Paddle in Paradise at Octagon Pond is the scene for some thrilling dragon boat races. But what happens on land during this fun-filled festival? Well, there are dragons to awaken, moves to make, food to eat, prizes to win and people to meet! Lots of happy, sociable people! Thanks to Alick Tsui for these illuminating photos of activities on land. Our warmup was provided by the energetic instructors at Club Universal. Our food vendors this year were Ziggy's, Masker BBQ Pits and

Another successful Paddle in Paradise due in large part to the many volunteers who make it run smoothly, keep the paddlers safe and entertain us! We are so appreciative of your time and commitment and we love seeing your smiling faces in our festival photos!

Marshalling for the dragon boat races at the Paddle in Paradise Festival can generate butterflies, excitement and maybe some trepidation. But there's nothing like the exhilaration one feels upon completing a race and being saluted by fellow paddlers! Alick Tsui shows us all the emotions in these fabulous photos!

Here are the amazing photos of teams on Octagon Pond captured by Alick Tsui at the 2026 Paddle in Paradise Festival. We admire your spirit and enthusiasm! So many of you are new to this sport with perhaps only one practice under your belt. You all did amazing! Thank you for your participation - it means so much to us.

The Avalon Dragons join in a circle before heading out for a race between teams of all breast cancer survivors. After the race the boats head back to the dock where paddlers join in a ceremony to remember those we have lost to breast cancer, to support those who are still fighting and to celebrate all survivors. Carnations are waved in the air as the song Rolling River is played. They are then placed in the water by paddlers and family members. It is always a poignant and em

The Chinese Association of NL always delights the crowd at the Paddle in Paradise festival with their traditional dragon and lion dances. This year was no exception! Thank you for bringing your incredible energy to our festival every year. We appreciate the support and the entertainment! These photos were taken by Alick Tsui with a couple more from festival attendees.

In addition to the championship medals and awards for divisional races, the following awards were presented at the 2026 Paddle in Paradise Festival. Most Spirited Team: Mad Hatters (Family and Friends) Most Enthusiastic Drummer: Rennie So Top Fundraising Team: Marine Institute Surging Waves Top Fundraiser: Cindy from Club Universal Iron Dragons Most Spirited Team - Mad Hatters Most Enthusiastic Drummer - Rennie So Top Fundraising Team - MI Surging Waves Top Fundraiser - Cindy

Here are the results: Division A Gold: Avalon Dragons Heart Silver: Herricane Winds (Ottawa) Bronze: Rock Island Dragons Division B: TSL Physio Division C: Bev's Angels Division D: Travel with Marie and Todd/DFO Seahorses Check out our Race Results page for complete results. Avalon Dragons Heart Team - Gold Herricane Winds (Ottawa) - Silver Rock Island Dragons - Bronze TSL Physio - Division B - 1st Place Bev's Angels - Division C - 1st Place

What an amazing group of dragon boat teams at the Paddle in Paradise Festival this year! We appreciate your support so much! And we always look forward to Alick Tsui's team photos every year! Avalon Dragons - Heart Team Avalon Dragons - Soul Team Bev's Angels Club Universal - Iron Dragons Herricane Winds (Ottawa) Mad Hatters - Family and Friends Travel with Marie and Todd/DFO Seahorses Marlene's Mermaids Mighty Municipal Dragons - Town of Paradise Marine Institute - Surging W

In a thrilling final championship race, team Avalon Dragons Heart edged out Herricane Winds (Ottawa), the Rock Island Dragons and the Mad Hatters (Family & Friends) to win gold! A significant milestone in our team's history - for the first time the Avalon Dragons will appear on the Paddle in Paradise trophy! More results and photos to come!

Paddle in Paradise is going ahead today - see you at Octagon Pond!

Here is the schedule of events for Paddle in Paradise which is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Avalon Dragons. It is a fun filled day of dragon boat races, activities for the kids and food vendors. But also a moving and poignant day as we remember those we have lost from breast cancer. This year, there is a shuttle bus from the Paradise Double Ice Complex to the parking lot adjacent to to the Tim Hortons parking lot (from 7 to 4) ; there is a food drive for the CB

Here is the race schedule for the Paddle in Paradise Dragon Boat Festival. Best of luck to all our teams who are so generously participating in our annual fundraiser. We appreciate you all so much! And thank you to our amazing race sponsors! It is going to be an exciting day. Come cheer on the teams! This year you can follow the race results on our Race Results webpage.

The Avalon Dragons made the annual visit to Banished Brewing this week to see the latest batch of "Paddles Up" roll off the production line. It is a tart, vibrant sour brewed with raspberry & hibiscus. Fifty cents from every can sold goes straight to the Avalon Dragons. Thank you Banished Brewing!

They’re back! The Pretty Potty will return to our festival site this year! And there will be not just 1, but 3 posh potties to reduce the chance of line ups! Cleaned and freshened between customers! Just $2 per go or $5 for the day! Please bring cash.

"Community is a key value for us at Banished and some partnerships mean a little more. For the past four years, we've had the privilege of brewing Paddles Up alongside our friends at the Avalon Dragons. What started as a collaboration has grown into a friendship. We've watched firsthand the incredible community they've built through strength, support, and showing up for one another, both on and off the water. That's why we're proud to donate $0.50 from every can sold to help

Our community teams who are so generously participating in our annual Paddle in Paradise fundraising festival took to the water today in their practice runs. Some paddlers are brand new while others come with previous paddling experience. If today was any sign, it will be an exciting day of races next Saturday at Octagon Pond! We are so fortunate to have your support in keeping our dragon boat team moving forward and available to those dealing with breast cancer.

Thank you to Tim Hortons (Octagon Pond Location) for being a Championship Race Sponsor for the 2026 Paddle in Paradise Festival! Your support means so much to us! "At Tim Hortons, you're always welcome. We're happy to serve you each day and even happier when we can work together to help make a difference in our community. That is why we are proud supporters of Avalon Dragons and proud to be part of our community. "

Thank you to Body Quest for being a Championship Race Sponsor for the 2026 Paddle in Paradise Festival! Your support means so much! "Whether you want to heal from an injury or reduce the symptoms of a chronic illness, Body Quest Health and Wellness delivers quality healthcare and wellness services in St. John’s. Our focus is to ensure that you get the best possible healing experience from our thoughtfully tailored and personalized wellness programs."

Thank you to H&P (Helmerich & Payne) for being a Championship Race Sponsor for the 2026 Paddle in Paradise Festival! Your support means so much to us! "Founded in 1920, Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is committed to delivering industry leading levels of drilling productivity and reliability. H&P operates with the highest level of integrity, safety and innovation to deliver superior results for its customers and returns for shareholders. Through its subsidiaries, the Company designs,