More than 300 of Australia's best paddlers have travelled to Germany to compete in next week's World Dragon Boat Racing Championships — and there are 32 Canberra-based competitors among them.

Dragon boats paddlers listen to instructions during practice Sunday, May 4, 2025, at White Rock Lake in Dallas. The team is getting ready for races during the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival.

Dragon boat racing, originating in ancient China, involves 40-foot canoes decorated with dragon heads and tails. The modern sport grew from a Hong Kong festival in the 1970s and now boasts ...

Dragon boat racing, originating in ancient China, involves 40-foot canoes decorated with dragon heads and tails. The modern sport grew from a Hong Kong festival in the 1970s and now boasts ...

Dragon boat racing involves teams of 20 paddlers, a steerer, and a drummer working in synchronization. Twelve people from the Jacksonville area are competing in the IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing ...

The qualifying dragon boat race heats start at 8 a.m., the semi-final race heats start at 10:30 a.m., and the final race heats start at 1:20 p.m. Each team is guaranteed three races.

Dragon boats paddlers listen to instructions during practice Sunday, May 4, 2025, at White Rock Lake in Dallas. The team is getting ready for races during the 2025 AAPI Heritage and Dragon Boat ...