Bulletin No.4 is to be read in conjunction with Bulletin 1, 2 and 3 and provides important information on technical aspects of the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (WDBRC).

Bulletin 4 covers:

• Race program overviews
• Sunrise, sunset and temperature forecast
• World Nations Cup Points
• Crew lists
• Marshalling
• Double rostering
• Paddles and equipment
• Starts
• 2000m race
• Protests and appeals
• Medal presentations
• Team uniform
• Checks with conformance to CR4 (representation and nationality)
• Race racing vest numbers.

Official WDBRC 2025 Social Media Channels
To stay up to date with the latest news leading into and during the Championships, please follow the official IDBF WDBRC 2025 social media channels below:

• IDBF Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/idbf.dragonboat.sport
• IDBF Official Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/idbf.dragonboat.sport/

Beware of fake social media accounts impersonating the 17th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships or the IDBF
These accounts may try to mislead followers with false information or unsolicited friend requests. Remember: IDBF is an organisation, not an individual—it will never send friend requests. Likewise, IDBF will never request to connect for this event or invite you to a closed Facebook group. If you receive a suspicious request, do not accept it—report the account immediately. Stay vigilant and help protect our community from scams.

Tips to Stay Safe Online

• Always verify official event pages by checking the handle and follower count.
• Never share personal details or financial information with unverified accounts.
• Watch out for phishing scams, especially those promising exclusive event access or prizes.
• If in doubt, check the official IDBF website https://www.dragonboat.sport

By following these precautions, you can help ensure a safe and secure online experience while enjoying all the excitement of the championships.

Bulletins

• Download Bulletin 4
• Download Bulletin- 3
• Download Bulletin 2
• Supplementary Information – Bulletin 1
• Download Bulletin 1
• Download Official Invitation for WDBRC 2025 Brandenburg

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post Bulletin 4 – 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Brandenburg Germany appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

Discover the official race schedule for the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, held 14–20 July 2025 in Brandenburg, Germany—featuring all boat classes, distances, and competition divisions including Juniors, Seniors, Paradragons, and Breast Cancer Paddlers.

Download each Race Program by day below or download the complete set of Race Programs for all 7 days (version 2 updated 2 July).

Bulletins

• Download Bulletin 3
• Download Bulletin 2
• Supplementary Info – Bulletin 1
• Download Bulletin 1
• Download Official Invitation

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post Updated Race Program v2 – 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Brandenburg Germany appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

Free live streaming
2025 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships

The world’s premier World Dragon Boat Racing Championship is here! From July 14–20, 2025, over 4,950 athletes and supporters from 33 nations will battle for glory and cheer on their teams at Regatta Beetzsee, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany. Prepare for electrifying races over 7 action-packed days, where speed, strength, and teamwork will determine the champions. Don’t miss a moment—catch every thrilling race with free access to live streams and replays, right here!

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post Free live streaming – 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships Brandenburg appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

Bulletin No.3 provides important updated information about the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships including booking training slots, registration slots, and ceremonies.

Important Dates and Deadlines for Championships

The 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships has several critical deadlines for submissions and registrations. ​ Teams must adhere to these dates to ensure smooth participation in the event. Please refer to the Bulletin for a complete list.

• TUE submissions – Due by Saturday 14 June
• Requests for racing vest numbers – Due by Sunday 15 June
• Early bird tickets for Closing Party – €35 per person until Friday 20 June
• Access to Online Crew Training Sessions – Opens Saturday 21 June, 12:00 UTC
• Access to Team Registration bookings – Opens Saturday 21 June, 12:00 UTC
• Paradragon Chaperone pass applications – Due by Friday 27 June
• Final payment for event fee and services – Due by Monday 30 June
• National Anthems submissions – Due by Monday 30 June
• Deadline for Online Declarations (1 & 2) – Due by Monday 30 June
• Team Registration office hours: Saturday 12 July: 1 pm – 5 pm and Sunday 13 July: 9 am – 5 pm
• Paradragon Assessments at venue
  • Saturday 12 July: All day
  • Sunday 13 July: All day
  • Monday 14 July: AM only

Championship Participation and Statistics

The Championships will be the largest World Dragon Boat Racing Championships ever held, anywhere! As at the date of this Bulletin, some 4,000 athletes (plus nearly 700 official supporters) representing 33 member countries have entered a total of 1,288 crews. The previous largest World Dragon Boat Racing Championship was Kunming (2017) which had 3,300 athletes and 938 crews. With so many athletes and so much racing, the atmosphere is bound to be electric.

Official WDBRC 2025 Social Media Channels
To stay up to date with the latest news leading into and during the Championships, please follow the official IDBF WDBRC 2025 social media channels below:

• IDBF Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/idbf.dragonboat.sport
• IDBF Official Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/idbf.dragonboat.sport/

Beware of fake social media accounts impersonating the 17th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships or the IDBF
These accounts may try to mislead followers with false information or unsolicited friend requests. Remember: IDBF is an organisation, not an individual—it will never send friend requests. Likewise, IDBF will never request to connect for this event or invite you to a closed Facebook group. If you receive a suspicious request, do not accept it—report the account immediately. Stay vigilant and help protect our community from scams.

Tips to Stay Safe Online

• Always verify official event pages by checking the handle and follower count.
• Never share personal details or financial information with unverified accounts.
• Watch out for phishing scams, especially those promising exclusive event access or prizes.
• If in doubt, check the official IDBF website https://www.dragonboat.sport

By following these precautions, you can help ensure a safe and secure online experience while enjoying all the excitement of the championships.

Bulletins

• Download Bulletin- 3
• Download Bulletin 2
• Supplementary Information – Bulletin 1
• Download Bulletin 1
• Download Official Invitation for WDBRC 2025 Brandenburg

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post Bulletin 3 – 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Brandenburg Germany appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

The IDBF is excited to announce a major update for the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Brandenburg 2025, following the extraordinary surge in entries — nearly double those of the 2023 World Championships!

After an extraordinary Team Leaders’ meeting held on Saturday, 5 April, the IDBF Competition & Technical Committee, in close collaboration with the German Dragon Boat Association (DDV) and the Organizing Committee, has finalized a solution to accommodate the unprecedented number of participants.

With approval from the IDBF Council on 9 April, the updated race schedule is as follows:

• Monday & Tuesday (14-15 July): 2000m
• Wednesday (16 July): 1000m
• Thursday & Friday (17-18 July): 200m
• Saturday & Sunday (19-20 July): 500m

To avoid cancellation of any events and to maintain the fairness and excitement of competition, the Organizing Committee will now implement an 8-lane course and extend racing on Monday 14 July with an additional 5 hours (12:00–17:00). The Opening Ceremony will be in the evening at 19:00.

• Only one protest and no appeals will be accepted for the 2000m races.
• 1000m events will go straight to finals, except for a few selected categories requiring two rounds.
• For the 9 events currently with more than 8 entries, crews will race a preliminary heat followed by a final with the top 8 teams.
• Final formats will be confirmed after the entry deadline in June.
• Full details will be published in the Supplement to Information Bulletin No. 2.

“This proactive and athlete-focused solution reflects the IDBF’s commitment to ensuring a world-class racing experience for all participants — responding dynamically to the incredible growth in global dragon boat racing!”

Update to Provisional Entries
Argentina has been added as the latest provisional entry, bringing the total to 36 entries from IDBF members as of 10th April 2025.

Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong China, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Macao China, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United State of America and Russia under the IOC definition of Individual Neutral Athlete – Athlètes Individuels Neutres (AIN).

• Download Bulletin 2
• Supplementary Information – Bulletin 1
• Download Bulletin 1
• Download Official Invitation for WDBRC 2025 Brandenburg

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post Expanded Race Program Confirmed – 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Brandenburg Germany appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

The information in Bulletin No 2 is complementary to Bulletin No 1. The two Bulletins together serve as complete guidance.

The information in Bulletin No. 2 provides further information about the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships 2025 and reminds participating nations about the important timeline that must be adhered to. The races will take place from 15th – 20th July 2025 inclusive with the Opening Ceremony on Monday 14th July 2025. Participating teams for the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (WDBRC) should plan to arrive on Saturday 12th July 2025 or Sunday 13th July 2025.

Updates from Bulletin 1
The IDBF has decided to include Junior (16U) in both boat classes into the racing program.

Provisional Entries
The number of provisional entries from IDBF members is extremely encouraging. If all these provisional entries were to become firm entries, then the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships will be the largest world championships ever held! The table below shows the entries received as at 25th March 2025.

35 provisional entries have been received from IDBF members:
Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong China, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Macao China, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United State of America and Russia under the IOC definition of Individual Neutral Athlete – Athlètes Individuels Neutres (AIN).

• Download Bulletin 2
• Download Bulletin 1
• Download Official Invitation for WDBRC 2025 Brandenburg

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post Bulletin 2 – 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Brandenburg Germany appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

IDBF Inspects Race Venue for the 2025 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Brandenburg

Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany – The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) has completed a three day comprehensive inspection of the race course at the Regattastrecke Brandenburg, the official venue for the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, scheduled to take place from 14 to 20 July 2025.

The inspection team, led by IDBF President Claudio Schermi, alongside Vice President Nigel Bedford and Melanie Cantwell, Chair of Competition and Technical Commission, thoroughly evaluated the venue’s technical aspects, including water conditions, infrastructure, and logistics, to ensure optimal race conditions for national teams worldwide.

Following the inspection, IDBF President Claudio Schermi expressed full confidence in the venue’s readiness:

“The Regattastrecke Brandenburg is a world-class venue with a proven track record in hosting major international championships. We are extremely satisfied with the preparations and confident that this event will set new standards in dragon boat racing. I strongly encourage all national teams to finalise their entries on the IDBF Registration Platform before the provisional entry deadline of 1st March 2025, to ensure a smooth and well-organised championship.”

The IDBF Site Inspection Team expressed full satisfaction with the venue and praised the commitment and experience of the Organising Committee (Org Com) in ensuring the success of this prestigious event. Special attention was also given to the arrangements for Para Athletes, with the assurance that all necessary accommodations will be provided.

DDV President Ute Becker-Frenzel and the Organising Committee Team extended their appreciation to the IDBF for conducting a three-day inspection from the 21st to the 23rd February, ensuring full alignment with organisational deadlines and championship requirements.

With the championship set to bring together the world’s top dragon boat athletes, the IDBF, DDV, and the Regatta team will continue to collaborate closely to deliver an outstanding and memorable competition.

About the IDBF
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the global governing body for dragon boat racing. Founded in 1991, in Hong Kong China, it oversees and promotes the sport of dragon boat paddling across the world. With a mission to foster unity, friendship, and fair competition, the IDBF organises multiple international world championships, sets rules and standards for dragon boat racing and equipment, and has a membership base of over 80 national federations.

The post IDBF Inspects Race Venue for the 2025 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Brandenburg appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

Addendum to Information Bulletin No. 1: 16 and Under (16U) Classes

The IDBF has not included the Junior 16 and Under (16U) Classes in the official program as there was uncertainty regarding the participation of three or more nations.

However, if there are sufficient nations expressing interest in forming this age category, it will be included in the championship program.

Therefore an action from IDBF members is required as follows:

• All nations with Junior 16 and Under teams are invited to submit a pre-entry form to the Chair of the Competition and Technical Commission (C&TC) at the email address chair-ctc@dragonboat.sport, with a copy to the IDBF Secretary General at the email address general-secretary@dragonboat.sport on or before 15th February 2025.
• The final confirmation of the 16 and Under (16U) classes will be announced after this deadline, based on the number of pre-entries received.

• Download Bulletin 1
• Download Official Invitation for WDBRC 2025 Brandenburg

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post Bulletin 1 Supplementary information – 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Germany appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) and the German Dragon Boat Association (DDV) are pleased to invite all national federation and IDBF members to compete in the 17th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, which be held at the Regatta Venue Beetzsee in Brandenburg /Havel, Germany from 14th – 20th July 2025.

Key dates

Competing teams are advised to arrive no later than Monday, 14th July 2025.

• Download Bulletin 1
• Download Official Invitation for WDBRC 2025 Brandenburg

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

The post 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Brandenburg – Bulletin 1 appeared first on International Dragon Boat Federation.

IDBF RESOLUTION UPDATE
Participation of Athletes from Russia and Belarus at IDBF Championships

Summary

In alignment with international sports standards, the IDBF Executive Committee and the Council have jointly decided to update the resolution regarding the participation of Russian athletes. Under strict adherence to neutral status guidelines, Russian athletes will compete under the designation “AIN” (Authorized Independent Neutral) in all upcoming IDBF-sanctioned events.

This decision reaffirms the IDBF’s commitment to fostering inclusivity while maintaining integrity and unity in international dragon boat racing. The resolution ensures fair opportunities for athletes while adhering to global sports governance principles.

In March 2022, the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) determined that athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus would not be permitted to participate in IDBF championships. This decision was in alignment with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recommendations at that time regarding maintaining the integrity of competitions.

The IDBF committed to reviewing this stance periodically and reversing it if circumstances warranted.

As of today, the updated IOC recommendations from 28 March 2023 now apply, replacing those from 2022.

In line with the latest IOC recommendations, the IDBF will allow individual athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate under specific conditions:

• Athletes with a Russian or a Belarusian passport must compete only as Individual Neutral Athletes.
• Teams of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport cannot be considered.
• Athletes who actively support the war cannot compete. Support personnel who actively support the war cannot be entered.
• Athletes who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies cannot compete. Support personnel who are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies cannot be entered.
• Any such Individual Neutral Athlete, like all other participating athletes, must meet all anti-doping requirements applicable to them and particularly those set out in the anti-doping rules of the IFs.

The sanctions against those responsible for the war, the Russian and Belarusian states and governments, must remain in place:

• No international sports events organized or supported by an IF or NOC in Russia or Belarus.
• No flag, anthem, colors, or any other identifications whatsoever of these countries displayed at any sports event or meeting, including the entire venue.
• No Russian or Belarusian government or state official can be invited to or accredited for any international sports event or meeting.

The IDBF seeks to avoid penalizing athletes for their governments’ actions. The IOC’s position leaves the definition of a “team” to each International Federation (IF). According to the IOC, a team is defined as a collection of individuals from the same country competing in a single event, which aligns with IDBF definitions. For clarity, in IDBF Competition Regulations, “crews” specifically refer to competitors.

To further clarify IDBF terminology:

• Article 11, Clause 11.3 of the IDBF Competition Regulations defines a “crew” as:

“Crew shall mean an entity comprised of more than one competing Racer who group together for the purpose of competing in a Dragon Boat Race, Event, or Regatta. A crew shall be considered an entity subject to these Regulations and Rules, and members of a crew shall be collectively responsible for its conduct in a race, event, or regatta in which the crew competes.”

• Article A1 defines “teams” as “Representative National or Territorial Teams.”
• Article A11.16 encompasses a team’s complete personnel—athletes, Congress delegates, and supporters—within a single national representation (e.g., Team Italy).
• Article CR 3.2 defines a “Representative Team” as a grouping of multiple crews within a national team framework at events like the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (WDBRC), specifying minimum crew numbers for Standard and Small Boats across categories, such as Premier, Senior, 24U, and Junior.

The IDBF supports the autonomy of sport and maintains political neutrality, as established in the Olympic Charter. The inclusion of individual Russian athletes under AIN status represents a gesture of peace, encouraging dialogue and inclusivity among nations. The IDBF remains committed to the principle of “non-discrimination of any athlete on the basis of nationality.”

In conclusion, the IDBF confirms its interpretation of the IOC’s position and in the Declaration by the IOC against the politicisation of sport.

Resolution update

“Russian and Belarusian athletes may compete as part of a “crew” under AIN (Authorized Neutral Athlete) status, provided they do not represent Russia or Belarus as a “team.” In this context, a “team” is defined as a full entity comprising all athletes/coaches/officials and various crews under a single nation or territory, including cases where a competition involves a relay or similar format. Additionally, results achieved under the AIN designation will not be recorded in medal tables as representing a specific nation.”

This interpretation is supported by specific correspondence with the IOC.

This policy takes immediate effect, supersedes all previous policies, and will be updated according to developments in the conflict and any further resolutions from the IOC regarding the Olympic Games.

Claudio Schermi
IDBF President

Download PDF – 241123 – Update of the IDBF Resolution about Russia and Belarus

About the IDBF
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the global governing body for dragon boat racing. Founded in 1991, it oversees and promotes the sport of dragon boat paddling across the world. With a mission to foster unity, friendship, and fair competition, the IDBF organises multiple international world championships, sets rules and standards for dragon boat racing and equipment, and has a membership base of over 80 national federations.

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