Dragon Boat Teams Intermediate Level
Community Division - H2o Montreal
Intermediate Level — Community Division
The intermediate level, also called the community division, is the beating heart of dragon boating. Here, it’s not just about learning a sport — it’s about being part of a crew, experiencing a collective journey that goes beyond mere physical activity.
At H2o, dragon boating is not reserved for elite athletes: it is accessible to everyone. Whether you are new to the sport or have some experience, the community division is the place where you can grow, paddle, and belong to a motivated group.
On the water, every paddle stroke is an opportunity to synchronize with others, build mutual trust, and share the team’s energy. This feeling of “belonging” — being part of a crew — is at the core of the community experience. It’s not just about learning technique: it’s about forming strong bonds, creating memories, and progressing together.
Training sessions are challenging and tailored:
- Moderate to high intensity
- 1 to 2 training sessions per week, depending on the team
- Structured coaching that allows you to progress at your own pace
- Create lasting connections that extend well beyond working hours
- Create lasting connections that extend well beyond working hours
2026 Season
Community Teams — H2o Montreal
Montreal - Parc Jean Drapeau
In dragon boat terminology, the intermediate level corresponds to the community division. This level is open to everyone and serves as an excellent entry point for those who wish to practice dragon boating regularly, in a structured and motivating environment.
It is entirely possible to join a community team without prior experience. The focus is on learning technique, synchronization, and the joy of paddling as a team. The training intensity ranges from moderate to high, with a frequency of 1 to 2 training sessions per week, depending on the teams.
The package rates vary according to the number of training sessions and the number of competitions the teams participate in. We also offer a beginner program to discover the sport as well as an advanced program for paddlers looking for a greater challenge.
Our teams 1 x week:
Training package only
- Mixed Team, suitable for beginners
- from May to September, 2026
- 1x per week: Wednesday 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Competitions: none
- Coach: France Lessard
- Olympic Basin - Jean Drapeau Park
Kraken Crew
- Mixed Team
- from May to September, 2026
- 1 x week: Wednesday 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Competitions: H2o Open, Mtl Challenge, Quebec Cup
- Coach: Daniel Schmouth
- Olympic Basin - Parc Jean Drapeau
Recreational Draveurs
- Open Team (LGBTQ+)
- from May to September, 2026
- 1x week: Wednesday 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Competition: Quebec Cup
- Coach: Gautier Lutz
- Olympic Basin - Jean Drapeau Park
Mille Pales
- Women's Team
- from May to September, 2026
- 1 x per week: Wednesday 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Competitions: H2o Open, Mtl Challenge, Quebec Cup
- Coach: Josée Charbonneau
- Olympic Basin - Parc Jean Drapeau
LEZBOAT
- Female, non-binary, LGBT team
- From May to September, 2026
- 1x per week: Monday from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Competitions: H2o Open, Mtl Challenge, Quebec Cup
- Coach: Salim Barhoumi
- Olympic Basin - Jean Drapeau Park
Our teams 2 x week:
BEAT BOAT
- Mixed Team
- from May to September, 2026
- 2 times a week: Monday and Wednesday 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Competitions: H2o Open, Mtl Challenge, Quebec Cup
- Coach: Salim Barhoumi
- Olympic Basin - Jean Drapeau Park
Maîtres Dragons
- Mixed Team
- from May to September, 2026
- 2x per week: Monday and Wednesday 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Competitions: H2o Open, Mtl Challenge, Quebec Cup
- Coach: Josée Charbonneau
- Olympic Pool - Parc Jean Drapeau
Seincreau
- Women's Breast Cancer Survivors Team
- from May to September, 2026
- 2x per week: Monday 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM and Wednesday 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Competitions: H2o Open, Mtl Challenge, Quebec Cup
- Coaches: Josée Charbonneau / Son Quan Nguyen
- Olympic Basin - Jean Drapeau Park
Competitive Draveurs
- Open Team (LGBTQ+)
- from May to September, 2026
- 2 times a week: Monday and Wednesday 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Competitions: Mtl Challenge, Quebec Cup
- Coach: Vincent Bonami
- Olympic Basin - Jean Drapeau Park
Olympic Basin, Jean Flag Park
Practical information – Athletes’ district
Our activities take place at Jean-Drapeau Park Athletes’ Quarter, an exceptional site dedicated to water sports.
Paid parking near
Access by metro : station Jean-Drapeau, about 10 minutes walk (see route)
Bixi station on site
Full changing rooms available
Training takes place at Olympic Basin, a safe body of water built for 1976 Montreal Olympics, now recognized as an international caliber installation.
FAQ
General Questions
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our activities. If you have other questions, feel free to write to us — we will be happy to answer you.
The dragon boat is a team water sport originating in China, with traces dating back more than 2,000 years.
Practiced worldwide today, it relies on coordination, synchronization, and team spirit.
Teams paddle aboard a long, stable vessel decorated with a dragon head and tail, steered by a helmsman at the back and paced by a drummer at the front.
A dragon boat measures about 12 meters (40 feet) and mainly comes in two formats: the standard boat, which can accommodate up to 20 paddlers, and the 10-paddler boat.
Accessible and easy to learn, dragon boating is a unifying sport that emphasizes fun, collaboration, and team performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people make up a team?
A team generally consists of 22 people:
20 paddlers
1 steersperson (who also acts as coach)
1 drummer
Teams can be mixed, female, or male. In mixed teams, a minimum of 8 men is required to participate in competitions.
The steersperson-coach is included in your package.
Yes, dragon boat is a very easy sport to learn, accessible to all age groups and all fitness levels. The boats are wide, stable, and safe, and activities are always conducted under the supervision of certified coaches.
In competition, the sport is organized into different divisions so that everyone can progress at their own pace: the community division for beginner and intermediate levels, and the sport division for more advanced and performance-oriented paddlers.
Whether your goal is to discover the sport, stay active, or aim for high-level competition, the H2o club offers a team and support tailored to your profile.
How to Dress for a Dragon Boat Activity
To fully enjoy your dragon boat experience, it is recommended to avoid cotton clothing, as it retains moisture and becomes uncomfortable when wet. Instead, opt for technical garments made of lycra or nylon. On cooler days, wearing sports underwear (base layer) is strongly advised to keep warm.
For footwear, choose an old pair of espadrilles or sport sandals that can get wet.
Essentials for Warm Weather
Cap or scarf to protect your head
Sportswear (avoid cotton)
Sunscreen
Sandals or sports shoes
Reusable water bottle
Essentials for Cold Weather
Beanie or scarf to cover your head
Sportswear (avoid cotton)
Nylon coat and pants (windbreaker)
Sandals or sports shoes
Reusable water bottle
Yes! ☔️ Dragon boat is a water sport… so getting a little wet is part of the fun!
In case of light or moderate rain, the activity goes on as planned.
Only severe thunderstorms can jeopardize the activity. In the presence of electrical storms, the activity is temporarily suspended for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, until conditions become safe again.
Yes. We provide paddles as well as personal flotation devices (PFDs) to all participants.
For the regular development of a club member, it is however recommended to get your own paddle and PFD, mainly for reasons of comfort, fit, and convenience during regular training sessions.