PaddleFest Dragon Boat Festival

RIVERSPORT’s PaddleFest Dragon Boat Festival happens annually during the Stars & Stripes River Festival held on the last Saturday in June. In 2023, it will be held Saturday, June 24.

PaddleFest will take place on Saturday, June 24, 1-10p. If you’re a paddler, come race under the stadium lights with us! If you’re a spectator, join us for the whole day of Stars & Stripes racing, adventures and family fun!

Compete in two categories:

 *   Recreational (1, 250-m flag catching race, $350)
 *   Competitive (250-m flag catching, 200-m sprint, 500-m race, $550)

The 200 & 500-meter races will be in 10-man boats, the 250-meter flag catching will be in a 20-man boat (14-paddlers, 1-flag catcher, 1-drummer)

Race registration is live and open at the link below:

Race registration includes all equipment, a steersman if requested and a team tent reserved space. Divisions will be made based on interest (men, women, co-ed, BCS), must have a minimum of three teams to be a separate division.

Recreational Teams
Forming a team for PaddleFest racing is easy and a great way to get on the water with family, friends or colleagues. Each PaddleFest registration includes a 90-minute practice under the supervision of a coach to prepare your team for an Oklahoma original, the 18-person 250m FlagCatcher. This event starts with an exciting 125m sprint to the flag, followed by a 180 degree turn to return to finish – first flag across the finish line wins! You choose your practice time slot, whatever day works best for your team of 18. This recreational event requires 16 paddlers, with at least 6 female paddlers per team, a flag catcher & one drummer. Registration is $350 and includes one 90-minute lesson, 250m FlagCatcher event entry, coaching and equipment.

Competitive Teams
Local, regional and national competitive dragon boat teams also race in 10-person Hong Kong style dragon boats over 500m and 200m as well as the 18-person 250m FlagCatcher.

PaddleFest competitive events include a coed (minimum 4 female paddlers) and an all women’s category. Additional categories may be offered to accommodate demand. All teams require 10 paddlers & one drummer to keep their team in sync.

This coed 250m FlagCatcher event requires 16-18 paddlers, with at least 6 female paddlers per team, a flag catcher & one drummer. Experienced steersman are provided; traveling teams are welcome to provide their own. Registration is $550 and includes the event entry fee for all three competitive events, a steerersman and equipment, plus a reserved space where you can place your team tent.

For paddlers traveling to Oklahoma City to race, special event rates are available at our partner hotels.

For more information on PaddleFest, email us!