OSD

Out of Sight Dragons

A dragon boat racing team of the blind and visually impaired in the Metro Washington DC Area

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Who We Are

The Out of Sight Dragons are an affiliated DC Dragon Boat Club team of blind and visually impaired individuals, friends, families, volunteers, and partner organizations passionate about the ancient sport of dragon boat racing.

Picture of team with the Out of Sights Banner in front of the Titanic Memorial.
Photo: 2021 Team Meet up
OSD is featured in this clip about the Nationals competition in Sarasota, FL 2021
News clip highlighting the OSD paddlers. The title reads "For blind paddlers, the Club Crew Nationals were...OUT OF SIGHT!"
Read the article highlighting OSD paddlers in the NBP Fall 2021 magazine.

What is a Dragon Boat?

Out of Sight Dragons written in English and brail with a paddle and white cane crossing

A dragon boat is a human-powered wooden or fiberglass canoe-like watercraft decorated with a Chinese Dragon’s Head at the front and tail at the back. Dragon Boat teams, paddling in unison to the beat of a drum, propel their boats forward, aiming to reach the finish line in the fastest time. Spectacular for participants and spectators alike, dragon boat races are the highlight of dragon boat festivals here in DC and around the world. The Out of Sight Dragons compete in this exciting sport from May to October.

Our Mission

To encourage and promote the benefits of dragon boat paddling and other beneficial and healthful activities among blind and visually impaired people of all ages and backgrounds. By competing on equal terms in racing leagues, we demonstrate to the general public the capabilities and accomplishments of the blind and visually impaired.

Full length view of team OSD in a dragon boat on the Potomac.
Photo: OSD practice on the water

Team Goals

  • To advocate the the inclusion of people with disabilities, particularly blind and visually-impaired athletes
  • Creating camaraderie by working together to win a common goal
  • Building trust and self-esteem essential to a healthy and happy social life
  • Encouraging and offering ways to give back to the community
  • Promoting full-body health through physical, mental, and emotional workout exercises and therapy

International Para-Dragon Competitions

The years 2021 and 2022 offer an extra special opportunity, as the United States will host the World Para-dragon Championship. Dragon boat teams of people with disabilities will compete against their colleagues from around the world. This is a unique opportunity to rise to the challenge of a mega dragon boating event to be held in our country.

Bird's eye view of the OSD
Photo: Bird’s eye view of the OSD in a ten-man dragon boat

Come Paddle with us!

For our practice schedule, contact us at outofsightdragonsdc@gmail.com

Photo: OSD racing in a dragon boat