As we approach year end, Mike Thomas's term of office will end and Claudio Schermi will take over the reins as IDBF President from 1st January 2024. Under the new Statutes and Byelaws, we are pleased to note that Mike will automatically be granted the title of Honorary President. Thank you Mike for your dedication to the sport and to the IDBF over the last 40 years. Your dedication and professionalism is second to none.

Read Mike's final President's Report.




Welcome Claudio Schermi as the new IDBF president in 2024. Claudio was elected at the 19th Ordinary Congress of the IDBF held earlier this year in Pattaya, Thailand. He will continue the IDBF's vision is to see dragon boat racing in the Olympic Games and to promote Chinese and Asian traditions of dragon boat as a way of bonding different cultures together.

Read Claudio's Welcome and New Year Message.




Alan van Caubergh, IDBF's Treasurer also retires at year end following three terms in office. Alan's commitment to the sport has been outstanding and formally recognised at this year's Hall of Fame Awards. The IDBF thanks Alan for his time and effort in moving the sport forward.

Loretta Lewis will be the new IDBF Treasurer following her successful election at Congress and Franco Siu Chong will step in as IDBF Deputy Treasurer.




The IDBF Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of the men and women who have made a significant contribution to the sport of dragon boating. Whether that is excellence on the water or their efforts behind the scenes, they have demonstrated their commitment to building our sport and inspired others to achieve their best.

Congratulations to the 2023 inductees.


・Mr. Zhang Faqiang
・Dr. Raymond Ma
・Alan van Caubergh


・Dr. Robert McNamara
・Andrea Dillon

Read more about their achievements and induction into the IDBF Hall of Fame.




The 16th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships were once again held in Pattaya-Rayong, Thailand between 7th – 13th August 2023. Fortunately the weather gods looked favourably on us this year and due to suitable water levels the event was held at the purpose built Rowing & Canoeing Association of Thailand’s (RCAT) Training Centre. As always RCAT ran another impressive Championships with one of the best athlete medal ceremonies we have seen. With crews back to full strength following Covid a formidable demonstration of the sport at the highest level was put on by the national teams.

・2,987 Athletes & Coaches
・523 Supporters
・351 Races
・60 Race Officials

Watch the WDBRC 2023 highlights video.

IDBF new website

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