About Us

The Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club (CCDBC) has a rich history rooted in a group of friends at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, Florida. In 2006, inspired by elite Canadian paddler Bob Brazeau, they formed a paddling club. Initially lacking a boat, they practiced stroke techniques poolside.

Through collective effort, the club acquired a dragon boat, incorporated as The Charlotte Harbor Paddlers, and obtained 501(c)(3) non-profit status. They established Southwest Florida's first dragon boat team, the "Draggin' Dragons."

Under the leadership of George Gershowitz, CCDBC expanded in 2014, forming the "Rogue Dragons," an elite senior mixed 10-person team. This team achieved international recognition, winning medals at the 2015 Pan American Club Crew Championship in Canada and have gone on to continue their impressive record. In 2016, the club further diversified with the creation of "Vogue Dragons," Southwest Florida's first all-women's team.

Today, CCDBC continues to thrive, offering regular practices at the Burnt Store Boat Ramp in Cape Coral and competing in races throughout Florida. 

Dragon Boat Racing:

Dragon boat racing is a globally popular and rapidly growing water sport. A standard dragon boat typically accommodates 22 individuals: 20 paddlers facing forward, a drummer/caller at the bow, and a steerer at the rear. Boat sizes and crew numbers can vary, ranging from 10-paddler boats to traditional 20-paddler boats.

CCDBC Information:

• Legal Name: Charlotte Harbor Paddlers, Inc. dba Cape Coral Dragon Boat Club

• Status: 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in the State of Florida. Bylaws of the Corporation.