The Saint Andrews Paddling Club (SAPC) formed in 2019. We started as a community, all-ages initiative. We are an inclusive club and welcome everyone of all backgrounds and abilities. Our board members and coaches are volunteers who are passionate about our community and Dragon Boating. The club is funded through memberships and fundraising.

We encourage you to read through our Welcome Package but don’t worry about memorizing it. There won’t be a test! The coaches will also make sure to go over everything with you too. Learning is a fluid thing and we understand that.

2024 SAPC Board of Directors:
President: Dayle Chambers
Vice President: Caroline Davies
Secretary: Les Aebig-Knight
Treasurer: Melanie Ryall-House
Club Captain: Jackie McCarty
Director: Diane Ganong
Director: Paul Nopper
Fundraising Coordinator: Lauren Omson

History of Dragon Boating, the Coles Notes Version/TL;DR…

The most popular story of the origins of Dragon Boating is about Qu Yuan who lived more than 2000 years ago. He was a much beloved patriot, warrior, politician, and poet. In despair and protest of the political climate and unfairness he threw himself into the Miluo River and drowned. The people were devastated and rushed to their boats to rescue him (to no avail). They beat their drums and splashed their paddles to keep the fish and water dragons away from his body.
Thus began the tradition of Dragon Boating as we know it today.

Dragon Boating Today

Dragon Boating has exploded into a fantastic welcoming culture and is active all over the world! Festivals are held primarily as fundraisers. We are a community club and as such we can compete at a community level if we wish to. This level is low key. There is no pressure to compete if you are just out for fun. Careful though, racing is addictive and a lot of fun! The sport itself is gaining popularity like crazy. We’re very excited to have a club in Charlotte County.