SDDBT is a Non Profit 501(c)(3) organization
Welcome to the San Diego Dragon Boat Team (SDDBT) website! SDDBT is rooted in a proud tradition that began in 1983, when Singapore presented three dragon boats to “America’s Finest City.” Since that time, our 501(c)(3) has paddled forward with a mission to promote and preserve the sport and culture of dragon boating in the San Diego community.
During that process, SDDBT has amassed an impressive history of paddling success during competitions at local, regional, national and international levels.
SDDBT is comprised of some 70 men and women athletes from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Our crews include educators, engineers, attorneys, emergency room nurses, graphic designers, a realtor, travel writer and even a judge.
Many of our members have also garnered success in outrigger paddling, rowing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, triathlons and other moderate to extreme sports.
SDDBT expanded beyond Open, Women’s and Mixed crews by adding affiliate crews representing Team Survivor Sea Dragons and University of California San Diego Surf Dragons.
While proud of our past accomplishments, SDDBT remains inspired by what should be an exciting, productive future in promoting and participating in the sport of dragon boating that we all live for and love.
Year of the Dragon
Leaping through the gate, the dragon soars into the sky. The Year of the Dragon is a chance to make bold moves with dynamic results.
Also known as Loong, the Dragon is the fifth of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. 2024 is a year of the Dragon, starting from February 10, 2024 (Chinese New Year) and ending on January 28, 2025 (Chinese New Year’s Eve).
The Dragon symbolizes power, nobleness, honor, luck and success in traditional Chinese culture. The Dragon is a supernatural being with no parallel for talent and excellence.
The luckiest Chinese zodiac signs in 2024 are Monkeys, Roosters and Pigs. Not so fortunate are Rabbits, Goats and Dogs. Dragons’s fortunes will be influenced by “opposition to Tai Sui.”
During this Year of the Dragon, SDDBT is collaborating with the San Diego Chinese History Museum (SDCHM) to share an exhibit focusing on the Chinese poet, Li Sao. Dragon boats and paddling in dragon boats were part of Li Sao’s story, created by his villagers to discourage marine life from devouring Li Sao after he drowned himself in the river in protest of the emperor’s decisions. Li Sao chose the path of a martyr instead
of an insurrectionist.
This colorful, insightful SDDBT and SDCHM exhibit will be displayed at the museum from March 29-Aug. 25, 2024.
Among the items revealing the history of dragon boating in San Diego are a dragon boat head/tail/drum/chair, vintage-to-current paddles and team/race jerseys revealing the evolution of this ancient Chinese sport in “America’s Finest City.”
SDCHM will promote SDDBT in this exhibit as well. The concept is to share that San Diego is home to a vibrant Chinese cultural community which can be witnessed through the sport and racing of dragon boats.
Visit sdchm.org to learn about walking tours and Year of the Dragon storytelling events.
