Dragon Boat as a bridge: culture, community, and confidence
For nearly 25 years, CYC Dragon Boat has brought young people from across San Francisco together through teamwork, discipline, and shared pride. Dragon Boat is a space where youth can simply be youth. They play, laugh, stay active, explore the world around them, and begin to see what they are capable of.
This fall, a group of high school paddlers, parents, and staff traveled to China for a cultural exchange that made all of this feel very real. They spent time at the roots of the sport they practice each week at Lake Merced, and just as importantly, they carried those experiences home.
A living connection to culture
On the water in China, many youth felt a mix of familiarity and newness. They met paddlers from the other side of the world, learned about regional traditions, and saw how deeply Dragon Boat is woven into community life.
“I did not realize how big Dragon Boat was until I saw it there,” Ethan shared. “It made me proud to be part of it.”
“I think with this trip I was able to feel more Chinese in a way,” said Kayla. “Even though I’m constantly surrounded by people of the same ethnicity, being in China was a whole different experience since their way of life was different than what I’m used to.”
For others, being so close to the sport’s history shifted how they viewed their own paddling back home. Madelyn reflected that the trip helped her better understand the story behind Dragon Boat and why it carries meaning beyond competition. It changed how she showed up at practice in San Francisco, with more intention and pride.
Outside of races and practices, there were many moments where youth could just be themselves. They tried new foods, walked unfamiliar streets, laughed on bus rides, and took in the small details of daily life in another country.
“My favorite moment was the last night, when we all came together for dinner and karaoke,” said Sofia. “Sharing new foods with my teammates and singing together made me feel closer to them.”
These are the kinds of memories they brought back and now share with their teammates, families, and friends here.
What families hoped for
Families felt how special this opportunity was. Jasmine, whose son earned his place through steady commitment, described the trip as something that would stay with him for a long time.
“Learning how people live, what they eat, how they speak, that stays with you,” she said. Her family had never been able to afford international travel, so knowing her son had the chance to experience life in another part of the world mattered deeply. She also knew he would carry those lessons home and see his own neighborhood and opportunities with fresh eyes.
Another parent, Carrie, saw the exchange as a turning point for her son. She had watched him stay dedicated through demanding practices, and she hoped seeing Dragon Boat in China would deepen his appreciation for the sport and for his own growth.
“I want him to appreciate what he has here, but also to understand how other cultures move through the world,” she shared.
“I’ve seen him come back more sure of himself,” Carrie shared. “He understands what it took to get there, and he carries that pride with him.” “My hope is that he keeps carrying that confidence with him, wherever he goes next.”
For many families, this trip represented an opportunity for their children to step into the world with support, to try something new, and to realize that their interests, whether in sports, culture, or community, can open real doors.
Carrying it home
Throughout the exchange, youth discovered how Dragon Boat connects communities across borders. Douglas, who felt nervous before the trip, returned with a different sense of himself. The experience strengthened his confidence and reminded him that he belongs on the team, in new spaces, and in the wider world. That feeling did not end when the plane landed. It showed up in how he paddled, how he spoke up, and how he took on new challenges at home.
“Coming back to practice felt different,” Douglas shared. “Learning the history of Dragon Boat and seeing its importance in China made me feel part of something bigger than just our team.” He added, “I carried that experience back with me. I feel more comfortable stepping into things now, both on the water and outside of it.”
Throughout the trip, coaches and staff created time for reflection about identity, leadership, and community responsibility. They asked youth what they noticed, what surprised them, and what they wanted to bring back to their schools, families, and neighborhoods.
“One thing that stood out was how open the youth were,” said Zachary Louie, Program Specialist. “Even students who don’t identify as Asian felt comfortable talking with locals in Foshan. It showed us how powerful it is when young people can experience culture by being fully immersed in it.” He shared that trips like this give youth space to grow in unexpected ways. “They’re learning on the water, but they’re also thinking about what culture means to them and how it’s different from what they know at home.”
Program Director Henry Ha shared, “Being in China helped the youth see Dragon Boat in a new way. They weren’t just learning the sport’s history. They were experiencing where it comes from, meeting people connected to it, and seeing how culture lives beyond a classroom or practice.”
Why this journey matters
This cultural exchange trip reflects what makes CYC unique. We aim to center their identities, honor their cultures, and give them room to grow into the leaders they already have the potential to be.
This trip demonstrates what can happen when we invest in youth with intention and care,” shared Donald Luu, President of the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce. “The confidence and cultural pride they bring home strengthen not only their individual journeys but also the communities they belong to.”
Experiences like this show young people that their passions can open real doors. They also show youth that they are not just participants in a program. They are important members of their communities, both here and across the world.
Thank you San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Rose Pak Community Fund for your generous donations to help make this trip possible.
Join us on this journey
Trips like this are only possible because of sustained community support. Through our Heart of the Holidays campaign, you help ensure that youth have access to experiences that build confidence, connection, and pride in who they are, while giving them the freedom to simply be youth.
Join us on this journey by donating today.