All Abilities

At AusDBF, our all-abilities sport opportunities are about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or disability, has the option to participate, feel welcome, and enjoy the physical, social, and wellbeing benefits of being active. This means creating inclusive club environments, offering flexible participation options, and providing clear pathways into dragon boating, including Paradragons. This work is supported by strong partnerships with Disability Sports Australia and the International Dragon Boat Federation, helping to ensure inclusive practices are embedded across the sport.

This page provides information on participant classifications for people with a disability and/or impairment, outlines participation and Paradragon pathway opportunities, highlights our All Abilities Ambassadors, and shares resources to support clubs and volunteers in delivering inclusive experiences.

International Dragon Boat Federation Classification

The IDBF recognises eight categories of disability which are further described in the document ‘Guide to Coaching Paradragons’. These include:

-    Vision Impairment
-    Hearing Impairment
-    Intellectual Impairment
-    Limb deficiencies
-    Limb impairments
-    Psychological Impairment
-    Neurological impairments (ambulant)
-    Wheelchair bound

Although 'impairment' and 'disability' are often used interchangeably, the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) sees a clear distinction between them. It encourages everyone in the dragon boat community to treat the two words appropriately.

For the IDBF, an 'impairment' is the condition that a person is living with, while a 'disability' is a restriction on that person's ability to carry out functions because of the impairment.

'Disability' is therefore related to context. For example, a visually impaired person has a sensory impairment that may make it difficult or impossible for them to drive a car safely; they are considered 'disabled' as far as driving is concerned, but the impairment may have little effect on their ability to paddle powerfully.

How to participate?

Paddlers with a disability or impairment in Australia are welcome to participate with any affiliated dragon boat club. In addition, paddlers may choose to paddle with Invictus Programs or pursue competitive opportunities through the Paradragon Pathway (see below), depending on their interests and goals.

Clubs and volunteers are supported with appropriate tools, resources, and guidance to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and overall experience of all paddlers remains a priority.

To get started, connect with a local club using the Club Finder on our home page. Clubs can assist with determining suitability for participation in training, regattas, and events, and provide guidance on available pathways.

For all new participants of Dragon Boating, regardless of ability, our Dragon Pass (Come & Try) program allows individuals to try out the sport for an unlimited number of sessions within a 30-day period. 

Paradragons Performance Pathway

The performance pathway for paddlers with a disability. 

As defined by IDBF: “Paradragons are dragon boat paddlers who are living with some form of physical, psychological, neurological, sensory, developmental, or intellectual impairment. The term is also used more generally to refer to a race category where some or all paddlers have such impairments.”

IDBF currently offers three racing categories:

• Full Paradragon (PD1): A team where every paddler has a recognized impairment.
• Partial Paradragon (PD2): A team where at least half of the paddlers have a recognized impairment.
• Specific Paradragon (PD3): This category is available for specific events and requirements. 

Be inspired by International Paradragons, PADS Adaptive Dragonboat Racing Team (2019, 2022 and 2023 International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Paradragon Champions), and the Purple Warriors (UK).

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Paradragons and become a ParaAthlete, email paradragons@ausdbf.com.au or your affiliated state for more information.

More information can be found on the IDBF Paradragons page found here - https://www.dragonboat.sport/paradragons/

AusDBF All Abilities Ambassadors 

Lindy Hou - ACT 

Retired from Para-cycling in 2008. Linda became legally blind in 1996.

Linda tried lots of sports, however found dragon boat to be very inclusive.

"People of all abilities can participate in dragon boat with little modification required".

"I participated in a dragon boat team building exercise years ago with a group of Para-cyclists  who had a range of disabilities from arm or leg amputee, vision impaired and cerebral palsy - the experience  was amazing".

"I believe that building a culture of inclusion of all ability in sports can help break down barriers in our society".

Mark Kusin - WA

Mark has participated in dragon boat for 30 years, is a life member of his Club and served on the DBWA Board.

In 2023 Mark represented the 'Auroras; in the Senior C Division at the World Dragon Boat Championships.

Mark suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) (the retinas are dying from the outside in. "Over the years I have adapted my paddling as I could no longer rely on my eyesight to get the timing right. I listen carefully for the drumming sound of the paddles hitting the water and feel the rhythm of the boat, plus what my paddle, water and body are doing".

"I believe if something gives you enjoyment you should do all you can to foster, nurture and improve it".

Julie Pretner - VIC

Julie was diagnosed with Lupus in her mid 20s, three years after diagnosis she lost her central and peripheral vision.

Julie has 3 children. Julie also enjoys music, and playing sports growing up. 

"I have learnt that by listening to each other and working on strategies together, the majority of people are more than willing to accommodate and modify their approach enabling me to participate in activities".

"The reason to be an Ambassador is due to the experience I had when I first tried dragon boat. My friend who asked me to come along, had not informed the club of my impairment, the clubs members were  very welcoming. 

When I returned the next week, the club had taken it upon themselves to use a rubber mat to cover the gap between the dock and the boat enabling me to learn how to safely embark and disembark".

Disability Sports Australia - Partnership

Disability Sports Australia (DSA) and the Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF) are working together to strengthen accessibility and inclusion across dragon boating. This strategic partnership forms part of DSA’s Sports Incubator Program, which supports sporting organisations to build inclusive pathways and remove barriers for people with disability.

Through this collaboration, AusDBF is enhancing its ability to support clubs, volunteers, and officials to deliver welcoming, safe, and accessible dragon boat experiences. The partnership focuses on building knowledge, confidence, and capability across the sport, ensuring inclusive practices are embedded at all levels—from grassroots participation through to competitive pathways such as Paradragons.

The long-term goal of the partnership is to increase participation opportunities for Paradragons and encourage more people with disability to engage in dragon boating in ways that suit their interests, abilities, and aspirations. This includes creating clearer pathways, improving accessibility within clubs and events, and promoting inclusive environments where all paddlers can thrive.

The overarching aim of the Sports Incubator Program is to create sporting environments where people with disability feel supported, empowered, and included, while also ensuring sporting organisations are equipped with the tools, confidence, and capability to deliver accessible and sustainable programs.