Double Bling for Nothin' Dragon at Concord Pacific

Nothin’ Dragon Shines at Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival 2025

The energy was high and the paddles were flying as Nothin’ Dragon took on the 2025 Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival—North America’s largest and most celebrated dragon boat events. Over two action-packed days in Vancouver, our paddlers showcased not only strength and spirit, but incredible teamwork, focus, and determination.

From the moment we boarded the school bus for our downtown adventure, the excitement was palpable. Day 1 brought cloudy skies and rain, but our energy never wavered. We stayed positive, and paddled hard. Saturday featured the Senior Cup Knockout and we were excited to take the silver medal.

Day 2 was equally eventful, filled with energetic warm-ups, supportive team huddles, and more strong racing. Team Rock proudly earned a bronze medal in the Division I final, and Team Roll placed fourth in their Division G final, missing 3rd by half a second. Between races, we enjoyed reconnecting with friends, former teammates and soaking up the festival atmosphere before the awards celebration where we took official photos with our medals!

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Nothin’ Dragon SENIOR C team takes Silver in the Senior Knockout Final

A huge thank you to our dedicated coach, whose guidance and encouragement helped bring out the best in each paddler. Denise’s commitment to refining our technique and keeping us race-ready played a key role in our success.

Special thanks as well to Henrietta, our team statistician, for staying on top of schedules, race calls, and results—making sure we were always in the right place at the right time.

The Concord Festival reminded us why we love this sport: community, camaraderie, competition, and the thrill of moving forward together.

Great work team Nothin’ Dragon!

Some of our team walked away with two medals!

Race results:

Team Rock

02:41.320 – Race 9 (6th)

02:40.768 – Race 37 (7th)

02:35.961 – Race 73 (2nd)

02:32.224 – Race 100 (Bronze in I Final)

Team Roll

02:36.118 – Race 2 (5th)

02:34.441 – Race 42 (4th)

02:28.586 – Race 78 (5th)

02:29.233 – Race 102 (4th in G Final)

Senior Cup Knockout Race (x 2) – Silver medal

00:30.003

00:30.747

• Official race results

• Video coverage Saturday

• Video coverage Sunday

• Our fastest mixed team time in 2024 was 2:27.553.

• Our fastest mixed team time in 2023 was 2:21.584.

• See results from 2024 and 2023

Celebrating Youth Excellence: NDPS Awards Scholarships to Two Outstanding Paddlers

On June 9, 2025, the Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society (NDPS) had the honour of presenting two scholarships to the most deserving paddlers from the Rapid Eagles youth team for the 2024/25 school year.

The recipients were:

• Priscilla Hartono, Gleneagle Secondary, Coquitlam

• Jona Finch, Riverside Secondary, Port Coquitlam

Student selections were made by the team’s outgoing coaches: Erica McArthur, Riverside teacher and former coach with Nothin’ Dragon, and Susan Priestly, a retired teacher from Gleneagle. Both educators have dedicated countless hours to building the Rapid Eagles into a team of resilience, discipline, and heart.

NDPS president Robbin Whachell was on hand to present certificates and scholarship funds to both deserving students. During the presentation, Whachell reminded the students how fortunate they are to have dragon boat available to them.

“These young paddlers are incredibly fortunate to have access to a sport like dragon boating through their schools. So many students don’t get this kind of opportunity. It’s more than a sport—it’s community, leadership, and personal growth. We’re proud to support them and celebrate their achievements.”

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Students of Rapid Eagles high school dragon boat team listen attentively to their coaches at an end of season picnic at Rocky Point Park, Port Moody.

Following the awards, it was announced that both McArthur and Priestly would be stepping down as coaches. Their departure marks the end of an impactful era—but not the end of the youth program. Beginning in 2026, Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society will take on the coaching responsibilities for the club, ensuring that youth paddling remains strong in the Tri-Cities.

NDPS has long supported the youth team by providing boats, equipment, and mentorship. Now, with coaching moving in-house, the Society is excited to deepen its commitment to youth development through sport.

Congratulations once again to Priscilla and Jona—your dedication and spirit embody everything dragon boating stands for!

Nothin’ Dragon Makes Waves at the 2025 Vessi 500 Championships

May 31, 2025 | False Creek, Vancouver

What a day on the water! Nothin’ Dragon proudly took part in the Vessi 500 Championship—one of Canada’s biggest dragon boat events—held in the heart of Vancouver’s False Creek. With over 100 teams competing, this high-energy regatta brought together paddlers from across the province and beyond for a full day of thrilling races and fierce competition.

We were excited to enter four teams into this prestigious event: two mixed teams (Rock and Roll), our women’s crew (Gals), and our Senior C team.

Despite the signature “Vancouver special” weather—wet and windy from start to finish—our paddlers brought the heat. Each of our teams improved their times throughout the day, staying focused, motivated, and united.

The highlight of the regatta? Our Senior C team paddling their hearts out in the Senior Cup and claiming a solid gold medal against seven other Senior teams! A proud moment for Nothin’ Dragon and a shining example of what dedication, teamwork, and excellent coaching can achieve.

We now return to training as we set our sights on the next big challenge: the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival at the end of June—North America's largest dragon boat competition.

Stay tuned as we continue our 2025 season with purpose and passion!

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Teammates, Donna, Marianne, Martin, Chris, Jenn, Carol, Jan, Marianne, Pamela and Bruce.

Here’s a look at our race results:

GALS
Race 2 2:37.382 5th place
Race 8 2:35.490 8th place
Race 12 2:32.670 6th place (B Final)

SENIOR CUP RACE
1st place 2:22.080

ROCK
Race 20 2:31.840 7th place
Race 25 2:34.340 4th place
Race 37 2:24.330 4th place (Mixed H final)

ROLL
Race 23 2:25.120 5th place
Race 28 2:22.310 2nd place
Race 39 2:17.020 6th place (Mixed F final)

Nothin’ Dragon Steps Up for Crossroads Hike for Hospice

What a meaningful morning it was at this year’s Crossroads Hike for Hospice—and Nothin’ Dragon showed up in full force on May 25! Nearly 20 of our team members laced up their sneakers and hit the trails of beautiful Mundy Park in Coquitlam, walking in memory and in honour of loved ones while raising funds for compassionate end-of-life care in our community.

We were proud to be named the 4th largest group donor, contributing approximately $1,200—a true testament to the generosity and spirit of our paddlers. The entire event raised over $79,000, making it Crossroads Hospice Society’s most successful hike to date!

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When the event warmup crew no-showed, Nothiin’ Dragon stepped up! (Photo: Teri Towner)

Before the 5K walk began, we were honoured to lead the group warm-up, with our own Darlene energizing the crowd and getting everyone moving with her signature enthusiasm and positivity.

A special shoutout goes to Grace, a dedicated Crossroads volunteer and longtime supporter of our team, for encouraging us to take part in this important event.

We’re proud to support causes that make a difference, and even prouder of our teammates who always show up with heart. Way to go, Nothin’ Dragon!

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A group shot upon arrival with a few people missing.

Silver and Bronze for Nothin' Dragon at the FCRCC Knockout Regatta

“Nothin’ Dragon Gals’ first race event!”

Congratulations to our newly created women’s team, Nothin’ Dragon Gals’ who took home a bronze medal in the A Division final at the FCRCC Knockout Regatta 200m dragon boat races on May 10 at False Creek in Vancouver! A big shout out to our rookie steers woman, Michele who did a fantastic job in qualifiers and the semi. Bob steered for the knockout rounds.

It was also an exciting afternoon of racing as our mixed teams Rock and Roll competed. When all was said and done, both teams made it into the B Division knockout final.

Our fastest race time of the day was 0:58.73 by the Roll Team

Compare to 2024 results.

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Team Roll received a silver medal for second place in the Mixed B Division.

Here are the day’s race times:

Race 1
GALS  1:16.30 (4th)

Race 5
GALS 1:11.27 (4th)

Race 8 (Semi-final)
GALS 1:09.69 (1st)

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WOMEN’S KNOCKOUT FINALS — GALS take Bronze.

Race 23
ROLL 1:01.39 (4th)

Race 25
ROCK 1:08.96 (5th)

Race 27
ROLL 1:03.02 (4th)

Race 29
ROCK 1:07.53 (5th)

Race 30 Semi-final
ROLL 1:00.72 (2nd)

Race 31 Semi-final
ROCK 1:06.03 (4th)

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MIXED DIVISION B KNOCKOUT FINALS

View our VIDEO of the final Knockout Mixed B Division race.

Next on our race event is the Vessi 500 Championship on May 31.

Burnwater Spring Sprint Kicks Off Our 2025 Race Season

The Burnwater Spring Sprint on May 3 at False Creek marked Nothin’ Dragon’s exciting return to the water for our first races of the 2025 season — and what a way to start!

We were thrilled to cheer on the Rapid Eagles, the youth team we proudly support as they won in their final race. This composite team of paddlers from Riverside Secondary and Gleneagle Secondary powered their way to an impressive gold medal in the Junior B Division!

Our own teams — Rock and Roll — each competed in three 500m races, showcasing strong teamwork, determination, and early-season energy.

We’re proud to share that Team Roll earned a silver medal in the E Division final, kicking off the season on a high note! Both Rock and Roll teams put in higher times than our 2024 results.

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Official photo by Dragonboat BC of Team Roll with their silver medals.

A huge shoutout to our amazing steersmen, Bob, Bruce, Rob and Jason, and our dedicated drummers — Pat, Sandra, Terry and Vanessa — for keeping our crews steady, focused, and in sync throughout the day.

Next up: we race again this Saturday, May 10, at the FCRCC Knockouts — see you on the water! 💪🐉

Here are our Burnwater race times: 

Race 1
Rock 2:31:20
Roll 2:26:59

Race 2
Rock 2:34:60
Roll 2:24:523

Race 3 – Rock and Roll in same race (E Division Final)
Rock 2:32:771
Roll 2:22:261

Next we compete at the Knockouts on May 11. Same location. 200m races.

Rapid Eagles Soar to Gold at Spring Sprint

We’re incredibly proud of the Rapid Eagles, a dedicated high school dragon boat team that trains with the support of Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society — using our boats, equipment and safety crew.

Led by Erica McArthur, a Riverside Secondary teacher and former Nothin’ Dragon coach, and co-coach Susan Priestly of Gleneagle Secondary, the team is a shining example of youth teamwork, perseverance, and paddling passion.

This composite crew — made up of students from Riverside Secondary and Gleneagle Secondary — recently competed in their first junior race at the Spring Sprint Dragon Boat Festival in False Creek, Vancouver this May.

And they didn’t just show up — they powered their way to a gold medal finish in the Junior B Division!

We’re thrilled to support the next generation of paddlers and can’t wait to see where this incredible crew goes next. Way to go, Rapid Eagles — you’ve made your whole paddling community proud!

Pam and Jason of Nothin’ Dragon stand with their son Marcus.

Twin Paddlesports Honours Youth Scholarship Recipient

On Oct. 3, Marcus Farmer, student paddler with The Rapids high school team was awarded our 2024 Youth Scholarship.

On Nov. 23, a special gift: a high-performance Vortex 400 paddle from Twin Paddlesports was presented to Marcus. This presentation took place before our regular training session and was made even more memorable with the presence of Marcus’ parents, both dragon boaters.

Making the presentation was Shamus and Aiden Menard, the owners of Twin Paddlesports, whose generosity made this moment possible.

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Paddles up! Left to right: Shamus Menard, Marcus Farmer with his new paddle, and Aiden Menard. Thank you Twin Paddlesports!

This thoughtful gift underscores the valued partnership between Nothin’ Dragon and Twin Paddlesports, who have generously committed to providing an annual gift to our scholarship recipients. Their support highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and fostering a passion for dragon boating.

Congratulations, Marcus, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you, Twin Paddlesports, for your generosity in supporting the next generation of paddlers!

Paddles up!

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Marcus got to try out his new paddle that same morning!

Honouring Remembrance Day at Legion 119

On November 11, members of the Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society gathered to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our veterans, proudly representing our team at the Remembrance Day ceremony at Legion 119 in Port Moody. BC. This solemn event brought us together in gratitude and respect as we honoured those who served.

Our team captain, Bob Walton, went above and beyond this year, selling poppies for Legion 119, and he had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of our team during the ceremony.

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Marcus Farmer, a member of The Rapids high school team we support.

We were also please to see Marcus in the parade, representing the next generation in commemorating the importance of this day. Joining Captain Bob at the ceremony were Nothin' Dragon members Lori, Trish and John, Steve C, Sandra, and both Pat J and Pat W. Each of us stood together, unified in remembrance.

The Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society is proud to have been part of such a meaningful event and continue to support our community with the same spirit we bring to the water.

Lest we forget.

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Bob laid a wreath on behalf or Nothin’ Dragon.

Society AGM and Elections Held

Our annual general meeting was held on Oct. 24 2024 at the Old Mill Boathouse to discuss our successes, review our finances, and to vote for our new executive.

The new executive is as follows:

• President, Robbin Whachell

• Vice President, Steven Price

• Treasurer, Sandra Foubert

• Secretary, Linda Corcoran

• Race Registrar, Denise Nelson

• Captain, Bob Walton

• Assistant Captain, Ian Codyre

Thanks to all those who step up and support as managers and assistant managers.

The team was formed in 1998 in Coquitlam and trains at Rocky Point, Port Moody. In September 2022 the Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society was formed. We promote participation, fitness, camaraderie and support community. We also host the annual Inlet Spring Regatta each April.

NDPS Youth Scholarship Presented to Marcus Farmer

On October 3, 2024, Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society had the privilege of presenting a scholarship to Marcus Farmer, the most deserving paddler from the Rapid Eagles for the 2023/24 school year. Marcus not only showcased exceptional dedication to dragon boating for his school, but he also frequently lent his skills to support our team as a talented steersman.

The student selection is made by the youth team’s coaches, Riverside teacher, Erica McArthur, former coach to Nothin’ Dragon; and Susan Priestly, a teacher from Gleneagle.

Miss McArthur was on hand for the presentation of a cheque and certificate, and mentioned Marcus’ dedication, in particular, that he leads the Dragon Boat Club table to solicit students to get involved in the sport.

“His commitment, leadership, and passion for the sport are truly inspiring,” said NDPS president, Robbin Whachell. “We are excited to see where his bright future in dragon boating takes him.”

Congratulations, Marcus. We are so proud of you!

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A shot of Marcus steering the Dragonfly for Nothin’ Dragon against the international vessel, Argent Aster.

About the youth team, Rapid Eagles: The team is made up of students from Riverside and Gleneagle secondary schools in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. They now compete under the name, The Rapids and they’ve been making waves in the youth division at Concord! Nothin’ Dragon is proud to provide the students with our boats and equipment as they continue to thrive.

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Celebrating a first place race at Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival on June 25. Linda Corcoran from Nothin’ Dragon on steer. Marcus is in the front right stroke position.

Bronze Medal at the Oddball Fall Classic

Nothin’ Dragon entered one mixed team in the Oddball Fall Classic on Sept. 28 held at False Creek, Vancouver.

This event featured three exhilarating 200m races and despite windy and cool conditions, the team did very well, ending up with a bronze in the F Division Final!

Not only that, Nothin’ Dragon improved on last year’s fastest team time of 00:56.184.

Race results:

• Race 8 – 0:57.962 (6th)

• Race 15 – 1:01.998 (3rd)

• Race 26 – 0:55.137 (3rd)

Thanks to Coach Denise for having us race ready, tent transportation and setup by Michele and Brent, results and warmup management by Lori and to our drummer Trish and steers Rob and Warren for guiding us down the water.