Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese water sport that can be considered one of the ultimate team sports with standard racing boats carrying 20 paddlers, a drummer and boat steerer (known as the sweep). The NAVMAT Dragonboat Racing Club has been introducing the Canberra and Queanbeyan public to this exciting water sport for over 24 years. The Club has a fun filled and friendly vibe that highlights the enjoyment our members have with the challenges the sport has to offer.

The NAVMAT Dragonboat Racing Club has its origins back in 1992 when members of the Navy Material Social Club decided to create a team to train and compete in the sport of Dragon Boat racing. The team NAVMAT Dragons first competed in the Canberra Dragon Boat Championships held in March 1993 on Central Basin, Lake Burley Griffin. There were 103 teams in various racing categories involved in the competition.

Today, we are a club which continues to enjoy the competitive spoils of racing as well as a culture which is inclusive and supportive for all members. We no longer have an affiliation with the Navy Materials Social Club but continue to use the logo and colours. We paddle all year round and will continue to promote the sport we love.

We participate in all ACT racing events, including Regattas and other competitive challenges.  We have members who represent the ACT at the Australian National Championships as well as members who have represented Australia (called Auroras) in various international World Championships. As a club we travel interstate to key events and even venture internationally to race against crews from other countries. The possibilities are endless.

NAVMAT is always trying to see what opportunities can be offered to our members.