlands. Over the last 12 years, you may have heard of us. Perhaps it was the volume of our laughter, the bagpipes marching ahead of us as we marshal for races, or the infamous legend of the beer garden dance offs. Or maybe you've heard the most recent rumor that we like to take our competitor's callers hostage mid-race. But truly, our legacy is fun. We exist to have fun, and we've found that it's really fun to win!
Find more info at
2022 Practice Schedule:
Monday, 6:00PM
The Queens Dragon Riders is Salem, Oregon’s first recreational Dragon Boat team. It was founded in 2005. We have been a competitive mixed paddling team formed in the spirit of comradery, hard work, fun and paddling as one. Currently we are a women's team. Our practices focus on technique, speed, endurance and power while maintaining synchronization to move our boat forward as efficiently as possible. We have a core group of experienced members and ALWAYS welcome new paddlers who are looking for a fun and competitive experience. We are QDR.
We are mana (strong).
For more info contact us at:
Tessa
2022 Practice Schedule
Monday, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, 7:00 PM
Saturday, 7:45 AM
We are a high energy, competitive women's team. Our paddling technique focuses on efficiency and speed. As a team, we build community, camaraderie, and cohesiveness amongst ourselves and with the teams we will be networking. We welcome all paddlers, new and seasoned alike. All skill levels are welcome! Our goal is to challenge ourselves physically and mentally as we go for the gold!
For more information contact us:
Via Text at 971-301-4023
2022 Practice Schedule:
Sunday, 6:00 PM
Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Thursday, 6:00 PM
Our team formed in the spring of 2015 with a handful of cancer survivors and has grown to over 25 members. Many of our dedicated teammates are Survivor Support persons. We honor that role & have a few paddling with the team.
The Unsinkables are an outgoing group of women who paddle for health, healing and hope. We enjoy being out in nature and using our bodies in a new, empowering way. In additon to dragon boating, our team enjoys getting together to enjoy other activities or going for a bite to eat, especially tacos.
We attend several races every year. We have participated in International competition three years running! Knowing individuals have had previous and continued health challenges, the team works to implement new paddling techniques that are designed to be competitive and safer for our joints, tendons, and muscles.
Our team culture is inviting, inclusive, and supportive. We come in all ages, sizes, shapes, and physical fitness levels. Many of our members are considered masters (age 50+) and grand masters (age 60+) therefore we also race in those specialty divisions.
For more info contact us at: