About the Charlotte Harbor Paddlers
Draggin' Dragons
Early 2006, Coach Bob Brazeau founded a dragon boat club at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, Florida. Initially the club did not have a practice boat in the area and performed their early training by sitting on the edge of the community swimming pool with canoe paddles. The team entered an international race in Tampa and performed very competitively.
In May 2006, the club incorporated as the Charlotte Harbor Paddlers. Late in 2006 the club members pooled resources and purchased a practice boat. Then on March 29, 2007 the Charlotte Harbor Paddlers obtained its 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
The club solicits members from the greater Charlotte Harbor area. The dragon boat portion of the club is named the 'Draggin' Dragons'. The team of almost 50 men and women is now practicing for upcoming races in Florida, including Cape Coral, Tavares, Marathon and Tampa.
Several of our members are in the process of forming a Breast Cancer Survivor Team. We are looking forward to forming kayak and outrigger canoe teams in the future.
Practices
The Draggin' Dragons usually practice Tuesday and Thursday mornings either at the Cape Coral Boat Launch on Burnt Store Road or at Burnt Store Marina from October until May. Practices are more often before the race.
Membership
Membership is open to all paddlers. For the Draggin' Dragon portion of the club, Dues are $100 a year and the initiation fee is $150, paid the second year. All prospective members need to have safety and technique training prior to going on the boat. Race fee is $25 per race for those selected to be on the race roster. The club furnishes paddles and vests. Club shirts are purchased by the paddler.