The rhythmic splash of paddles slicing through the waters of Kingston Harbour signaled the dawn of a new sporting chapter in Jamaica.
Over the weekend, hundreds gathered at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Port Royal to witness the Inaugural Jamaica Dragon Boat Festival—a vibrant spectacle that introduced one of Asia’s oldest water sports to the island’s shores with unforgettable flair.
Among cheers, color, and camaraderie, the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) Coast Guard and the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) stole the spotlight, sharing the championship title in a breathtaking finale. Their boats crossed the finish line in lockstep, clocking a shared winning time of 1:04.257 hours, edging out the spirited Chinese Embassy team which finished at 1:05.660 hours to thunderous applause from the crowd.
“First ever in Jamaica—feels great”
For Johnny Wong, captain of the CBA team and a central figure in organizing the event, the festival was more than a race—it was history in motion.
“We hosted it. First time ever in Jamaica, history, and I think we did very well,” Wong beamed.
“Next year we’re going to do it better. The team feels great… we are very happy that we even joined the win.”
Discipline and precision: JDF’s tactical edge
Matching CBA stroke for stroke, the JDF Coast Guard showcased the disciplined training and team synergy that are hallmarks of their identity. Captain Tiran Maxwell shared his pride in their strategic preparation.
“We’re excited that we were invited to be part of the first-ever competition,” Maxwell stated.
“We trained on Saturdays and Sundays in Port Royal… We had a team plan, we had a goal, and we delivered on that goal. I’m very proud of my team.”
Regional victory: Jamaica, the Caribbean
Beyond the local accolades, Jamaica’s dominance extended regionally as they claimed the title of Caribbean Dragon Boat Champions, outpacing strong teams from the Bahamas and Team Misfits, a diverse international contingent with athletes from Canada, the U.S., China, and Trinidad.
The festival drew 11 teams from 12 countries, each composed of at least 12 members, including 10 paddlers, a drummer, and a captain to steer the vessel. Competitors hailed from countries such as Germany, Russia, the Philippines, Suriname, Spain, Tajikistan, and Trinidad & Tobago, underscoring the event’s global flavor.
Public participation and tourism potential
Even after the official races concluded, the excitement was far from over. Curious spectators, some first-time visitors to Port Royal, jumped at the chance to try dragon boating firsthand. Four public boats took to the sea following a brief orientation—an experience Allan Beckford, General Manager of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), praised.
“I must congratulate the organizers… wonderful event. So wonderful that they invited newcomers, and I was one who had that opportunity,” Beckford said.
“What it shows is a sport for everybody, and the tourism potential is fantastic.”
International praise and future dreams
Canadian race director Kerry Chow, certified by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), was effusive in his praise for the Jamaican debut.
“It’s been amazing… the local people who came down, raced the race, brought their family—it was amazing,” said Chow.
“I expected a little bit less, and you exceeded that by a mile. Watching teams take each other on in the water and then share hugs and handshakes after—that’s what dragon boating is about.”
A 15-year dream realized
For Dalton Yap, chairman of the organizing committee and president of the Jamaica Dragon Boat Federation, the festival was the culmination of 15 years of tireless effort to bring the sport to Jamaica.
“It was thrilling, exhilarating… full of fun and very competitive,” Yap reflected.
“Jamaicans, thank you so much for turning out in droves. You have a passion for the sport, an understanding.”
During the opening ceremony, Yap received official membership in the IDBF from Pan American Federation President Franco Sui Chong, a landmark moment with profound implications for the nation.
“You’re introducing a sport, an international sport that will soon be in the Olympics… one day, I hope Jamaica will host the Pan-American Dragon Boat Championships, bringing 2,500 people, and the International Championships, which brings 8,000 athletes. Could you imagine what that would do for the Jamaican economy?”
National dignitaries celebrate new sport
The festival’s opening ceremony welcomed dignitaries including Custos of Kingston Steadman Fuller, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, Chinese Ambassador Chen Daojiang, and CBA President Vincent Chang. Each praised the festival for its vision, execution, and promising impact on sport and tourism in Jamaica.
