Youth Teams

Divisions

• Mixed - minimum of 8 males and 8 females when racing

• Boys

• Girls

The Wellington Harbour comes alive when youth crews are paddling. The vibrancy of the inter-schools competition is an unmissable event!

The 2025 youth dragon boat season begins on Monday 2 February 2026, and runs for 4 weeks until the Festival on Sunday 1 March 2026. Youth teams also have the optional opportunity to enter the Harbour Fun Day on Saturday 14 February 2026.

Training sessions occur between 4pm and 7pm Monday - Thursday, with teams a minimum of 1 training per week (see package options).

Not only is the youth racing watched by thousands of spectators, the team chant competition has become a huge part of the festival with a trophy awarded for the winning team. Prizegiving occurs onsite after the festival on Sunday, with medals for teams that place in their respective finals.

Most youths form their teams at the end of the previous year so they can hit the water paddling as soon as school recommences.

Bookings are taken on a first-in first-served basis. Once you have registered your team, our Festival Manager will contact you about booking your training sessions, and confirming your Coach and Sweep.