AusChamps 2024

DBWA welcomes the Australian Dragon Boat paddling fraternity to the 2024 Australian National Championships at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre in Perth, Western Australia. 

The Australian National Dragon Boat Championships, known as AusChamps, is the annual high-performance competition for State and Club teams. It is the premier dragon boat paddling event in Australia.

The championships attract approximately 2,500-3,000 competitors from clubs all around the country to participate in club vs club and State vs State races. State Teams are chosen from the best available athletes and compete at AusChamps for Champion State. The State Teams are also a pathway to the Auroras (national team) who compete at the IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships.

The clubs compete on club days to determine the fastest crews in their divisions/categories and seek qualification to compete at the World Club Crew Championships. Under IDBF Competition Regulations each National Federation is allowed to endorse up to 5 standard and 2 small boat per competition class. Any competition classes not accepted will be made available to clubs for qualification at 2024 AusChamps in Perth. Those that qualified in 2023 AusChamps will be attending the 2024 Perth AusChamps to retain their qualification.

Racing includes events for several age categories, including Junior/Youth categories, a Premier (open age) category, and three Senior (over age 40) categories. Crews are Women, Mixed, and Open composition, and race distances are 200m, 500m, and 2,000m. The boats are either 'standard' sized, which hold a crew of 22, or 'small', which hold a crew of 12. There are also breast cancer and all cancer survivors categories.

What the AusChamps 2024 in Perth has to offer

Compete for gold at the world-class Champion Lakes Regatta Centre during the day and then in the evening enjoy a relaxing meal in one of the many restaurants, cafés and pubs in the city.  Afterwards, take in the gorgeous night-time views of Perth city from Kings Park, stroll the paths along the Swan River, or enjoy the vibrant and exciting nightlife Northbridge. With its Mediterranean-like climate and more sunshine than any other capital city in Australia, Perth is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Magnificent beaches, beautiful parks and spectacular dive sites are all readily accessible from the city, via car, bus or ferry.

Competitors are encouraged to take the opportunity to explore more of WA either before or after the Championships.  An easy drive south of Perth leads to the lovely seaside town of Busselton, one of WA’s top tourism town. Dive, swim, snorkel, or visit the remarkable underwater observatory located at the end of the 1.8 km long Busselton Jetty. Continue south for less than an hour and you will reach Margaret River, renown for spectacular surfing and world-renown wines. The region is beautifully scenic and has plenty for everyone, whether it is arts and crafts, award-winning wines, delicious food, remarkable waves and beaches, or majestic caves that are truly spectacular in both size and beauty.