Sync or Swim is Growing. Want in?

A little snapshot of SOS from 2023–2026. We've trained, raced, laughed, celebrated a few podium finishes, spotted whales, made some questionable dance moves… and yes, there were even dinosaurs. Four years of great people, good times, big efforts and plenty of memories. Here's to the next chapter!

A little competitive. A lot of fun. And always room for one more.

Sync or Swim (SOS) is heading into an exciting new chapter, and we're looking for a few good humans to help us get there.

We're recruiting a Coach (drummer), a Steer and new paddlers as we build on five years of racing, learning, laughing and making a splash in the Ladysmith harbour.

Whether you're an experienced dragon boater, a natural leader, a confident boat person or someone who's simply curious about trying something new, we'd love to hear from you.

Learn more about SOS

We’re looking for…

  • Coach / Drummer

    Part motivator. Part strategist. Part keeper of the beat.

    We're looking for someone who can help us become better paddlers and a stronger racing team. Someone who can bring energy to the boat, keep us focused, challenge us to improve and maybe yell at us a little when we need it.

    • Dragon boat coaching experience is an asset, but not essential.

    • A passion for people, the water and healthy competition is a must.

    • You'll help lead practices, develop technique and bring out the best in the team.

    • Our current coach is ready to step back, but will be available throughout the 2027 season to support the transition and share their knowledge.

    What's in it for you? Dragon Boat Canada-accredited coaches receive an annual $1,200 honorarium from LDBS. LDBS will also cover the cost of your coaching certification if required.

  • Steer

    Good with a boat? Confident calling the shots? We should talk.

    We're looking for someone who can keep us pointed in the right direction, keep us safe and help us get the most out of every practice and race.

    • Dragon boat steering experience would be fantastic, but we're open to developing the right person.

    • Confidence, good judgement, a strong sense of safety and the ability to lead a boat are important.

    • There's also an opportunity to provide coaching and guidance from the back of the boat.

    • Our current steer is ready to step back, but will be available throughout 2027 to provide hands-on training and support.

    New to steering? No problem. LDBS will cover the cost of steering clinics, and you'll have support as you learn.

  • New Paddlers

    Strong bodies welcome. Good attitude required.

    You don't necessarily need to know how to paddle, but a good level of strength, fitness and a willingness to work hard certainly won't hurt.

    We're looking for enthusiastic, reliable people who enjoy being part of a competitive team and want to learn something new.

    • A year or two of dragon boat experience would be great, but it's not a dealbreaker.

    • If you're strong, love being on the water and have a great attitude, we'd love to meet you.

    • Coaching and training are provided.

    • You'll find a team that wants to improve, race hard and have a good time doing it.

    The added bonus? New friendships, team socials, out-of-boat adventures, race-day excitement and plenty of laughs along the way.

Interested in joining us? Let’s talk!

Maybe you've been paddling for years. Maybe you've never set foot in a dragon boat.
Maybe you've been looking for a way to get involved in the sport without necessarily being in the front of the boat.

Come meet us. Take a paddle. See where it goes.

Reach out to our Team Manager, Amanda, if you’re interested in any of these positions.

Send us an email

A little about SOS

SOS started in 2021 with a pretty simple goal: create Ladysmith's first dragon boat race team. Mission accomplished.

Over the past five years, we've raced our way around Vancouver Island and ventured off-island a couple of times, picking up some hardware and plenty of great memories along the way. Some of our paddlers have even gone on to compete with the national teams.

We're a women's team with paddlers ranging from their 40s to their 70s. We love a good race, enjoy pushing ourselves to improve and take our paddling seriously. But we also believe there should be plenty of room for laughter, friendship and a little bit of silliness along the way.

We're not looking to take ourselves too seriously. Just our paddling.

We're currently planning for SOS practices on Monday and Wednesday evenings, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. The schedule could be adjusted though to accommodate the right Coach and Steer. We're also putting together our 2027 race calendar, with the schedule shaped by team input and availability.

Join us one Saturday for a Paddle!

All four Ladysmith Dragon Boat Society teams are currently on the water Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., and you're welcome to come out for a test paddle or two. It's a great chance to meet some of our SOS paddlers, get out on the water and see what the Society is all about. No experience necessary.

Reach out to Amanda, our Team Manager, and we'll arrange a time for you to come out.

Send us an email