About Us

Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this team of women, ranging in age from 24 to 73, continues to shatter society’s preconceived notion of aging and to create great role models for women of all ages. The team employs coaches who work with all levels of paddlers, teaching the basic skills to beginners and refining the skills of experienced paddlers; preparing the team to be competitive at local, national and international events in premier (ages 18 and over), masters (40 and over) and grand masters (50 and over) divisions.

Our experienced coaches help us become stronger athletes during both the on-water and off-water seasons. The requirement for each team member is a commitment to challenge oneself to work hard as a part of a recreational and competitive team.

About Dragonboating

Dragon boat racing is one of the earliest known forms of boat racing and is celebrated at festivals and races throughout the world. This mythical celebration is a symbol of Chinese culture and spirit and is one of the three largest festivals in China. The roots of dragon boat racing go back over 2,000 years to the southern provinces of China. Legend has it that Qu Yuan, a scholar and advisor to the emperor of the Chu Kingdom, jumped into the Mei Lo (Mi Luo) River in despair and protest against government corruption. Local fishermen raced out in their boats to save him. They beat drums and pounded their paddles on the river's waters and threw rice dumplings wrapped in silk into the river to distract the water dragons and keep them from eating from Qu Yuan's body. Dragon boating evolved from the re-enactment of this legend at annual festivals.

Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese Calendar, dragon boat racing is not only one of the most important Chinese traditions second to Chinese New Year, but now is an annual event held in over 40 countries.