History of the Cyprus Dragon Boat Federation

Dragon boat racing — a sport with origins in ancient China — first arrived in Cyprus in 2008, when a group of enthusiasts introduced the sport to the island’s waters. The introduction was driven in part by Mike Haslam, then President of the International Dragon Boat Federation, who encouraged local athletes to take up dragon boating and even helped provide initial boats and training support. 

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In those early years, awareness of dragon boat racing was limited, and numbers were small. The sport was new to the local community, and it took dedication and effort to build interest and participation. 

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Despite the challenges, supporters of the sport persevered, and the Cyprus Dragon Boat Federation was formally established in 2008 to govern, develop and promote dragon boat activities across the country. 

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Over time, the Federation helped organise training, build teams, and grow participation. Dragon boat clubs eventually formed in Limassol, Larnaca, Paralimni and Nicosia, bringing together paddlers of all ages and backgrounds. 

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In the years that followed, Cyprus teams began competing internationally and achieving notable results. By 2017, Cypriot crews were taking part in major events and breaking records — a sign of how far the sport had developed in less than a decade. 

 

Today, dragon boat racing continues to flourish in Cyprus, with regular local competitions, community involvement, and growing recognition of the sport’s values of teamwork, discipline and healthy living.