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the first dragon boat racing team in the san francisco bay area - established in 1996
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ABOUT US
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 For Free
Try out Dragon Boating for Free
Join our Meetup group to inquire and get notifications about an upcoming free lesson.
Currently, we are accepting free lessons by appointment only. Please email emmie@bayareadragons.org or contact us from our Facebook page.
Bay Area Dragons offer FREE dragon boat lessons on Saturdays in Foster City. We provide all necessary equipment including life jackets, paddles, boats, and expert coaching. A dragon boat is a 44 foot canoe that seats 20 paddlers.
We are located at the Foster City Boat Park (see address and directions below) close to the parking lot next to the dog park area.
All equipment is provided. Recommended for people age 13 - 50, with no underlying health conditions/concerns.
Youth athletes 13 years and older can join accompanied by a parent/guardian. We guarantee fun and a great workout!
Parking is Free
What is Dragon Boating?
A team of 22 people with 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersperson paddling in unison in a long canoe-like boat. Dragon Boat races are usually 500 meters in distance and 2-3 minutes long.
Who is Bay Area Dragons?
We were the first dragon boat club in the SF Bay Area founded in 1996. We love introducing the sport to people who have never paddled before! Time to get up from your desk and get your adrenaline rush!
Additional Information
Before stepping on our boats, you MUST read, fill out, and sign a waiver form.
If you are unable to fill out the online waiver, download the waiver form and turn in at the practice site.
Practice Location
Policy and Procedures – PLEASE READ!
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 formInitial 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.
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.
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.
Join Us
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.
Yearly Membership (2024 calendar year)
Adults: $185 ($160 for returning)
Students (up to undergraduate college): $140 ($120 for 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!
Team Building
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!
Contact Us
Our Practice Site
899 Bounty Dr
Foster City, CA 94404
Donate
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.