Canberra’s dragon boat community is making a big splash on the world stage, with 32 local paddlers, coaches, and managers selected for the Australian team heading to the Dragon Boat Racing World Championships in Germany on 16 July.

The sport has grown rapidly in the ACT, with athletes training hard on Lake Burley Griffin despite freezing winter mornings. With over 4,500 competitors from 34 countries, this will be the largest event yet.

As the sport pushes for Olympic inclusion, Canberra will also host races during the Australian Masters Games in October, possibly featuring some new world champions.