Volunteer at the Calgary Dragon Boat Festival

updated: July 13, 2023

The Calgary Dragon Boat Festival is looking for individuals or organizations who would like to be part of a premier water sport and festival and gain experience by volunteering to help with this year’s event.

We recognize and salute all volunteers who contribute to the festival as it would not be possible without the help of many volunteers like yourself who kindly donate their energy and time at the festival each year.

We are offering some great eating at our buffet tables…some great T-Shirts (dry-fits), and a chance to paddle in a Dragon Boat with your fellow volunteers.

Help make the best festival yet by becoming a volunteer!

Volunteer Positions

There will be a volunteers meeting prior to the event – date TBA.

Any questions please contact: practice@calgarydragonboatsociety.com

Race Related Activities

Dock Management:
If you are 16 and older and would like to manage the dock and get front row seats of the race course, this is for you. You will need to be strong enough to guide and hold the dragon boats as they come in and out of the docks, help paddlers in and out of boats and stabilizing the boats.

Timing Tower:
We will need volunteers to help time the boats crossing the finish line. There will be a test run on Friday August 11th for the Charity Practice races so you will know what is involved.

There’s morning shifts (7:30am to 12:00pm) and afternoon shifts (12:30pm to 4:30pm) to choose from for Dock and Timing positions – but feel free to sign up both slots and days if you are available.

On Water Officials (18 and older) – two day commitment
Chase Boat Steward to assist Chase Boat Chief in all races through out the weekend and will be responsible to call out commands as directed by the Chief for each race heat.
Assistant Starter to assist Chief Starter in the execution of all race heats.
Assistant Finish Ref to assist Chief of Finish for all races.

Non-Race Related Activities

Festival Information Tent and Registration
We need people to help us keep our volunteers organized, fed and fitted with a volunteer T-Shirt. You will work with other volunteers to help make the festival enjoyable for all, while enjoying the day outside and having fun. Your support and time is much appreciated. As well to guide the public to our vendors viewing area and answer or pass along general questions as needed.

Volunteer Photographers

We will need as many folks to capture all the moments as we can get! Need 10 photographers  (all day)

The Perks:

As volunteers, you will be invited to join the rest of the volunteers for a buffet lunch and you will also get a spiffy volunteer shirt!! So sign up soon before the positions are taken.