2025 Dragon Boat Season Underway with Inlet Spring Regatta
A women’s team with paddles up during the Inlet Spring Regatta on April 19, 2025.
Races, a Rescue, and Regatta Spirit: A Day to Remember on the Inlet
After months of planning, the 6th Annual Inlet Spring Regatta paddled into Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park on Saturday, April 19—held Easter weekend due to optimal tide conditions. But nature had other plans too. A sailing vessel grounded on the mudflats near the race site prompted an early-morning rescue operation that caused a delay in the event's schedule.
“It was a bit of an unexpected twist,” said Regatta Chairman Brian Kenny. “Safety always comes first, and we were grateful for the quick response from local authorities. It was a reminder that we’re all at the mercy of the inlet.”
The delay pushed the final division’s race into a narrow window of extremely low tide, adding extra stress for organizers and racers alike. But in true regatta spirit, everyone pulled together and the event carried on—with cheers, paddles in the water, and plenty of smiles.
“We had to hustle a bit at the end, but everyone was in good spirits. That’s what this community is all about,” said Robbin Whachell, President of Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society. “Honestly, it ended up adding to the story of the day.”
Photo: Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue • Station 2 North Vancouver
Despite a chilly and overcast start, by midday the skies had cleared and sunshine warmed the dock, the beer garden, and hundreds of paddlers and spectators.
Thirty-nine teams from across British Columbia joined the fun, including many familiar names and some exciting new challengers. The spirit of international camaraderie remained strong with Seattle Flying Dragons entering a mixed and women’s team again.
Kenny opened the event with a land acknowledgement and thanked sponsors and the extensive team of volunteers—most from host team Nothin’ Dragon, and several from Riverside Secondary. The welcome also included greetings from Kwikwetlem First Nation Councillor John Peters, grounding the day in community and tradition. Acting mayor, Haven Lebiecki also provided words of welcome, announcing that the Inlet Spring Regatta is the city of Port Moody’s largest sporting event.
Brian Kenny, Event Chairman and Councillor John Peters of Kwikwetlem First Nation during the welcome remarks.
Haven Lebiecki, Acting Mayor, City of Port Moody provides words of welcome.
Newcomers and returning paddlers alike were treated to a vibrant event atmosphere. Announcer Rod MacBeth kept energy levels high while providing race updates and shoutouts. Musical acts included returning local favourites Steve Marriott and John Parsons, both providing lively sets either near the pier or in the beer garden. Ember the FireSmart Fox also made crowd-pleasing appearances.
The fastest time of the day was mixed team, Dragon Hearts Velocity, clocking an impressive 00:54.110 in their opening 200m heat. See results.
As always, the coveted woodals—wooden medals featuring the iconic kingfisher design by artist Glen Rabena—were handed out to top three teams across divisions. Major sponsor K+S Potash Canada was thanked during the opening and greeted paddlersand guests..
Food trucks, vendors, and the bustling Yellow Dog beer garden rounded out the day, with many teams sticking around long after their final heats to enjoy the community vibe.
The 50/50 draw raised $786 for SHARE Family & Community Services’ food bank, with lucky winner, Marivie Lanter (from Seattle) taking home the equivalent.
“Your crew was amazing and such a great job done by them all. Thank you for another great regatta with added interest by a hovercraft rescue!” said paddler, Pam Sutherland.
Event feedback is being collected via a survey open until April 31, with organizers eager to hear from racers, volunteers, and visitors.
“This event belongs to the community,” said Whachell. “Every year we learn something new, and every year we’re reminded why we do it—this incredible energy, the teamwork, the laughter. Even with a little mud and chaos, the regatta spirit shines through.”
Thanks to the 41 teams of 2025: Abreast at Rocky Point, Al-O-Wetters, Atomic Furies, Century Dragons, Cultus Lake Dragonflyers, DH Crew, DH United, DH Velocity, Draggin’ Divas, False Creek Masters, FCRCC Dragon Ladies, FCRCC Saggin Dragons, FLCC C Dragons, FLCC D-Fyance, FLCC Dragonflies, FLCC Fort Fusion, FLCC FORTified, FLCC Iron Maidens, FLCC Phoenix, FLCC Race Crew, FLCC River Dragons, FLCC SOAR (Spirit of a Renegade), FLCC Titanium, FVPC Seraphins, Grandragons, Harrison Wild, Mavens of Mayhem, North Shore Dragon Busters, One Dragon, Perfect Wave, Rapids, RPDB Moody Brews, RPDB Moody Dragons, RPDB Moody Growlers, RPDB Unified Ripped Tides, Seattle Flying Dragons, Seattle Flying Women, Seventh Wave, Spare Paddler form, Sudden Impact One Paddle, TCC Dragoneers, and the Twisted Dragons.
The Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society wishes to thank this year’s sponsors and supporters: K+S Potash Canada, City of Port Moody, Yellow Dog Brewing, Enhance Sport & Wellness, The Tri-City News, Oddball Apparel, Thrifty Foods, Centrum Solutions, Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue, Old Mill Boathouse, Pajo’s Fish & Chips and Shutter Up & Shoot.
For more information go to www.inletspringregatta.com.
About the Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society: About Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society: Nothin' Dragon is a 50+ team based in and around the Tri-Cities of B.C. The team has 65 members and supports the Rapids Eagles, a high school dragon boat team composed of students from Riverside and Gleneagle Secondary Schools, while also taking local community groups out for dragon boat experiences. More information at nothindragon.org.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support and enjoy the Inlet Spring Regatta!