Monday, July 14, 2025
82 ° Mostly Cloudy
82 ° Mostly Cloudy
On any given evening from spring through fall, if you stroll along the banks of the Delaware River in New Hope, you might hear the rhythmic pounding of a drum, the splash of synchronized paddles, and the cheers of onlookers dining riverside. That’s the sound of the Relentless Dragon Boat Association (RDBA), a dynamic nonprofit that’s turning heads and transforming lives.
Founded in 2009, Relentless has grown from a single team into a thriving community of about 175 paddlers, with seven competitive and recreational teams that range in skill level and commitment. What started as a unique water sport has become a center of camaraderie, athleticism, and community service in New Hope.
Heather Sullivan, current president of RDBA, first dipped her paddle into dragon boating in 2013, not long after moving to New Hope.
“My husband and I had relocated from New Hampshire and were having trouble meeting people,” she recalls. “Someone suggested dragon boating, something we had never even heard of. We came out, tried it, and absolutely loved it. Nearly all of our friends in this area we’ve met through this sport.”
Heather’s story is far from unique among the Relentless paddlers. Some join for fitness, others for friendship, and some chase national and even international competition. “We have members who’ve paddled with Team USA at world championships,” Sullivan said. “But we also have teams that just go out for a fun evening on the water.”
Dragon boating may look intense, and it is, but you don’t need experience or even exceptional athleticism to try it. “We welcome all fitness levels and ages,” said Sullivan. “Our teams include paddlers from 23 to 75. It’s a full-body workout, so being in shape helps, but the most important thing is being open to learning and being part of a team.”
Each team has about 20 to 25 members, plus a drummer and a steersperson. The key to success is about perfect timing. “It’s absolutely a team sport,” Sullivan explained. “Everyone has to be in sync, paddling in and out of the water at the same time. That’s what makes the boat fly.”
Dragon boats are long, tapered vessels, about 41 feet in length and 42 inches wide in the middle. Unlike traditional rowing where rowers face backward, dragon boat paddlers face forward and use a single-bladed paddle.
Though relatively new to many Americans, dragon boat racing has ancient roots. The sport originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It was revived as a modern athletic event in Hong Kong in the 1970s and made its way to the U.S. in 1983 with the first American team in Philadelphia.
RDBA practices run from mid-April through early November, taking place in the early evenings along a stretch of the Delaware River near the Landing Restaurant in New Hope. “It’s an incredible setting,” said Sullivan. “We’re so lucky to have our home base in such a beautiful and welcoming town.”
Though deeply rooted in the New Hope community, Relentless paddlers don’t just stay local. Teams compete in three to five regattas per season, traveling as far as Florida for races. June marks the start of a busy summer, with events like the Independence Dragon Boat Regatta in Philadelphia and Paddle for Pink, a breast cancer awareness race at Mercer Park in New Jersey.
Relentless paddlers have also made a mark on the international stage. Heather and her husband competed in Thailand in 2019, and this summer, several members will travel to Germany with Team USA. “Relentless really acts as a springboard,” she said. “We provide the environment and training that can take someone from novice to world-class.”
Beyond competition, the group is passionately dedicated to giving back. “New Hope is such a special place, and we’re honored to be part of it,” said Sullivan. “Every year, we organize fundraisers and support causes like local food banks, shelters, and local fire departments.”
The group also partners with local organizations and businesses. Relentless offers corporate team-building programs that combine land and water-based activities. “We’ve worked with River House at Odette’s in New Hope to offer unique experiences for their corporate clients,” Sullivan said. “It’s incredibly effective. These groups come off the water understanding more about leadership and collaboration than they ever expected.”
With increasing interest, RDBA has expanded its coaching staff. Longtime coach Bill Heffernan, a world-level steersman, has led the organization since its inception. “Bill has been the heart of our coaching,” Sullivan said. “We now also have an assistant coach to help manage the growing number of teams and paddlers.”
Whether you’re a high-performance athlete or someone just looking for a new way to stay active and meet people, dragon boating with Relentless offers a unique and welcoming experience. “There’s no bad day on the water,” Sullivan said with a smile. “Even if it’s raining or hot, once you’re paddling, all your stress just melts away.”
For many, dragon boating becomes more than a hobby; it becomes a lifestyle. “We hike, bike, hang out off the water too,” said Sullivan. “It’s a family.” And in a town as community-focused as New Hope, that spirit fits right in.
The Relentless Dragon Boat Association is always looking for new members. No experience is necessary, and anyone interested is encouraged to come to more than one session to get a feel for the sport. “It might seem overwhelming at first,” Sullivan said, “but we have fantastic coaches and a super supportive environment.”
Practices last about 60–75 minutes, and fees vary depending on your level of commitment. Interested individuals, local businesses, or organizations looking for a unique team-building experience are encouraged to reach out through the association’s website or social media.
“We love what we do,” said Sullivan. “We love New Hope, and we want to share that passion with anyone willing to pick up a paddle.”
For more information about how to join or support the Relentless Dragon Boat Association, or to learn more about its Corporate Teams program, visit relentlessdragonboat.com/.
