Battle on the Bay
Dragon Boat racing has had a long rich history, dating back more than 2500 years ago in China. In the modern era, it is sport that takes the idea of teamwork to a higher level. Teams consisting of up to 22 members, train to work together to reach the finish line first. It’s also one of the fastest growing sports around today. Stand-up paddling, although more recent, has very much a strong following as well! It has been reported that stand-up paddling is one of the most popular activities among first-time participants. What many do not realize is that both activities share much of the same technique and mechanics.With the combined forces of Island Paddle, Houston Heat Dragon Boat Club and the Gulf Coast Dragon Boat Alliance, we are excited to bring both paddling disciplines to one great event: the Galveston Battle on the Bay, held at Moody Garden! We’ve taken our first-hand experience and input from fellow participants to put together an event like no other! This truly will be a paddling event run by paddlers.
Island Paddle
SUP (stand up paddle) is the fastest growing watersport in the world. This sport allows a wide range of athletic types from beginner to seasoned pro to enjoy the rush of gliding on water, with most beginners getting the hang of it within 15 mins. SUP also has huge health benefit as well. This modern sport has its origin in the Hawaiian Islands when surfers would stand on their longboards and paddle out to distant outside reef breaks using outrigger paddles. In spite of its surfing origin, the sport is gaining tremendous popularity in more protected waterways and lakes. SUP’s have been spotted around the globe, anywhere there is easy access to safe waters, as well as in surfing lineups. Also, Stand up paddling is great cross training for any paddle sport!
The creators of Island Paddle LLC are all advocates of the protection of our beautiful ocean. They are surfers and SUPer’s with family who understand the importance of keeping waterways protected so that the next generation can enjoy mother-nature’s beauty.
The Island Paddle race events were created to bring the paddling community together to share the love of the water by providing competitive and family friendly races. We welcome everybody from a beginner to a seasoned stand up paddler and kayaker to participate in activities for the entire family to enjoy. We support local and national charities that protect the ocean and waterways and also ones that support a healthy lifestyle through water sports. Visit us at www.islandpaddle.com
Houston Heat Dragon Boat Club
Established in 2006, The Houston Heat Dragon Boat Club jumped on the wave of one of the fastest growing sports in the country. It became the city’s first year-round dragon boat paddling organization, providing an outlet for members to train and prepare for racing events around the world. Since it’s inception, the club has been committed to spread the history of dragon boat racing and promote the growth of the sport in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. Dragon boat racing is a sport that welcomes all, no matter age, shape or size. The club promotes physical fitness and good health as well as teamwork and camaraderie, all in a family-style atmosphere. In 2012, the team became fully independent. With their own fleet of dragon boats, Houston Heat finds opportunities to share their knowledge to the surrounding community by training regional and local community and special teams. Members not only practices and paddles together, but also gather to help contribute to many different community services and charities throughout the greater Houston area. The Houston Heat Dragon Boat Club is very excited to be a part of this joint venture on hosting the Galveston Battle on the Bay and looks forward in doing their part to create one of the best events in the Gulf Coast region! For more information on the club, check out www.houstonheat.org
Gulf Coast Dragon Boat Alliance
With the growth of dragon boat racing in the the Texas/Louisiana region and the rise in number of year-round paddling clubs, a need for a network to unite all teams developed. In 2013, the Gulf Coast Dragon Boat Alliance (GCDBA) was formed to meet this need. With a membership of 10 teams and several hundred paddlers (and growing), the GCDBA provides an avenue for everyoneto interact and grow together. Teams can share information, collaborate at different events, and even join in on practices with their sister teams. The GCDBA also strives to help create and develop new events in the region, ensure that existing races are well attended, and encourage themembers to take part in community gatherings and charitable events. When the opportunity of the Galveston Battle on the Bay came up, the GCDBA jumped at the chance to take part in establishing this great event and are looking forward to the opportunities it brings! Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gcdba