Paddlers, Are You Ready?
Paddle for Health with
Oyster Point Dragons …
Updates, Events, and Advisories
Updates & Events:
- Masters’ Practice:
- Every Saturday, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Mostly for Masters (40+ years old), but everyone is welcome if seats are available
- Focus only on race training
- No sign-up needed; just stay after regular practice
- Daylight Saving Time:
- Sunday, March 8, 2026
- We spring forward by one hour
- Please be on time for that Sunday practice
- First Urban Hike in 2026:
- Sunday, March 8, 2026
- See our communication dated March 1, 2026 for details
- Wednesday Evening Practices:
- Starts on Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- Time: 5:30 PM to 7:15 PM
- See the March 2026 Bulletin for details and sign-up link
- 2026 Racing Schedule:
- The race sign-up sheet will be sent out in the March Bulletin and will be included in future bulletins
- Youth Race on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Lake Merced in San Francisco
- Regional Regatta on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Lake Merced in San Francisco
- San Francisco Dragon Boat Festival during the weekend of June 20-21, 2026 at Lake Merced in San Francisco
- Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races during the weekend of June 27-28, 2026 at the Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront, Hong Kong
- Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival during the weekend of September 12-13, 2026 at Leo Ryan Park in Foster City
- San Francisco Bay Area Dragon Boat Fall Sprints on Saturday, October 3, 2026 (to be confirmed) at Leo Ryan Park in Foster City
- Halloween Howl Fun Costume Race on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Lake Merritt in Oakland
- We are not participating in the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival
Advisories:
Watch Out for E-bikes and E-scooters:
With the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters on our roads, the rate of accidents involving these micromobility modes of transportation has also increased. Speed and a disregard for traffic signs and traffic lights are two of the top contributors for these accidents.
As you get onto Oyster Point Blvd and drive to the marina, slow down and watch out for these e-bikes and e-scooters dashing out from side streets or side walking trails, especially at crosswalks.
Algae Blooms in the Bay:
Algae blooms are no longer an issue in the Bay Area. While we are able to paddle safely at OPM, we recommend washing yourself and your pet after practice.
Practice Schedule
Sat and Sun: 9 – 11 AM
(Jan 31 to Nov 28, 2026)
Wed: 5:30 – 7:15 PM
(Wed, Apr 1 to Sep 30, 2026)
Off-Season Practices:
(TBA)
See our Updates and Events section above
Weather, Tides, and Air Quality
Weather at: Oyster Point Marina
When wind is over 20 mph, find us at the trailer for land training
Tides at: Oyster Point Marina
During high or king tide days, park away from Gate 7 and
be careful of rising water and sharp objects
Air Quality in: South San Francisco
Once the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 100, we will closely monitor the situation and may call for practice or event cancellation
Announcements & Posts
In Memoriam – Siu Ma
Siu’s three-year battle with cancer showcased incredible bravery; she never let the illness affect her spirit or her passion for life. Her dedication to dragon boating remained steadfast throughout her treatment, leading to continued paddling, racing, and even a gold medal win at the Portland competition in September 2025. Her […]
In Memoriam Elaine Yee
Elaine Yee left us in March 2025. She was a beloved member of OPD’s family. Her kindness, generosity, and uplifting spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of paddling alongside her. She brought warmth, camaraderie, and dedication to our team, both on and off the water. Elaine loved paddling and participated in every race and […]
Presentation by OPD at SSF Library
In collaboration with South San Francisco’s Library, join Oyster Point Dragons to “learn about the history and basics of the sport of dragon boating” at the brand new Library | Parks and Recreation Center in South San Francisco on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 2:30 PM
Resources & Other Programs
About Us and The Sport of Dragon Boating
About Us
Oyster Point Dragons is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its Paddle for Health Program focuses on teamwork, safety, discipline, technique, and endurance in a family-friendly environment, which is all conducive to elevating and maintaining each participant’s physical and mental health. OPD is a very inclusive team with paddlers of various ethnicity, gender, age, and health condition. We welcome anyone who wants to have fun while fostering team spirit and friendship.
Read more >
The Sport of Dragon Boating
The sport of dragon boating as it is today has been one the fastest growing sports with festivals being held throughout continents around the world. The most common boat holds a drummer, a steer person, and up to 20 paddlers paddling to cross the finish line faster than the competition. It is an ultimate team sport with little or no consideration for individuality. Power, speed, synchronization, endurance, and mental focus remain the primary elements of this sport. The most common race lengths are 250 and 500 meters in 4 to 10 lanes, depending on the race. Races are held in four main categories: Novice, Recreational, Competitive, and Specialty.
Read more >
Philanthropy
Your Support
You can support and help OPD maintain its health initiatives and community health in various ways.
Click here for more information.
Thank you for your past support of the program.
Oyster Point Marina
