Beginners Dragon Boat Session

The Suncoast Asian Cultural Association is hosting a Beginners Dragon Boat Session at the Tampa River Center on Saturday, October 24, from 9:45 AM to 11:15 AM. It's an introductory session on the waters of Tampa Bay, and the training is provided on the day, so you don't need any prior experience to get in a boat.

Dragon boating is a team sport, and that's where the appeal mostly lies. Each boat carries between ten and twenty paddlers, all working in unison, with a steersperson at the back guiding the way. Because of that, the session is as much a group workout as it is about learning synchronized strokes. You'll be paddling alongside a dozen or so other people, all timing your strokes to the same rhythm, which is a good way to get a workout in without it feeling like a solo grind. The session is open to everyone, from seasoned paddlers to complete newcomers, so you'll likely find yourself in a boat with a mix of levels.

The session is run by the Suncoast Asian Cultural Association, and they're active on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok if you want to see more of what they do. This isn't a one-off, either: the session repeats every other Saturday, though the schedule can vary, so if you enjoy it, there's a regular slot to come back to.

Logistically, it's a morning thing: Saturday, October 24, from 9:45 AM to 11:15 AM, about an hour and a half on the water. You'll meet at the Tampa River Center at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, specifically at the boathouse near the Laurel Street Bridge—look for the blue tables by the docks. The cost is $5, paid in cash or via Venmo to @SACA-GoldenDragons.