About the Charlotte Harbor Paddlers
Draggin' Dragons
Early 2006, Coach Bob Brazeau founded a dragon boat club at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, Florida. Initially the club did not have a practice boat in the area and performed their early training by sitting on the edge of the community swimming pool with canoe paddles. The team entered an international race in Tampa and performed very competitively.
In May 2006, the club incorporated as the Charlotte Harbor Paddlers. Late in 2006 the club members pooled resources and purchased a practice boat. Then on March 29, 2007 the Charlotte Harbor Paddlers obtained its 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
The club solicits members from the greater Charlotte Harbor area. The dragon boat portion of the club is named the 'Draggin' Dragons'. The team of almost 50 men and women is now practicing for upcoming races in Florida, including Punta Gorda, Tavares, Marathon and Tampa.
Several of our members are in the process of forming a Breast Cancer Survivor Team. We are looking forward to forming kayak and outrigger canoe teams in the future.
Practices
The Draggin' Dragons usually practice Tuesday and Thursday mornings either at the Cape Coral Boat Launch on Burnt Store Road or at Burnt Store Marina from October until May. Practices are more often before the race.
All prospective members must have safety and technique training prior to going on the boat. This training can be scheduled by contacting Coach Bob Brazeau at 941-916-9466. An amateur athletic waiver and release of liability form must also be signed before going on the boat. These forms plus additional information about our team can be found on our Links page.
Membership
Membership is open to all paddlers. Prospective members can practice twice without any obligation to the club. For the Draggin Dragons portion of the club, we have two types of membership: Associate and Full.
Associate Membership: This membership is for those who are undecided about joining CHP, or only want to practice with our group and NOT participate in races. Associate Members have two options for dues: pay $5.00 for each practice attended (not to exceed $50.00 per year), or pay $50.00 per year for unlimited practice time.
Full Membership: Dues are $100 per year with an initiation fee of $150, to be paid in the second year. Race fees are $25 per race for those selected to be on the race roster. The club furnishes paddles and vests for use the first year. Discounts on equipment are available through the Southeast Regional Dragon Boat Association, with orders placed through the club several times a year. Club shirts and hats are purchased by the paddler.