YMCA Woodlands Dragon Boat Challenge – Quick Overview for HH Participants 🔥
Date: Saturday, Sept 26, 2026
Time: 8 AM–12 PM (HH setup at 7:15 AM)
Location: Northshore Park, The Woodlands
Age Requirement: 18+ only
Event Length: 4 hours
Team Needs: Minimum 20 participants + at least 5 females
- YMCA – You will need to sign a Specific Waiver Sheet upon attending: Here are the contents for you to read over now – please read carefully:
In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in the dragon boat/paddling program and related events and activities, the undersigned:
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- Agrees that prior to participating, I will inspect the facilities and equipment to be used, and if I believe anything to be unsafe, I will immediately advise my team captain or the chief dragon boat activity organizer of such condition(s) and refuse to participate.
- Acknowledge and fully understand that I will be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury, including permanent disability and death, and severe social and economic losses which might result not only from my actions, inactions, the negligence of others, the rules of play, or the condition of the premises or of any equipment used.
- Further, that there may be other risks not known to me or reasonably foreseeable at this time.
- Assume all the foregoing risks and accept personal responsibility for the damages following such injury, permanent disability or death.
- Release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the YMCA OF THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA, its affiliate dragon boat clubs and/or committees and organizers, The Woodlands Family YMCA, Repsol, event sponsors, The Woodlands Township, Lake Woodlands Property Owners ’ Association, any coaches, trainers, sternsmen and other employees of the organization, other participants, sponsoring agencies, advisors, advertisers, volunteers and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event, all of which are hereinafter referred to as the “releasees” from any liability to the undersigned; his or her heirs and next of kin for any and all claims, demands, losses, or damages on account of injury, including death or damage to property caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of these releasees or otherwise.
- Agree to wear an approved life jacket properly fastened at all times while in the boat and to ensure all responsibility for informing myself of all safety rules and to abide by all such rules related to the activities.
- Authorize the YMCA OF THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA, The Woodlands Family YMCA, its employees, volunteers, representatives, and event organizers to seek or administer medical care on my behalf in the event of a medical emergency, including first aid, emergency medical treatment, and transportation to an appropriate medical facility, if deemed reasonably necessary.
- This Waiver and Release of Liability is governed by the laws of the State of Texas.
2. $65.00 Fee to be paid NOW to @houstonheatdragonboat@gmail.com
3. Required Activities (All HH participants will rotate through these)
1️⃣ Dragon Boat Race
– 20‑person boat (18 paddlers, 1 drummer, 1 flag catcher)
– Closed‑toe shoes + lifejackets required
– YMCA provides the sternsman
2️⃣ Dodgeball
– 10 players on court at a time
– Must include 2 females
– Everyone rotates in
– Best 2 out of 3
3️⃣ Dragon Pong
– 10 players total (5 per round)
– 2 rounds, 6 minutes each
– Knock out the other team’s cups
4️⃣ Dragon Chain Reaction
– 20 players: 13 chain players, 2 runners, 5 throwers
– Move hoops through the chain and toss onto cones
– Fastest team wins
🎉 Extras
– Spirit contests, tent themes, shirt design competitions – Anyone interested in decorating our HH tent?
– YMCA provides tents, table, and water
– We bring the Heat energy 🔥
We’re looking for Houston Heat members (18 years and older) to join us at the 27th Annual YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge on Saturday, September 26. This long‑running community event brings together local organizations for three days of paddling, teamwork, and friendly competition, featuring flag‑catching dragon boat heats on Lake Woodlands, team spirit activities, and creative team themes.
Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, September 26
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: The Woodlands Family YMCA at Shadowbend
🗺️ Address: 2505 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381
💛 Benefits: Proceeds support the YMCA Annual Campaign, which helps provide programs and opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds
💵 Fee: $65 per paddler
👥 Co‑Leads: Joel & Eva
🏆 Awards: Fastest Heat, Most Spirited Team, and Best Team Décor
🎯 Activities: Flag‑catching dragon boat race and field‑day style games (e.g. dodgeball, human foosball, tug‑of‑war, relay challenges)
What to Bring: Lawn chairs, electrolytes, snacks (water provided by organizers)
Who Can Join: All Houston Heat members