Austin Coolers Dragon Boat Team – If it hurts, keep paddling

Austin Coolers Dragon Boat Team – If it hurts, keep paddling

About
Join
Calendar
Corporate Events
Contact

IF IT HURTS, KEEP PADDLING

Join the premiere dragon boat team in Austin

START PADDLING

One boat, one team. Come get a workout on the water while joining a community and long tradition.

Read our FAQ to help get you started!

Check out our calendar for practices and events.

@austincoolersdb

austincoolersdb

Austin Coolers is the premiere dragon boat 🐲🐉team in Austin, TX. Started in May 2008. #austincoolersdb

As we wrap up 2024, we are happy to announce our n

As we wrap up 2024, we are happy to announce our new head coach: Scott Baltisberger! Scott has been with the Coolers since 2014 and looks forward to leading us on the water in 2025.

Thank you Sheena for many years of leadership, and we’re glad to still have you as a coach.

Also, announcing two new assistant coaches: Miko Marquez and Jill Ongoco! They both joined in 2021 after moving to Austin. Looking forward to your coaching and perspective as two of our youngest members!

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #watersports #paddling

We are participating in @austinrowingclub ‘s com

We are participating in @austinrowingclub ‘s community day! Swing by between 9-12pm to come learn about Dragon Boat and paddle in one. All equipment provided. 🐉

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #watersports #paddling #austinrowingclub

The Coolers had an eventful day at the AAPI Herita

The Coolers had an eventful day at the AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival in Dallas! Bringing home a bronze🥉 in the club division. Thanks to all that came out and looking forward to returning next year.

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #watersports #paddling #aapiheritageanddragonboatfestival

Race day in Dallas! Excited to be a part of the fi

Race day in Dallas! Excited to be a part of the first AAPI Heritage and Dragon Boat Festival.

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #watersports #paddling #aapiheritageanddragonboatfestival

It’s race day! See y’all at Festival Beach. Go

It’s race day! See y’all at Festival Beach. Good luck to all of the teams!

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling #townlake #townlakeaustin

We’ve got 8 corporate/community teams racing thi

We’ve got 8 corporate/community teams racing this week, here’s some pics from their practices this past month. Thanks to Coolers members for coaching and steering them, looking forward to seeing everyone on the water!

CORPORATE
H-E-B
NXP
Open Lending
TEL

COMMUNITY
The Alumni Team
Austin Dragon
Austin Hongkongers
Texas Water Safari Paddlers

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling #townlake #townlakeaustin

2 days out. See y’all at Festival Beach, ATX.

2 days out. See y’all at Festival Beach, ATX.

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling #townlake #townlakeaustin

Meet one of our coaches, Scott! Scott is determine

Meet one of our coaches, Scott! Scott is determined to have us paddling like dragons/cheetahs/other fierce creatures. And not like hamsters. He’s also on Team USA, we’re lucky to have him!

* Hometown: Sour Lake, Texas

* Started paddling: 2014

* Joined the Coolers: April 2014

* Favorite part about Dragon Boat: The people. I have made connections that are very dear to me with people from across the state, country and throughout the world. There’s a lot to be said for the feeling of being with a strong crew on a beautiful day and you’re all dialed in and the boat is just flying!

* Interesting or funny story from a race: I once steered a race while laying flat on my back! The Irving race was notorious for being difficult to steer, always lots of collisions and capsizes. I was pulling so hard to keep our boat from running off course that I fell over. There wasn’t time or space to get back on my feet so we finished with me sprawled out in the steering box. But what’s really funny is we won!

* Tip to other paddlers: Technique, technique, technique! Don’t focus so much on power. Get your paddling technique really solid and the power will follow. Always employ good technique whenever you’re on the water, whether training for a race or just out for a leisurely trip down the river. You want good technique to become as natural and effortless as breathing!

* Tip to anyone interested in starting Dragon Boat: Don’t be shy about asking your coaches or more experienced paddlers for tips, explanations, or advice. Dragon boat people are generally very friendly and supportive. We were ALL beginners at some point so we know just how you feel!

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austindragonboatfestival #austindrsgonboat #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling #townlake #townlakeaustin

Everyone say 👋🏽 to our team member Jill! *

Everyone say 👋🏽 to our team member Jill!

* Hometown: Los Angeles, California

* Started paddling: 2018 (University)

* Joined the coolers: April 2022

* Favorite part about Dragon Boat: I love the dragon boat community. My teammates and other paddlers push me to do better mentally and physically. Also, a lot of them know where to eat.

* Interesting or funny story from a race/practice: Irving 2023, my boat got sandwiched between two boats. When the second boat hit my team’s boat, the dragon head hit me on the head near my ear. I kept paddling whenever I could find water to plant my blade in, or I held onto the boat next to me. Whatever I could do to make sure we didn’t slow down, or, at least, to make sure others wouldn’t take off without us.

* Tip to other paddlers: Trust the stroke form, and trust the stroke pace. They were set for a reason.

* Tip to anyone interested in starting Dragon Boat: Find a team in your area, or on extended travels! Teams are very welcoming and will help you from getting you gear to working on your stroke form. Search for a team in your area on Facebook, and start an amazing, unique adventure!

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austindragonboatfestival #austindrsgonboat #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling #townlake #townlakeaustin

10 days out until Paddles Up 🐉 #dragonboat #dr

10 days out until Paddles Up 🐉

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling #townlake #townlakeaustin

Miko and Jim helping Austin Dragons and TEL get re

Miko and Jim helping Austin Dragons and TEL get ready for the Community/Corporate division. Less than 2 weeks away!

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austindragonboatfestival #austindrsgonboat #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling #townlake #townlakeaustin

We are 2 weeks out! Even if you’re not paddling,

We are 2 weeks out! Even if you’re not paddling, swing by Festival Beach to watch some races, cultural activities, and meet the Dragonboat community.

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling #townlake #townlakeaustin

Wishing a good luck to our team as they race in th

Wishing a good luck to our team as they race in the DFW Dragon Boat Festival 2023. Here’s some clips from recent trainings. Paddles up!

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling #dfwdragonboatfestival #dfw

We’re one week out from the DFW Dragon Boat Fest

We’re one week out from the DFW Dragon Boat Festival and feeling good!

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling

Hope everyone’s having a good, long labor day we

Hope everyone’s having a good, long labor day weekend. We had an awesome Saturday morning practice with @paddleswithapurpose, always great to bring out two boats!

#dragonboat #dragonboattraining #austincoolers #austin #texas #atx #ladybirdlake #watersports #paddling

Saturday morning practice with @paddleswithapurpos

Saturday morning practice with @paddleswithapurpose. Interested in spending some time on lady bird lake every weekend? See here or Message us! https://austincoolers.com/join/

A big congrats AND happy birthday to our own Coach

A big congrats AND happy birthday to our own Coach Scott!
Scott paddled for Team USA’s Senior C team this past week at the world championships in Pattaya, Thailand. Bringing home plenty of hardware for the trophy cabinet 👏🏽🇺🇸🏅

🌊Austin Coolers Sunday night practice. We have

🌊Austin Coolers Sunday night practice. We have the Austin Dragon Boat and Paddle Festival coming up April 27-27, 2019.

Come join us!
.
.
.
.
.
#nature #outdoors #paddle #paddling #dragonboat #austin #austintexas #docks #dragonboating #dragonboatteam #austintx #austincoolers #views #team #teamsports #canoeing #canoe #TX #db #paddling #boat #competitive #racing #practice #aframe #grandmaboat #wallercreekboathouse #ladybirdlake #festivalbeach #atx #keepaustinfit

The Austin Dragon Boat and Paddle Festival is at F

The Austin Dragon Boat and Paddle Festival is at Festival Beach on April 28-29, 2019. Come join us!
.
.
.
.
.
#nature #outdoors #paddle #paddling #dragonboat #austin #austintexas #docks #dragonboating #dragonboatteam #austintx #austincoolers #views #team #teamsports #canoeing #canoe #TX #db #paddling #boat #competitive #racing #practice #aframe #grandmaboat #wallercreekboathouse #ladybirdlake #festivalbeach #atx #keepaustinfit

The Coolers are back in Austin, practicing for our

The Coolers are back in Austin, practicing for our next race!
.
.
.
.
.
#nature #outdoors #paddle #paddling #dragonboat #austin #austintexas #docks #dragonboating #dragonboatteam #austintx #austincoolers #views #team #teamsports #canoeing #canoe

Load More Follow on Instagram

Free WP THeme

Copyright © 2025 Austin Coolers, Inc.