2026 Event Day Recap
Three teams neck to neck mid-race.
The 7th Inlet Spring Regatta was held on April 25 and delivered an unforgettable start to the 2026 dragon boat season.
The day began with calm, glassy waters—idyllic conditions that set the tone for a full slate of racing. We were honoured to open the regatta with remarks from Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti, MP Zoe Royer, and Kwikwetlem First Nation Councillor John Peters, alongside Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society Event Director Brian Kenny, who welcomed teams, volunteers, and spectators to this growing community event.
We also took a moment to recognize K+S Potash Canada, a long-standing and valued supporter of the Inlet Spring Regatta. Their continued commitment over the years has played a key role in the event’s growth and success, and we are grateful for their ongoing support of our paddling community.
From the first race, newcomers and returning paddlers alike were immersed in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Announcer Rod MacBeth kept energy levels high throughout the day, delivering race calls, updates, and spirited shoutouts.
Lil Dragons youth team
Racing ran smoothly through the morning, with crews taking full advantage of the flat conditions. By early afternoon, winds picked up and the water turned choppy—adding an extra layer of challenge just in time for the finals. Rather than slowing things down, the changing conditions elevated the competition, pushing teams to dig deeper and deliver thrilling finishes.
This year’s regatta proudly placed a spotlight on youth development. Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society congratulates the Lil Dragons for an impressive bronze medal finish in the A Final, while Inlet Storm powered their way to gold in the D Final—both teams competing with determination against strong fields.
Among the day’s standout performances, FCRCC Premier set the fastest time of the regatta, clocking an impressive 00:49.656 in the Mixed A division final 200m heat. View official results.
Off the water, the sense of community was just as strong. The 50/50 draw was won by Roberta, steer for FLCC WOW (Women on the Water), while SHARE Society received a $573 donation to support their important local work.
As the afternoon winds picked up, the beer garden—operated by Rotary Club of Port Moody—became a warm and welcoming hub where paddlers gathered to celebrate, collect their woodals, enjoy a well-earned drink, and reflect on the day.
Participant feedback captured the spirit of the event perfectly:
“Thank you for an outstanding regatta! The weather that you ordered was appreciated and your vendor, sponsor and volunteer support rival all the other regattas. Well done everyone,” said paddler Alyson Cuthbertson.
From start to finish, the 2026 Inlet Spring Regatta was a celebration of sport, community, and connection—a beautiful way to open the season and bring the dragon boat community together once again.
50/50 Winner Supporting SHARE Family Services Society
The Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society wishes to thank this year’s sponsors and supporters: K+S Potash Canada, City of Port Moody, Enhance Sport & Wellness, Port Moody Legion #119, Rotary Club of Port Moody, Yellow Dog Brewing, Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue • Station 2 North Vancouver, Old Mill Boathouse, Lotus Sports Club, CERTISPEC, CPKC, Steve Ray Photography, Port Moody Men's Shed, Inlet District Magazine, Oddball Apparel, Thrifty Foods, Save-on-Foods, Pizzeria Spacca Napoli, and Emilio Finatti Pizzeria.
Thanks to the 44 teams: Abreast at Rocky Point, Al-O-Wetters, Atomic Furies, Butts in a Boat, Century Dragons, Draggin’ Divas, Dragon Ladies, Dragon Zone Twisted Hips, FCRCC Premier, FCRCC Saggin Dragons, FCRCC Sr C Women, False Creek Masters, FLCC Dragonflies, FLCC FORTified, FLCC Fraser Spirit, FLCC Furies, FLCC Iron Maidens, FLCC Paddle Pushers, FLCC Race Crew, FLCC River Dragons, FLCC Sundragons, FLCC Titanium, FLCC Titanium Masters, FLCC Women on the Water (WOW), Gals on the Gunnel, Harrison Wild, Inlet Spirit, Inlet Storm, INSINK, Lil Dragons, Perfect Wave, RPDB Moody Brews, RPDB Moody Dragons, RPDB Pass the Buk, RPDB Ripped Tides, Sea Gals, Seattle Flying Dragons, Seventh Wave, Sudden Impact One Paddle, Thunder Strokers, TCC Dragoneers, Twisted Dragons, UBC Current Aurum, and UBC Current Gold.
About the Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society: About Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society: Nothin' Dragon is a 50+ team based in and around the Tri-Cities of B.C. The team has 65 members and supports the Rapids Eagles, a high school dragon boat team composed of students from Riverside and Gleneagle Secondary Schools, while also taking local community groups out for dragon boat experiences. More information at nothindragon.org.