44 Teams Competing for Glory!
44
Why they do it
Forty-four teams and nearly 1,000 paddlers are coming together to raise funds for Dragon Boat Charleston's mission programs, nourishing the minds, bodies, and spirits of lowcountry cancer survivors. Team registration fees offset the cost of the festival, and it's the fundraising that supports our mission!
FAQs are updated as needed. Please check back to ensure you've got the latest info!
REGISTRATION and PARTICIPATION
1How do I register?
To join or create a team, go to the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival 2025 home page.
2What does it cost to participate in the festival?
Early bird registration is $800 per team and is open through Jan. 15.
After Jan. 15, the registration fee is $1,000, (or $50/team member).
Each paddler also commits to raising a minimum of $200.
After Jan. 15, the registration fee is $1,000, (or $50/team member).
Each paddler also commits to raising a minimum of $200.
3What does registration include?
The registration fee includes 2 team practices during the two weeks prior to the festival, a 10'x10' tent at the festival, lifejackets, paddles, and steers-person.
Teams raising more than $5,000 by April 1, 2025, may request a 20'x20' tent. Tents are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Teams raising more than $5,000 by April 1, 2025, may request a 20'x20' tent. Tents are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
4How does a team pay registration fees?
A team can pay their registration one of three ways: 1) online via credit card, 2) mail a check within two weeks of registering, 3) each paddler pays their portion of the registration via credit card on the website ($50.00 per paddler).
Team captains will receive a promo code if the full team registration is paid. The code should be sent to all team members with instructions to use it for the registration fee. Otherwise, the team member will be unable to register without paying the fee.
There are buttons on the bottom of the Festival Home Page to Form a Team, Join a Team, and to Donate to Teams or Individuals.
Team captains will receive a promo code if the full team registration is paid. The code should be sent to all team members with instructions to use it for the registration fee. Otherwise, the team member will be unable to register without paying the fee.
There are buttons on the bottom of the Festival Home Page to Form a Team, Join a Team, and to Donate to Teams or Individuals.
5How are teams made up?
All teams, except men's, should have 20 paddlers and one drummer. Men's teams should have 18 paddlers and a drummer. To ensure a full boat for the festival, we recommend 25 team members. This allows for alternates should you lose a paddler.
The Charleston Dragon Boat Festival is a community festival for amateur paddlers to raise money for cancer survivor programs. To keep things fair, each team is allowed only two traveling paddlers. Traveling paddlers are defined as, 1) individuals who regularly practice with a dragon boat team or club, 2) individuals who have participated in organized dragon boat races, 3) anyone who has attended a dragon boat clinic or camp. This rule does not apply to cancer survivor teams on which a minimum of 12 paddlers must be cancer survivors.
The Charleston Dragon Boat Festival is a community festival for amateur paddlers to raise money for cancer survivor programs. To keep things fair, each team is allowed only two traveling paddlers. Traveling paddlers are defined as, 1) individuals who regularly practice with a dragon boat team or club, 2) individuals who have participated in organized dragon boat races, 3) anyone who has attended a dragon boat clinic or camp. This rule does not apply to cancer survivor teams on which a minimum of 12 paddlers must be cancer survivors.
6How do practices work?
After the Team Captain’s Meeting, and registration has been completed and paid in full, the team captain will receive a sign-up link for scheduling practices. They will choose two practice sessions from the list. Each session is approximately an hour. Practices are held during the two weeks leading up to the festival. Sponsors and top fundraising teams may have additional options for practice dates. Those teams will be contacted directly.
All paddlers are required to attend at least one practice to ensure they receive safety and paddling instruction. All paddlers must have completed the waiver before paddling. No waiver = no paddling.
If a team member cannot attend any of their scheduled practices, they can show up during the practice weeks and join another team’s practice. There's no need to notify us.
All paddlers are required to attend at least one practice to ensure they receive safety and paddling instruction. All paddlers must have completed the waiver before paddling. No waiver = no paddling.
If a team member cannot attend any of their scheduled practices, they can show up during the practice weeks and join another team’s practice. There's no need to notify us.
7Are there any age restrictions for team members?
Yes, all team members must be 15 years old or older. Parental permission is required for paddlers under the age of 18.
QUICK LINKS
Registration Page (opens Dec. 16)
Donation Page and Leader Board (coming soon!)
FESTIVAL CONTACTS
Registrations, donations, and practices: Sarah Evans, Executive Director
Donations, sponsorships, and festival management: Lucy Spears, Mission Director
FUNDRAISING and DONATIONS
1Why should I fundraise and how is the money used?
Dragon Boat Charleston provides cancer survivors with a support system unlike any other, nourishing the mind, body, and spirit.
All donations support the mission programs of Dragon Boat Charleston. These funds allow cancer survivors to participate FREE OF CHARGE in paddling, health and nutrition programs, and social events throughout the year. It also helps offset the costs of paddlers attending races.
All donations support the mission programs of Dragon Boat Charleston. These funds allow cancer survivors to participate FREE OF CHARGE in paddling, health and nutrition programs, and social events throughout the year. It also helps offset the costs of paddlers attending races.
2How do I make a donation?
Donations may be made online by credit card, by mailing a check to DBC, or by cash.
Online donations can be made on the festival web page.
Checks should be made to Dragon Boat Charleston and mailed to 1643 Savannah Hwy #261, Charleston, SC 29407. Be sure to include the name of the fundraiser to credit.
All checks must be mailed prior to April 15th. After April 15th, checks may be dropped off during practice weeks.
Cash donations are accepted at packet pickup and on the day of the festival.
Online donations can be made on the festival web page.
Checks should be made to Dragon Boat Charleston and mailed to 1643 Savannah Hwy #261, Charleston, SC 29407. Be sure to include the name of the fundraiser to credit.
All checks must be mailed prior to April 15th. After April 15th, checks may be dropped off during practice weeks.
Cash donations are accepted at packet pickup and on the day of the festival.
3What's the deadline for festival donations?
Cash must be received by 7 p.m., and online donations must be made by midnight on Friday, May 2, to be included in the totals for fundraising awards at the festival.
Any cash or checks received after April 16th should be turned in at practice days or the festival for credit.
Fundraising awards will be based on the donations received by midnight on May 2.
Encourage your donors to mail checks early to ensure you're credited for them in time for the festival fundraising awards.
Festival donations are accepted through May 31, and count towards your fundraising goal.
Any cash or checks received after April 16th should be turned in at practice days or the festival for credit.
Fundraising awards will be based on the donations received by midnight on May 2.
Encourage your donors to mail checks early to ensure you're credited for them in time for the festival fundraising awards.
Festival donations are accepted through May 31, and count towards your fundraising goal.
4Are donations tax deductible?
Yes! Dragon Boat Charleston is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and your donation may be deductible. Check with your tax advisor.
Our Tax ID # is 32-0253953.
Our Tax ID # is 32-0253953.
5Will donors receive a thank you?
All online donors will receive an automatic thank you note with tax information via email.
If the donor pays by check, they will receive an acknowledgment based on the information provided by the donor (for gifts over $25).
If you receive a cash donation, you can email staff to send a thank you note for donations over $50 .
If the donor pays by check, they will receive an acknowledgment based on the information provided by the donor (for gifts over $25).
If you receive a cash donation, you can email staff to send a thank you note for donations over $50 .
6Are there awards for fundraising?
Absolutely! The festival is Dragon Boat Charleston's largest fundraiser every year, and we know how hard the teams work to support our mission programs for cancer survivors.
The team and the top three individuals raising the most money win glory, accolades, and free registration the following year!
We know some teams like to fundraise during the festival, and we love that!! We'll have special prizes for the teams that raise the most during the festival.
The team and the top three individuals raising the most money win glory, accolades, and free registration the following year!
We know some teams like to fundraise during the festival, and we love that!! We'll have special prizes for the teams that raise the most during the festival.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
1When and where is the festival?
May 3, 2025, at Brittlebank Park.
Plan on a full day of fun from about 8 am-4 pm.
The address is 185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403.
The address is 185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403.
2Where do we park?
Parking for the festival will be available at 99 West Edge garage for $5/day. Just let them know you're with the dragon boat festival. Maps will be available online and sent to team captains prior to the festival. Team captains and major sponsors will receive VIP parking passes for spaces closest to the site.
3When can we set up?
Drop off and set up as much as possible on Friday, May 2, after 1 p.m. There will be overnight security.
4How do I find my team's tent?
Festival maps will be sent to the team captains, posted online, and available at the Welcome tent.
5Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Sure! Plus, we'll have some great food trucks and a beer garden on site! Teams can bring food, drinks, etc. to the race venue. No coolers larger than 48-quart size.
6Will there be entertainment?
Yes, and plenty of it! In addition to the dragon boat races, there will be live performances and vendors to keep the energy going. Stop by the community resource tent—your one-stop spot for fun tips and tools to stay on top of your health.
7What awards are presented?
Fundraising is the heart of the festival! It helps cover the costs for cancer survivors to participate free of charge in year-round activities.
Awards are given to the top fundraising team and the top three individual fundraisers.
The Dragon Spirit Award is given out for best team spirit. Decorate your tent, wear team or themed shirts, and celebrate the day!
The Dragon Spirit Award is given out for best team spirit. Decorate your tent, wear team or themed shirts, and celebrate the day!
8Who can come to the festival?
The festival is free and open to the public. We love a crowd!
Please leave your furry friends at home.
Please leave your furry friends at home.
9A word about weather
Festival and festival practices are rain or shine. In the case of high winds and/or lightning, all water activity will be canceled. Team captains will receive notification via their selected method (text, email, or both) in the event of cancellation. They are responsible for notifying their team of the cancellation.
STAY ALERT! Weather may impact the race schedule. Make sure you're able to hear the announcer so you don't miss your race.
STAY ALERT! Weather may impact the race schedule. Make sure you're able to hear the announcer so you don't miss your race.
10A note on over celebrating
The City of Charleston Police Department joins us in ensuring the safety of all. All paddlers must be sober while participating in races. Safety is our top priority, and intoxicated individuals are strictly prohibited from paddling.
ABOUT THE DRAGON BOAT RACES
1How many paddlers should be on a team?
Each boat holds 20 people plus one drummer. We recommend a team of approximately 25 people so you have alternates in case of illness or injury.
Your team can paddle “light” with as little as 16 people, but it is not recommended.
Mixed teams must have a minimum of 8 women on a team of 20 (40% of the team). Men's teams should have 18 paddlers and a drummer.
All Team Captains must sign a team waiver (available during practice week) that lists everyone on your final roster.
Intoxicated paddlers will not be allowed to enter the marshaling area or to race.
Mixed teams must have a minimum of 8 women on a team of 20 (40% of the team). Men's teams should have 18 paddlers and a drummer.
All Team Captains must sign a team waiver (available during practice week) that lists everyone on your final roster.
Intoxicated paddlers will not be allowed to enter the marshaling area or to race.
2When's the captains' meeting for the races?
Team captains will meet at 6:15 pm on Friday, May 2, to go over the rules of the races and get any last-minute information.
3What's the drummer do?
The drummer sits at the bow of the boat and beats to the rhythm of the boat, cheering the team to victory! Many choose to wear a costume, adding to the pageantry of the festival.
All teams must have their own drummer. We will offer two drumming clinics prior to the festival. Team captains will be notified of the dates and times for those clinics
All teams must have their own drummer. We will offer two drumming clinics prior to the festival. Team captains will be notified of the dates and times for those clinics
4Are there medals for racing?
Yes, the top three teams in each division will receive a medal.
5What if the weather's bad?
In the case of high winds and/or lightning, all water activity will be canceled. Team captains will receive notification via their selected method (text, email, or both) in the event of cancellation. They are responsible for notifying their team of the cancellation.
STAY ALERT! Weather may impact the race schedule. Make sure you're able to hear the announcer so you don't miss your race.
STAY ALERT! Weather may impact the race schedule. Make sure you're able to hear the announcer so you don't miss your race.
6A reminder about safety
All paddlers must be sober. Intoxicated individuals will not be permitted to paddle.
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