Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

Paddles up!

Registration is now open for the 2026 Pepper Pod Dragon Boat Team, and we’re mixing it up this year.

You’re invited to select from three vital roles:

• Paddlers: Join the crew powering the boat to glory (26 seats available)
• Set-Up Crew: Help with the set up and take down of the Pepper Pod Pavilion
• Race Day Supporters: Slice watermelon and help keep the team hydrated

We’ll draw the crew names from a hat at the Kick-off Meeting, so everyone has an equal opportunity to participate.

• 26 paddlers will rotate practices and races.
• No spares. Every paddler gets a turn in the boat.
• New paddlers are very welcome, and no experience is needed.

Women from any of these three groups are welcome to register:

• Women veterans from the CAF or RCMP
• Women serving in the CAF or RCMP
• Women spouses

Pepper Pod Pavilion

The Pepper Pod Pavilion will be your home base for the race weekend. You’ll have a comfy place to rest, and share food, drinks and laughs. Our dedicated Race Day Supporters will watch over personal items, such as phones and purses, while Paddlers are on the water. Please note that the pavilion will be scaled back a bit this year.