From Leschi to Taiwan: Seattle SAKE Paddlers Head to World Championships

For more than 25 years, the Seattle SAKE Paddling Club has been a familiar sight on Lake Washington, with brightly colored dragon boats launching from Leschi’s south marina and paddlers training year-round on the water. Founded as Seattle’s oldest dragon boat club, Seattle SAKE has grown into a thriving nonprofit organization with nearly 200 members and programs that include dragon boating and outrigger canoeing.

But ask members what keeps them coming back, and most will tell you it is about far more than competition.

Paddlers often describe the combination of a great workout, the beauty of being out on the water, and the remarkable sense of community and teamwork that defines the club. Seattle SAKE welcomes paddlers of all backgrounds, ages, and experience levels, with members ranging in age from their 20s into their 80s. Whether someone is a seasoned athlete or stepping into a boat for the very first time, the club emphasizes inclusion, encouragement, and camaraderie.

While the club includes highly competitive teams, participation is not limited to experienced racers. Recreational paddlers are equally welcome, and the club regularly hosts “Dragon Boat 101” sessions on Saturdays for newcomers interested in trying the sport.

Dragon boating itself is a fast-paced team paddling sport with deep cultural roots. Traditional dragon boats include 20 paddlers, along with a steersperson at the back of the boat and a drummer during races to help maintain rhythm and pace. Smaller competition boats include 10 paddlers and a steersperson. Seattle SAKE trains together as one club but competes in multiple divisions and age categories.

The club’s accomplishments this year have been especially impressive. Seattle SAKE currently includes five paddlers from the USA elite national dragon boat team. Earlier this year, club teams traveled to Florida for the national competition, where two Seattle SAKE teams qualified for the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships taking place this August in Taiwan.

Among those headed to Taiwan is the club’s inspiring Seattle SAKE Survivors team, made up entirely of cancer survivors. The mixed men’s and women’s team competes internationally and demonstrates the physical, emotional, and social benefits that paddling can provide. Also qualifying for Taiwan is the club’s C Class team, featuring paddlers age 60 and older.

The club’s senior women continue to prove that age is no barrier to elite athletic achievement. Seattle SAKE’s D Class women’s team—composed of paddlers over age 70—took home gold at the national competition in Florida and will also compete on the world stage in Taiwan later this year.

Beyond competition, Seattle SAKE is deeply rooted in community service. The all-volunteer nonprofit organization supports local social service agencies, participates in blood drives, and regularly joins volunteer efforts throughout Seattle, including shoreline work parties with the Leschi Community Council. Members say the club’s spirit of mutual support extends both on and off the water. The organization is also continuing to grow and evolve. In addition to its dragon boat and outrigger canoe programs, Seattle SAKE is currently working to develop a para-athlete boat, further expanding opportunities for participation in paddle sports.

For anyone curious about joining, club members are quick to extend an invitation. In fact, many say if you stop to watch practice from the shore, chances are someone will encourage you to give it a try.

For more information, visit clubsake.com. Paddles up!

~Nikola Davidson