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 supported the sport’s early development by encouraging local participation and helping provide boats and training.

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In the early years, awareness of dragon boat racing was limited, but steady efforts helped build interest, teams, and structured training.​ 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 and in 2015, the CyDBF achieved official recognition from the Cyprus Sport Organization (KOA), marking a significant milestone in the sport’s national development.

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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 both at club crew and national team level — 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.