Ladysmith
Dragon Boat Society
Want to try Dragon Boating?
Join us for a casual information session at the
Fox and Hounds Pub in Ladysmith on Monday, June 30 at 6:30 PM.
Meet members of the team, ask questions and find out if dragon boating might be your new favourite thing.
Intro to Dragon Boating
Our 6-week beginner course runs Saturday mornings starting July 5.
This is a great opportunity to get a feel for the sport, learn basic paddling techniques and experience the fun, fitness and camaraderie of dragon boating. It’s perfect for anyone who’s curious and wants to ease in before joining a team.Time: 9:00 AM check-in at the dock. Paddle until 10:30 AM
Location: Oyster Bay Marina | Cost: $60
Send us a note via the website or
contact Janine Smith (ijapsmith@shaw.ca | 250-858-7622) to learn more.Please note: There will be no practice on July 12 due to a race commitment. While weather may occasionally lead to cancellations, LDBS is committed to delivering a total of 6 on-water sessions throughout the program.

Get to Know Our Teams and Find Your Perfect Fit
Society Highlights: Fresh from the Water
-
Sproat Lake: One Lake, Two Teams
It was a scorcher on the water as both Sync or Swim and Sea Dragons headed to Sproat Lake for the annual WCDBS Regatta. With 20 teams, 300-meter heats and more sunscreen than we care to admit, it was a day full of big wins and even bigger community pride. Read the recap.
-
-
S.O.S (Save our Steer) - The Super Sprint Story
Sync or Swim hit the Fairway Gorge Super Sprints with high hopes and fast strokes, taking 1st place in our first two heats, but things took a dramatic turn… literally. Read all about what happened.
-
-
Race the River 2025: May the Swell be Ever in Your Favour
Sync or Swim kicked off race season at the Race the River Regatta in Campbell River on May 4th. Read more about the race and the tight 4th place finish.
-
Looking Back on 2024
The Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society’s 2024 season has wrapped up, with Sync or Swim, Sea Dragons and the 49th Dragons. Read more about the season’s highlights.
-
Witch Way to Transfer Beach?
The Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society joined in on the annual Ladysmith witches paddle at Transfer Beach on Sunday, October 13. See some highlights in the gallery.
-
-
Panda-monium on the Finish Line: Sync or Swim Takes Silver in Comox
Sync or Swim had an successful end to the 2024 dragon boat season, taking home Silver at the Comox Dragon Boat Festival on September 14. Read more about the race!
-
Man Overboard! Sea Dragons to the Rescue
Partnering with Ladysmith Search and Rescue (RCMSAR Ladysmith 29), we had the opportunity to practice vital paddler-overboard drills using a rescue dummy. Read the full story.
-
Nail-Biting Finish in Victoria
Sync or Swim claimed gold in the Women’s B division at the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival, narrowly beating the competition in a race so tight, no one knew the winner until the official times were posted. Read the full story.
-
-
Blown Away at the Nanaimo Regatta
This past weekend on Saturday, July 13, Sync or Swim attended the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Regatta organized by VI Paddling which unfortunately ended up being cancelled as a result of wind. Read more about the experience.
-
Sea Dragons and Sync or Swim Compete at Sproat Lake
Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society proudly represented at the 2024 WCDBS regatta, sending two teams, The Sea Dragons and Sync or Swim, to compete at Sproat Lake Provincial Park on June 9, 2024. Learn more about the race.
-
-
Gold Medal in FGPC Super Sprints!
Sync or Swim took home the gold medal in the Women’s A Division in the FGPC Super Sprints held in Victoria on May 26, 2024. Read more about the race.
-
-
Paddling Season has begun!
The 49th Dragon’s were out in the Ladysmith Harbour for their first paddle of the season on April 18. See more photos from their beautiful paddle.
-
-
Cold Plunge Challenge from the West Coast Warriors
At the onset of the New Year, the Port Hardy West Coast Warriors challenged Ladysmith’s Sync or Swim to a cold water plunge. The challenge was accepted and completed on January 26, 2024. Read the story.
-
-
Last Paddle of the Season
Bundled up on October 30, the 49th Dragons ventured out into the harbour for the last paddle of the season. Despite it being a bit cool, the calm water and sunshine made for a perfect paddle to wrap up the 2023 season. Learn more about this team.
-
Joining in the Ladysmith Witches Paddle
On October 15, members from all three teams of the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society dressed in their most wickedly fun witch costumes and paddled their to Transfer Beach in Ladysmith Harbour. Read the story.
-
Cold Dipping Paddlers
The Sync or Swim dragon boat team decided to swap paddling for a chilly swim in the Pacific on October 2 as a way to wrap up their 2023 season. Read the story.
-
Ladysmith Wins Gold in Comox Festival
The Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society made a triumphant return to the racing scene at the Comox Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Members from several Ladysmith teams came together for a remarkable performance that clinched the gold medal in a thrilling competition. Read the story.
Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society is gratefully supported by:
F.O.E. Ladysmith Aerie 2101
Ladysmith Dental, Dr. M. McMillan
Ladysmith Wholehealth Pharmacy and More


