Recreational Teams
Dragon Boating can be a great workout and even better social activity. Grand Masters Club includes five recreational team. These teams focus on fun and good workouts on the Villages 3 lakes. While not as intense as the four competitive teams, these teams bring their own focus and are often good ways to learn how to paddle. New paddlers can learn more about each team by clicking on their name and contacting their Captain. You can also contact Grand Masters directly who can help you understand which team fits best your needs.
Dragonboat rules are managed at a global level by IDBF (International Dragon Boat Federation https://www.dragonboat.sport/). Under IDBF is the US Dragon Boat Federation (https://www.usdbf.org/) which provides rules and procedures and also hosts race events, camps and training in the US. The Recreational Teams sometimes races in community-style where there are often no age classifications. Grand Masters is a member of the USDBF and specifically under the Southeast Region Dragon Boat Association (https://www.srdba.org/).
Each recreational team manages its own schedule, due and practices. Grand Masters manages the 9 boats in the Villages and makes them available to the teams. Safety, scheduling, maintenance, insurance and overall logistics are managed by the Grand Masters.
Sunset Island Dragons
SUNSET DRAGONS Sunset Island Dragons is a year around non-racing dragon boat team focused on strongpaddling and great camaraderie. We’re made up of experienced paddlers—some retired fromracing, some active racers looking for extra water time—who want challenging, purposefulpractices with plenty of fun mixed in. We occasionally welcome newcomers who want to try dragon boating, help…
Dirty Dozen
THE DIRTY DOZEN The Dirty Dozen Team is a non competitive co-ed team made up of experienced paddlers. On water sessions take place on Monday and Friday at 8:00am on Lake Sumter all year round. If you are interested contact: Steve Printz at 641-780-6388 or email: scprintz@hotmail.com Accepting new paddlers: YES Accepting…
This Boat Rocks
This Boat Rocks Created in 2012 as a fun and exercise boat for those wanting the physical fitness that comes with paddling a dragonboat but weren’t sure that they wanted to race on a regular basis, This Boat Rocks continues to provide a fun workout on the water several times a week all-year round. We…
Village Dragons
The Village Dragons is the only seasonal team in The Villages. Its season is December to early May, which makes it perfect for snowbirds and year-round residents looking for exercise but not a yearlong commitment. This is a coed team that always is looking for paddlers willing to train three times a week. Members participate…
Paddling Patriots
Paddling Patriots is a co-ed dragon boat race team. Our motto is “Fun, Fitness and Friendship”. Our emphasis is to stay fit and have fun while doing it. Paddling includes all aspects of exercise…cardio, strength, flexibility and core! Come and challenge yourself with one of the best “cross training” exercises you can do! We meet…