About Us
Welcome to Dragon Boat House, a haven for enthusiasts of the ancient and exhilarating sport of dragon boating. Our journey is deeply intertwined with the passion and dedication of our founder, Brendan Anderson, whose story is a testament to the transformative power of this sport.
The Journey Begins - 2011
In 2011, a young Brendan, then in grade 11, found himself often picked last for gym class, unable to do a single pushup or run for more than a minute. It was during this time that he was introduced to his high school's year-round dragon boat team. This seemingly small event marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Brendan quickly made significant gains in fitness, and the once-overlooked student started being picked first for gym class.
Falling in Love with the Sport - 2012
By his final year of high school, Brendan had fallen deeply in love with dragon boating. He acquired his first carbon fibre paddle and experienced the thrill of competing at Nationals. The sport had become an integral part of his identity.
University Years and Coaching - 2013-2015
After graduation, Brendan joined competitive adult teams at university and took on the role of coaching his high school team, sharing his knowledge and passion with the next generation, many of whom went on to compete for Team Canada. In 2015, he faced a pivotal moment—trying out for the Canadian U24 national team and not making it. This setback served as a wake-up call, pushing him to either quit or commit more seriously to the sport he loved.
National Achievements - 2017-2019
Determined, Brendan tried out for both the U24 and Premier national teams in 2017, earning a spot on both. He founded a new junior team and guided many of them to achieve their dreams of making the National Team.
In 2018, he received a unique honor— an invitation to train with the Chinese National Team in Shunde, China, becoming the first foreigner to do so. This experience allowed him to learn from the world's best paddlers and coaches.
In 2019, Brendan paddled for the Premier national team in Thailand and led his university team to a 2nd place finish at the World University Team Championships in Wenzhou, China.
A New Chapter - 2020 and Beyond
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a period of reflection for Brendan, leading to his retirement from competing. However, his passion for dragon boating remained undiminished. After 2021, he resumed coaching and continues to coach and support the next generation of paddlers, sharing the lessons learned from his remarkable journey.
Dragon Boat House - A Vision Realized
Dragon Boat House is the culmination of Brendan’s dedication to dragon boating. It stands as a platform to inspire, educate, and support enthusiasts, ensuring that the spirit of dragon boating is kept alive and thriving for generations to come. Join us as we navigate the waters of this ancient sport, fostering a community bound by a shared love for dragon boating!