About
About Us
We are a co-ed Dragon Boat team that has fun paddling together, hanging out together, and helping out in the community together. We practice with the understanding that when that start horn goes off EVERYONE wants to win medals!
We started this team with the idea that our team would be as democratic as possible. Our aim is to provide a feeling of ownership in the team for each team member, from the front of the boat to the back. We have committees for social events, volunteer events, social media, and leadership. We want to be able to utilize everyone’s strengths on and off the water.
Our ultimate goal is to race boats and WIN, but also to have fun along the way. As a new team, this 2024 season we are limiting the races we enter, but eventually we want to race throughout the PNW, as well as internationally! We have team members advocating for races from Puerto Rico, to Canada, to Prague! If we have the commitment we go!
Meet The Coaches
Sarah: Coach Erica is my best friend and I’m super excited to help coach a team with her!
I’ve been dragon boat paddling since 2018. I found dragon boating through a Craigslist ad when I was looking for my own “thing” to get me out of the house. I’m generally an introvert, but everyone in the Dragonboat community was so amazing, kind, and welcoming that I felt comfortable enough to keep coming back. Now, Dragon Boat is a primary part of my identity, and I love being part of this community!
People tell me I look intimidating, but I’m really just awkward. I have a husband who helps plan the September Dragon Boat Race, 5 kids (one of which is on the team), 3 dogs, and 3 cats. You can generally find me either paddling, doing something paddle-related, with paddle family, working (to fund dragon boat traveling), or sleeping.
Erica: I started paddling in 2014 and fell in love with it immediately, that first race piece hooked me. The community of teams is encouraging and competitive tapping into my love of competition (thanks to 12 years of soccer and competitive choir.. It’s a thing) while still honoring the empathetic part of me. Sarah and I are best friends and we started this new team adventure together to create a reflection of our love for the people and the sport.
On and off the water you will find me singing (karaoke anyone?), reading, working, building cheese boards or anything else involving food and hanging with my dog. I have developed excellent relationships over the years with many of the other teams in Portland, calling, tilling and paddling as needed in practices and races.
RC Renegade Dragons Photos