“When I say Austin, you say ‘Keep it cool!”
Austin Coolers is the premiere dragon boat team in Austin, Texas. The Coolers began as a mix of interested members from various corporate teams in May 2008. We raced and placed second in our first competition as a team in October 2008 at the Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta and haven’t looked back! In June 2014, Austin Coolers was the first Texas team to race in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
If it hurts, keep paddling!
Team motto
Our team is made up of people from all different ages, occupations, and backgrounds. What brings us together is our common passion for the sport, our desire to see the team continue to improve, and an interest to promote the culture of dragon boat.
In 2014, one of our paddlers made the International Canoe Federation’s Team USA and raced at World Championships in Poland. Two years later, five Austin Coolers made the team and joined 9 other Texans to race at World Championships in Russia.
COVID paused the club for a year but we’ve been back on the water ever since, partnering with other paddling clubs such as the Austin Outrigger Canoe Club. A number of our members are part of the all-Texas team Lone Star Dragons, which participated at the Club Crew National Championship in 2023, and Club Crew World Championship 2024 in Italy. We also host the annual Austin Dragonboat Festival, typically in April!
We’re always looking to building a bigger and stronger team, so please help us reach our goal by becoming a member or a sponsor.
Leadership
Jill Ongoco
President and Assistant Coach
Miko Marquez
Vice President and Assistant Coach
Scott Baltisberger
Head Coach
Sheena Chang
Board Member and Assistant Coach
Jim Peterson
Board Member and Quartermaster
Yim Meyer
Board Member
What’s next?
- Want to learn more? Read our FAQ.
- I’m ready to join! Tell me how!
