Dragon boat racing which originated in China over 2000 years ago became very popular in Portland 20 years ago with the Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races. Almost 100 local, national, and international teams compete with heats of four teams competing every nine minutes. These races are held on the Willamette River by the Hawthorne Bridge, in boats graciously provided through the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association. There are several clubs that practice regularly on the Willamette River near downtown Portland. Most allow you to try it out without cost.

Here some clubs and associations that will help you get plugged into the Portland Dragon Boat scene.

The Golden Dragons are a group of paddlers over 50 who practice Mon/Wed/Fri morning's year round.

Pink Phoenix is a team solely of Breast Cancer Survivors. 818 SW 3rd Ave #1207 Portland, OR 97204-240 (503) 294-6441

Wasabi Paddling Club

DragonSport USA has six Hong Kong-style practice boats moored at the River Place Marina for use by club members.

The Mighty Women Paddling Club is for men as well as women. They practice Tuesday - 7:30 p.m. (team dryland training: 6:40 p.m.), Thursday - 7:00 p.m. (team dry land training: 6:40 p.m.), and Saturday - 8:30 a.m. (team dry land training: 8:10 a.m.)

Blind Ambition is an Oregon recreational paddling club which was the first blind dragon boat team in America.

Portland Fire Dragons are members of DragonSports USA.

Pacific Dragon Boat Association

Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association

2010 Portland Dragon Boat Race