Rocky Point Park will come alive with the energy of paddlers on Saturday, April 19, as the Inlet Spring Regatta returns for its sixth year.
This highly anticipated event draws dragon boat teams from across the region and welcomes competitors from Washington State.
“It’s incredible to see how much this event has grown since 2018,” said Robbin Whachell, President of the Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society. “We’re hosting the regatta on Easter Weekend due to optimal tide conditions, and we’re thrilled that more than 40 teams have registered and are ready to race. We welcome back our paddling friends from Seattle and invite the Tri-Cities community to experience the thrill of dragon boating up close.”
As the first dragon boat race of the Canadian season, the Inlet Spring Regatta sets the tone for an exciting year ahead. Hosted by the Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society, this free, family-friendly event offers more than just racing. Spectators can immerse themselves in the action, meet the paddlers, and enjoy live music, a marketplace with vendors, food trucks, a DJ, live entertainment and the popular Yellow Dog beer garden.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the City of Port Moody’s ongoing support in making this regatta possible,” said event chairman Brian Kenny. “And a huge thank you to our major sponsor, K+S Potash Canada, whose commitment helps us bring this exciting day to life while strengthening community connections.”
The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society, the organization behind the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver and other race events across BC, handles race management.
The Regatta features thrilling 200m sprints, with teams racing head-to-head in heats of three to four boats. Each race lasts about a minute, but every second counts as paddlers push their limits in a test of teamwork, precision, and power. Teams will compete in either the mixed or women’s division, with the top three finishers earning a coveted ‘woodal’—a handcrafted wooden medal featuring a kingfisher, a bird of the Inlet, intricately carved by First Nations artist Glen Rabena.
Each BUK dragon boat seats 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersperson, with teams often bringing additional paddlers, coaches, and managers. Those needing extra hands can reach out for roving spares, ensuring every team gets a fair shot at victory. With four guaranteed races per team, the day promises non-stop action and unforgettable moments on and off the water.
Paddlers are from Chilliwack, Comox, Coquitlam, Cultus Lake, Fort Langley, Harrison Hot Springs, Kelowna, Langley, Mission, Nanaimo, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria. Learn more about each team here.
The Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society wishes to thank this year’s sponsors and supporters: K+S Potash Canada, City of Port Moody, Yellow Dog Brewing, Enhance Sport & Wellness, The Tri-City News, Oddball Apparel, Thrifty Foods, Centrum Solutions, Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue, Old Mill Boathouse and Shutter Up & Shoot.
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