We are the SF Bay Area Dragons (BAD), the founding world-class dragon boat racing team in the San Francisco Bay Area located in Foster City, CA (San Mateo County). Established in 1996, the Bay Area Dragon Boat Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing dragon boat activities with multiple racing teams. We have some of the most experienced dragon boat paddlers in Northern California.

We provide coaching, steering, team building events, and general support for the dragon boat community. Our organization is run by 100% volunteers. BAD is a member of the Pacific Dragon Boat Association (PDBA) and we have competed internationally representing the United States.

Visit our Facebook page to inquire about joining our practice and give dragon boating a try.

Try out Dragon Boating for Free

If you are unable to fill out the online waiver, download the waiver form and turn in at the practice site.

Practice Location

Driving Directions

Policy and Procedures – PLEASE READ!

1. Before stepping on our boats, you MUST read, fill out, and sign a waiver form.  Bring the signed waiver form to the practice site.
   Fill out the online waiver form (PREFERRED) or click here to download the waiver form

2. Initial practices with Bay Area Dragons are FREE (all equipment is provided). If you want to continue to paddle with us, you must become a full member.  Go to the Join Us section for information on becoming a member.

3. Practice rules:

   • Avoid making noise (e.g. yelling stroke counts) before 10 AM.

   • In the evening, finish practice before it gets dark.

   • Keep the dock and dock area clean.

   • Wear a personal floatation device (available at the practice, or you may use your own).

   • Avoid doing anything that can entice dogs to bark or jump in the water.

   • Keep away from houses known to have dogs that bark and paddle away if a dog starts barking.

   • Stay out of the main lagoon where the windsurfers are located.

   • Do not splash people onshore.

   • Finally, use common sense.

4. Unless otherwise noted, each paddler is responsible for paying for race fees, travel, and accommodations when participating in a dragon boat race tournament.
   Newcomers to dragon boat paddling are welcome to try out at no charge.  No experience is necessary and equipment is provided.  You probably want to bring drinking water and be aware that you are likely to be splashed with (salty) lagoon water.

Membership Information

Initial practices with Bay Area Dragons are FREE (all equipment is provided). We recommend becoming a member after trying out a few beginner practices and ask a coach if you are ready to attend the intermediate/advanced practices.

2025 Annual Membership (Jan - Dec)

• Membership:

  $185 new member to BAD

  $160 returning members (was a member in the past 2 years)

• Students (up to college only):

  $140 new to BAD

  $120 returning

Benefits of becoming a Member:

• Ability to attend Member/Advanced practices – typically on Tuesdays @ 6:30pm and Saturdays at 9:00am

• Ability to participate in dragon boat races and exclusive paddling boot camps

• Liability Insurance coverage

• Ability to reserve and paddle with the club-owned OC1 Outrigger canoes 7 days a week (Note: Available for active members who practice and race with BAD).

• Participate in exclusive member-only social events

• Help keep the club going so we can continue to offer free lessons and maintain the boats and equipment

• Support your local paddling community

• Stay healthy, get outdoors, meet fun new people, all for a cost much cheaper than your monthly gym membership!

We offer custom team-building events for companies and large groups! It's an affordable, fun, and unique experience for company departments doing offsite retreats or special events.

BAD has hosted exhilarating, memorable events for many organizations over the years, so don't miss out! It's your turn!

For team-building bookings, we provide everything -- the dragon boats, all the gear, and equipment you need! All you need to do is get your group together and show up for an amazing time on the water!

Please send us an email to chat about your event and we will answer all your questions.

We look forward to working with you to host your event!

Please Send an Email to: teambuilding@bayareadragons.org

Come have fun with Bay Area Dragons! Paddles Up!

Our Practice Site

899 Bounty Dr
Foster City, CA 94404

Bay Area Dragons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by 100% volunteer. Our Tax ID # (EIN) is 94-3308173.

Consider making a tax-deductible donation to us so we can continue to offer services to our local community.