“Paddling has enabled me to marry my love of the water with my desire to be active. CHD has become family and we support each other in and out of the boat.” -Bonnie W.
“My journey to paddling started a year ago. I was looking to meet people and get my old bones moving. From the time I took my first stroke, I was HOOKED! What an awesome workout, with an amazing group of people! CHD has been great, and racing is addicting! So grateful to have tried it.” -Elisa P.
“Finding CHD has been a great experience for me since Day One! I had no idea what dragon boating was until about a year ago. Boy, did I hit the jackpot with team CHD! CHD is a wonderful group of dedicated, passionate coaches and athletes coming together as a team to teach, learn, and compete in the great water sport where age is just a number – the mind and body lead you to the finish line. Taking a seat in a boat of 20, you become ONE!” -Mac M.
“For most of my life I’ve been a competitive athlete. I joined CHD to add a different layer to my workouts. I feel like paddling has taken 20 years off my life. I look forward to practices- I’m learning a whole new skill set, focusing on different muscle groups and getting in better shape , all the while building new friendships! The training is challenging but worth every minute of it. The coaches are encouraging – their instruction builds you up in order to get you to the next level. I’m very glad I found CHD!” – Mary L.
“Joining CHD has meant so much to me. It has brought me incredible friendships, a strong sense of camaraderie, and great exercise. I have had a lot of fun and it’s been a wonderful way to experience the true power of teamwork!” – Betty K.
“I was not new to dragon boating; however, I was new to the Charlotte County area when I joined CHD in May of 2022. The club has exceeded all my expectations: amazing coaches, great teammates, beautiful practice venue, and competitive racing. I have benefitted in so many ways, but making friends in my new community and becoming a much better paddler top my list. Best decision ever!” – Lisa K.
“It’s hard to believe I’ve been paddling with CHD for a year and half! I can honestly say that I still love it, and I am still learning. After being a runner for most of my life, I was looking for something new with group camaraderie and where people would always show up. I am so happy and grateful that I decided to give it a try because I love the people and the sport.” – Jennifer R.
“Dragon boat racing is a team sport for all ages. Great cardio training, and the adrenaline rush while racing is fantastic. Our team is composed of people who moved here from different parts of the country. We have full-timers practicing year round and snowbirds here with us during the race season. Our training site offers protected canals, the Peace River, and a chance to see dolphins, eagles, osprey and manatees. I’m so happy I found this team and this sport.” -Bill S.
“I initially tried dragon boating at my girlfriend’s insistence. It didn’t take long to realize what a great workout it is and what a great group of people there are in CHD. I have found it to be fun, while keeping me fit. It helped my golf game as well! -Scott F.
“I entered a whole new season in life when I moved from Maryland to Florida in 2017. I left behind friends, started a new job, my spiritual life was dragging, and I hit menopause! Let’s just say, I put on a few pounds and I was having back pain. I heard about CHD from a woman I met and although I’d never been athletic, I thought I’d give it a try. I LOVE it! Paddling has give me confidence in what my body is able to do if I make it. I am now in better health than ever, and I love living here. I love CHD and am forever grateful.” – Teri Z.
“Nothing compares to dragon boat paddling- working together as a team, resting after a hard practice, enjoying the quiet on the water, being in nature, having fun on and off the water with a great group of people and…..winning!” -Suzanne W.
“I’ve been with CHD since April 2023 and I look forward to our practices and competitions. I’m a busy, working mom of two, but I always try to find time for myself. I had been having some joint and back pain, and I knew I needed to stay physically active, in a low impact activity. And I love the sun and the water, which gives me a sense of peace and calm. Paddling was the answer. It keeps my body strong and healthy. I consider our coaches as my personal trainers- they are diligent in making sure we are at our best, both as a team, and as individual paddlers. And, it’s an outdoor watersport, you can’t beat that. I get to have my “me time” and best of all, it has given me a sense of community.” -Lorraine R.
“I was never part of a sports team and had never won any medals or trophies in anything. It was something that was missing in my life. I found CHD 9 years ago, worked hard and listened to what the coach was saying. Worked my way from paddler, to assistant coach, to head coach in just a few years. As a coach, there is nothing more enjoyable than watching our new paddlers compete for the first time. The excitement on their faces fills my heart. Dragon boat racing is for anyone who wants to relive the glory of the past or experience the thrill of winning at something for the the first time. And the camaraderie on this team is second to none. We have a wonderful time together, both on and off the boat. I truly love this sport.” -Eddie A., Head Coach
“I came to CHD at Coach Eddie’s urging. His timing was good. I was looking for another sport with serious workouts, lots of learning and a healthy focus to help heal my broken heart. I found all of that, and more. I found great people, with common values, a strong spirit of community, and life long learning objectives.” – Mo C.