World Beat Dragon Boat Club
Join the World Beat Dragon Boat Paddling Club.
Paddles up! The World Beat Dragon Boat Club is accepting new paddlers, no experience necessary. It is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Willamette River, get a great workout and meet some really fun people.
If you'd like to join a team, or just want to go out and test the waters (sorry), we'd be happy to have you! You do not need to be a member of an existing team to join. Individuals are welcome, and we’ll assign you to a team based on your availability and team need. There are two seasons: Spring (April-June) and Summer (July-Sept). Hope to see you on the water!
If you are interested in starting your own team or joining an existing team, contact our office at 503.581.2004 or dragon@salemmulticultural.org.
You can attend 2 practices at no charge to try it out and see if it is something you want to commit to. Teams meet at the Riverfront dock, by the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler; you will want to arrive 15 minutes early so the boat can leave on time.
The club provides paddles to use while you are practicing and has a few PFDs to borrow. You will want to wear clothing that is comfortable for the current temperature and that can get wet. For your safety, flip flops are not allowed on the boat. Please bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for protection. It is easy to get sunburn with the sun reflecting off the water - even on overcast days.
The cost is $35 annual club dues, plus a $30 per month practice fee. Typically, the teams practice for two 3-month seasons, but may start practice a month early or practice a month later. There may be other related costs for team shirts, additional races (that your team may decide to participate in) and as in any sport, you may decide to purchase your own equipment - such as a paddle, PFD, gloves, water shoes, etc. as you become more engaged in the sport. Your Dragon Boat Team Captain can provide team-specific information.
The resources below have information on what to expect from paddling with a club. If you're ready to start, please fill out the waiver and bring it to your first practice.
Looking for information specifically about the World Beat Festival Races? Click here!
2024 Practice Schedule
Sunday - 5:00pm
Thursday - 6:00pm
We are a new mixed team just getting started. We welcome all paddlers, new and seasoned alike. All skill levels are welcome! Our goal is to challenge ourselves physically and mentally as we go for gold!
Contact us or more information:
2024 Practice Schedule
Sunday - 5:00pm
Tuesday - 6:00pm
Thursday - 6:00pm
Saturday - 9:00am
The Angry Unicorns are a magical and tenacious group of women who joined together to form the Salem Multicultural Institute's first dragon boat team. Established in 2010 in the state's capitol, the team began as "Salem Mixed Up", but changed their name to reflect the 'little bit of magic' that happens when you bring a dynamic and diverse group of women together to paddle with persistence, determination, and enthusiasm. Dedicated to each other and to our community, we paddle for fun and fitness. Unicorns are said to be uncatchable....watch out, because we paddle like we stole it!
A-U, we're golden, baby!
We also welcome men as we build a new mixed team!
Contact us for more information:
2024 Practice Schedule:
Wednesday - 6:00pm
Saturday - 9:00am
The Highland Roosters are one wild and cocky bunch; a flock of fun-loving, kilt-wearing, cock-a-doodle-dooing paddlers out of Salem, Oregon - though we all wish we were from the Scottish Highlands. Over the last 12 years, you may have heard of us. Perhaps it was the volume of our laughter, the bagpipes marching ahead of us as we marshal for races, or the infamous legend of the beer garden dance offs. Or maybe you've heard the most recent rumor that we like to take our competitor's callers hostage mid-race. But truly, our legacy is fun. We exist to have fun, and we've found that it's really fun to win!
Contact the Roosters for more information:
Find more info at:
2024 Practice Schedule:
Tuesday - 7:00pm
Thursday - 7:00pm
Saturday - 8:00am
We are a new team of women paddlers looking for kind, fun competition. We chose the name Jade Dragons due to the representation of good luck, friendship, peace, and harmony. If you are interested in trying out dragon boating come checkout our team, we'd love to have you!
Please Contact Becky or Courtney for more information:
2024 Practice Schedule:
Monday - 6:00pm
Thursday - 6:00pm
Sunday - TBD
The Willamette River Dragons are an experienced, strong, motivated, and passionate group of women who LOVE and LIVE to paddle! If there is a chance to get on the water, we take it! The Willamette River Dragons like to travel, near and far, to participate in competitions.
We can be found year round on the Willamette River practicing for races, bird and wildlife watching, and picking up trash for the beautification of our Salem Community.
For more information contact Maggie:
WillametteRiverDragons@gmail.com