One Club, Two Teams, Countless Memories….
The Westwood Lake Dragon Boat Regatta in Nanaimo BC, July 18th and 19th 2026 was an unforgettable weekend for the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society.
Represented by The Sea Dragons and Sync Or Swim (SOS), LDBS came to celebrate everything that makes dragon boating special.
One of the weekend's most moving moments was the Breast Cancer Survivor Challenge and traditional Paddle Arch, where paddlers from every club came together to honour survivors, celebrate their journeys and remember those no longer with us. It was a powerful reminder that dragon boating is about far more than racing—a spirit reflected throughout the day, including Race Marshal Peter's fundraising head shave in support of the breast cancer community.
🤠 Sea Dragons – Winning the West!
Fully embracing the regatta's Wild West theme, the team transformed their paddlers' village tent into the Sea Dragons Saloon, complete with western decorations, costumes and plenty of laughter. Throughout the day, paddlers from clubs across the festival stopped by to admire their creativity, and it wasn't long before the judges did too.
Their efforts were rewarded with the Wild Westwood Best Tent Award, earning the team a cooler full of refreshments and some well-deserved bragging rights back home in Ladysmith.
(If there had also been an award for enthusiasm, the Sea Dragons would have won that too!)
While the Saloon drew plenty of attention between races, the team also had plenty to be proud of on the water where they delivered three strong performances, improving their timing and confidence with each race with 01:11.1, then 01:09.3 , and 01:08.7 in the final.
Their consistent times reflected the progress they've made this season and, more importantly, the teamwork and enjoyment that define this wonderful crew.
Check out the video of one of their races here.
The Sea Dragons once again demonstrated their warmth, humour and infectious team spirit, helping make Westwood Lake such a memorable event, and they were as always, wonderful ambassadors for both the Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society and our community.
🥉 Sync Or Swim - Rising to the Challenge!
After an outstanding inaugural Westwood regatta last year, that saw them claim Silver in the 200m Grand Final and Gold in the 500m Grand Final, Sync Or Swim arrived this year determined to build on that success.
The Women's Standard division featured an exceptionally strong field, with many accomplished crews competing for podium positions so SOS knew they would have to be at their very best from the first stroke.
Saturday - 200 Metres
SOS wasted no time making their intentions clear, winning both qualifying heats to earn a place in the Women's Standard Grand Final.
Race 1 time: 00:59.1.
Watch the race here 🎥
The day took an unexpected turn after the opening race when regular Steersperson Vince wasn't feeling 100%. Putting the crew first, Vince made the difficult decision to step ashore, temporarily entrusting his crew to VIP PANDA’s Sean Dupuis for the second heat before Trish Crumpton guided SOS through the Grand Final.
It was a wonderful example of the trust and camaraderie that exists within the dragon boating community, where experienced steers are always ready to support one another when it matters most.
Race 2 time: 00:59.9 .
Watch the race here 🎥
Despite the unexpected changes, the crew remained composed, adapted seamlessly and delivered when it mattered most.
Their hard-earned bronze medal against one of the strongest fields at the regatta was a fitting reward for their commitment and the determination to compete with the very best.
Race 3 time: 00:57.6.
Watch the Grand Final here 🎥
Sunday - 500 Metres.
Sunday brought a completely different challenge as the crews lined up for the longer 500-metre races. Once again, SOS rose to the occasion, winning both qualifying races to book another place in the Women's Standard Grand Final.
This time the Team welcomed guest Steersperson Oskar, whose approach quickly became one of the talking points of the day. Calm and relaxed while paddling out to the start line, Oskar warned the crew that he could become "a bit spicy" once racing began……He wasn't wrong! The moment the race started, his energetic commands and constant encouragement echoed across the course, driving the crew through every stroke and helping maintain both focus and intensity from start to finish.
Race 1 time: 02:18.5.
Watch the race here 🎥
Race 2 time: 02:19.8.
Watch the race here 🎥
Against another outstanding field featuring Breast Friends Warriors, False Creek BC Paddlers and VIP PANDA, SOS once again delivered when it mattered most, earning a second bronze medal in the Women's Standard Grand Final.
Race 3 time: 02:19.4.
Watch the Grand Final here 🎥
To qualify for every Grand Final over two days, win every qualifying race, and finish the weekend with two bronze medals against some of the province's fastest women's crews is an exceptional accomplishment and one the entire club can celebrate with pride.
One Club - Many Reasons to Celebrate:
Westwood Lake reminded us that there are many different ways to define what creates a memorable event. Between their own races, both teams took opportunities to cheer on their club mates, and greet each other when returning to the shore with high fives, smiles and words of encouragement.
We’re all proud to represent our little town!
A heartfelt thank you goes to Lesley, Mary, Rick and the variety of Steers (!), VI Paddling, the race officials, volunteers, sponsors and organizers for hosting an outstanding weekend.
Westwood Lake was a celebration of everything that makes dragon boating such a remarkable sport, and we can't wait to be back next year!
Paddles Up from The Sea Dragons & Sync Or Swim! 🐉
