Updates, Events, and Advisories
Updates & Events:
- 2024 End of Season:
- Ended on Sunday, December 1, 2024
- Off-season Paddling:
- No off-season paddling in December 2024 and January 2025
- 2025 Start of Season Celebration:
- Sunday, January 5, 2025
- See our communication dated December 21, 2024 for details and sign-up sheet
- 2025 Season:
- Starts on Saturday, February 1, 2025
- The 2025 waiver is now available; Submit yours now
- 2025 Racing Schedule (all dates TBD, except where provided):
- Youth Race in April at Lake Merced, San Francisco
- Regional Regatta in May at Lake Merced, San Francisco
- Sprint and Corporate Challenge in July (venue TBD)
- Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, July 26 2025 at Marine Stadium, Long Beach OR another out-of-state race to be determined
- San Francisco Bay Area Dragon Boat Competitive Sprints in September at Leo Ryan Park in Foster City
- Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival in October at Leo Ryan Park in Foster City
- Halloween Howl Fun Costume Race in November at Lake Merritt in Oakland
Advisories:
Bus Service to and from Oyster Point Marina (OPM):
There is a SamTrans bus service to and from OPM on Route 130 / 130B. You can catch the bus from BART stations in Daly City, Colma, and South City, and from Serramonte Center. Check out the links below to see the entire route and stops.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the first bus arrives at OPM – conveniently right in front of the ferry terminal, at 8:03 am. The last bus arrives at 8:36 pm. On weekdays, the first bus arrives at 6:47 am and the last bus at 11:18 pm.
Click here for the link to SamTrans’ webpage for Route 130 / 130B. Please let us know if scheduling changes so we can update our information. You can also download the entire Route 130 schedule and fare information.
Algae Blooms in the Bay:
Algae blooms are no longer an issue in the Bay Area. While we are able to paddle safely at OPM, we recommend that everyone practices “healthy water habits.” Pay particular attention to washing yourself and your pet after practice.
Practice Schedule
Sat and Sun: 9 – 11 AM
(Feb 1 to Nov 30, 2025)
Wed: 5 – 7 PM
(Wed, Apr 2 to Oct 29, 2025)
Weather, Tides, and Air Quality
Weather at: Oyster Point Marina
When wind is over 20 mph, find us at the trailer for land training
Tides at: Oyster Point Marina
During high or king tide days, park away from Gate 7 and
be careful of rising water and sharp objects
Air Quality in: South San Francisco
Once the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 100, we will closely monitor the situation and may call for practice or event cancellation
Announcements & Posts
Presentation by OPD at SSF Library
In collaboration with South San Francisco’s Library, join Oyster Point Dragons to “learn about the history and basics of the sport of dragon boating” at the brand new Library | Parks and Recreation Center in South San Francisco on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 2:30 PM
In Memoriam – Dr. Fidelia Butt
The world lost a hero on Monday, April 11, 2022. As a long time friend and supporter of OPD, Dr. Fidelia Butt played a pivotal role in the lives of many many individuals. As a paddler and staunch supporter of Live Love Survive – a dragon boat team composed of cancer survivors and supporters, Fidelia […]
Resources & Other Programs
About Us and The Sport of Dragon Boating
About Us
Oyster Point Dragons is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its Paddle for Health Program focuses on teamwork, safety, discipline, technique, and endurance in a family-friendly environment, which is all conducive to elevating and maintaining each participant’s physical and mental health. OPD is a very inclusive team with paddlers of various ethnicity, gender, age, and health condition. We welcome anyone who wants to have fun while fostering team spirit and friendship.
Read more >
The Sport of Dragon Boating
The sport of dragon boating as it is today has been one the fastest growing sports with festivals being held throughout continents around the world. The most common boat holds a drummer, a steer person, and up to 20 paddlers paddling to cross the finish line faster than the competition. It is an ultimate team sport with little or no consideration for individuality. Power, speed, synchronization, endurance, and mental focus remain the primary elements of this sport. The most common race lengths are 250 and 500 meters in 4 to 10 lanes, depending on the race. Races are held in four main categories: Novice, Recreational, Competitive, and Specialty.
Read more >
Philanthropy
Your Support
You can support and help OPD maintain its health initiatives and community health in various ways.
Click here for more information.