Dragon boat training camp in MEXICO

Puerto Aventuras

Our training camps take place in Puerto Aventuras, on the Riviera Maya, about 90 minutes from Cancun. This small coastal community offers an ideal environment to combine training, beach time, and sun-soaking in Mexico.

The dragon boat and outrigger training mainly occurs in the beautiful Fatima Bay, with direct access to several lagoons and the Caribbean Sea.

This location provides us with particularly interesting conditions for training: calm and sheltered water in the lagoons for dragon boating, and the opportunity to enjoy more dynamic conditions at sea during outings in OC1 and OC6. When conditions are right, outrigger outings can even provide great opportunities to surf the waves!

Check our location on Google Maps to see exactly where our boats and our launch point are located.

Calendar 2027

January

• January 11 to 15: AVAILABLE FOR GROUP RESERVATION
• January 18 to 22: AVAILABLE FOR GROUP RESERVATION
• January 25 to 29: AVAILABLE FOR GROUP RESERVATION

February

• February 8 to 12: H2o Senior C
• February 15 to 19: H2o Community and friends
• February 22 to 26: Waves of Fury

March

• March 8 to 12: AVAILABLE FOR GROUP RESERVATION
• March 15 to 19: AVAILABLE FOR GROUP RESERVATION
• March 22 to 26: AVAILABLE FOR GROUP RESERVATION
• March 29 to April 2: Advanced Program - Sport Division

April 2027

• April 5 to 9: Advanced Program - Sport Division
• April 12 to 16: Pending: Margarita mixers
• April 19 to 23: Coulee Classic Dragons
• April 26 to 30: Flying Dragons
• May 3 to 7: Flying Dragons

The dates are provisional and may be modified. Available weeks will be prioritized for groups during our presale period.

Daniel Schmouth
Head Coach – H2O Mexico

Daniel Schmouth is a high-performance dragon boat coach with over 20 years of experience in developing athletes and competitive teams. He has been the head coach of the Senior high-performance program at H2O since 2021, guiding numerous teams at World Championships and international competitions.

Head coach of the H2O Mexico camps in Puerto Aventuras since 2023, Daniel is distinguished by his technique-driven approach, biomechanics, and crew synchronization. He is also a Level 1 Coach Trainer for Dragon Boat Canada. → View Daniel's full CV (PDF)

Érik Gervais
Program Coach – Senior C National Team, Dragon Boat Canada

Athlete, coach, and paddling enthusiast for over 30 years, Erik Gervais represented Canada at the 1995 Pan American Games, the 1996 World Cup, and the 1996 Olympics in sprint kayaking (K1-1000 m). After returning to competition in dragon boat in 2016 with H2O Playground, he earned several medals at the World Championships, including gold in the 500 m, silver in the 2000 m, and bronze in the 200 m.

Coach since 2018 and involved in the competitive sector since 2020, Erik is now the coach of the Senior C program for the Canadian national team. He holds Level 1 Certification in dragon boat coaching and Level 2 Certification in sprint canoe-kayak. His approach focuses on developing individual excellence for collective performance. He promotes a culture based on discipline, respect, accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork. More recently, he contributed as a coach, assistant coach, and member of the leadership group to the success of H2O Montreal at the World Championships, where the club finished 3rd in the global point standings. This experience reinforced his belief that the best performances are a result of a shared vision, collective commitment, and a culture of excellence.

François Blais
Head Coach – Puerto Aventuras Dragon Boat Club

François Blais is the founder and head coach of the Puerto Aventuras Dragon Boat Club, which he has led since 2021. A permanent resident of Puerto Aventuras, he knows the site, navigation conditions, and everything concerning the experience of a training camp on site.

A former member of H2O Dragon Boat, François paddled with the club for over ten years and developed his experience as a coach there. A true local reference for H2O Mexico, he forms an experienced and complementary coaching duo with Daniel Schmouth, ready to make your stay a productive and enjoyable sporting experience.

Schedule

Recreational Camp

The camp runs from Monday to Friday and includes up to 9 on-water training sessions.

Monday and Tuesday: AM + PM training
Wednesday: AM training + free afternoon
Thursday and Friday: AM + PM training

With the DB10 + OC6 format, each participant completes 6 DB10 sessions and 3 OC6 sessions.

The schedule may be adjusted based on the group’s objectives and water conditions.

Performance Development Camp

The camp runs over 6 days and is planned according to the group’s level, objectives, and specific needs. In a structured, focused, and demanding training environment, coaches use a variety of boats — OC1, OC6, DB10, and DB1 — as development tools to improve individual technique and help transfer those skills to dragon boat.

The training content and session sequence are adapted throughout the camp based on the group’s progress.

Equipment

Yes. The outrigger paddles are provided for all OC6 sessions.

For the dragon boat, we have club paddles, but we strongly recommend participants bring their own paddle.

PFDs (personal flotation devices) are also available, but we recommend bringing your own for better comfort and fit.

Accommodation

Each group or participant is responsible for their accommodation and meals, allowing you to choose the option that suits you: all-inclusive hotel, condo, or rental home.

Several options are available directly in Puerto Aventuras, including the Puerto Aventuras Hotel & Beach Club, Catalonia Riviera Maya, and Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya.

Everything is close to the training facilities, allowing you to enjoy the camp without having to rent a car.

How to get to Puerto Aventuras?

Puerto Aventuras is located about 75 km from Cancun International Airport.

A shuttle service can be organized for participants traveling together (fees not included in the package).

For arrivals on different flights, several options are also available from the airport, including buses, private shuttles, and taxis.

How to get around Puerto Aventuras?

Puerto Aventuras is a small community where almost everything is easily accessible. Restaurants, grocery stores, beaches, cafes, gyms, pharmacies, and water sports facilities are nearby.

The walk, bicycle, or golf cart are the simplest ways to get around. It is also possible to rent a car during your camp week.

🏠 View the location of our boats on Google Maps

Local Transportation

A group option for you

For 2027, transportation between your accommodation and the training site is offered as a group option.

$1,000 CAD + taxes / group / week

This is not a service sold individually by seat.

Your group simply chooses between:

H2O Transport
or
Self-Transport

If your group chooses H2O transport, participants must stay at the same accommodation.

The shuttle operates between this accommodation and our training site. We do not provide individual pickups from multiple hotels, condos, or different Airbnbs.

If participants join the group later but choose a different accommodation, they will have to be self-sufficient for their transportation.