What is Dragon Boating?

Dragon Boating has been a hidden treasure of Pittsburgh for 22 years and this year, the Lunar Year of the Dragon, is the perfect time to experience it!

Join members of the local Steel City Dragon Boat Association (SCDBA) to learn how this sport which began in China over 2000 years ago came to Pittsburgh. Discover the history of dragon boating in Pittsburgh and the health benefits of the sport. Paddling a dragon boat is most similar to canoeing, but there are differences in the stroke. You'll watch a demonstration and attendees who wish to try will have a chance to try it. SCDBA paddles out of the Fox Chapel Yacht Club and Marina with team comprised of both men and women with a paddling season running from the end of April to early October.

SCDBA member Kathy Bakkila, and her husband Hal raised two sons in O’Hara township where she was an active volunteer. Kathy grew up in Erie where she spent summers on the lake. Looking to take advantage of our Pittsburgh waterways and spend time outdoors, she and Hal joined a Dragon Boat team in 2016 and haven’t looked back. She enjoys paddling on the river and the camaraderie of being part of a team.

SCDBA member Mary Scanlon is a not-quite-lifelong resident of Aspinwall. When dragon boating came to Pittsburgh in 2002, she was hooked after the first paddle. In her 22 years dragon boating, Mary has paddled and steered through the northeastern US, Canada, and even raced in Penang, Malaysia. She loves spending the summer on the Allegheny with her team.