Racing through summer: A season of growth for CYC Dragon Boat
This summer has been one to remember for our Dragon Boat program. From international waters in Vancouver to sun-filled race days in Long Beach, our youth paddled with strength and heart. Recently, six of them represented Team USA at the World Dragon Boat Championships in Germany, a milestone that speaks to their hard work and the powerful spirit of this community.
Dragon Boat is more than a sport. It’s a space where young people can show up, learn something new, and grow together. For Caden Tran, who joined the team in seventh grade, it all started with a coach giving him a CYC pen at a school tabling event. He was drawn in by the idea of travel and teamwork, but stayed because of the people.
“In middle school, I didn’t know anyone, but once I joined Dragon Boat, I met a lot of people from different schools,” he shared. “I forged friendships with them, and now I have a large community I didn’t have before.”
Now a rising junior and one of this season’s team captains, Caden has stepped into leadership with confidence and care. He’s learned to support his teammates, communicate clearly, and take ownership of the team’s growth. Last year, he even had the chance to travel to China through the program, where he explored the cultural roots of dragon boat and learned how the sport connects cultures around the world.
This summer, that sense of community was on full display. The team raced hard and celebrated big wins—taking home six medals at Long Beach and four in Vancouver. Along the way, they cheered each other on, grew closer as a team, and proudly represented CYC and San Francisco on every shoreline.
As summer winds down, we’re proud of everything this group has accomplished, and even more excited to see where their paddles will take them next.
