US High Performance Dragon Boat Program (USHPDB)

The US High Performance Dragon Boat Program (USHPDB) is a national development initiative designed to bridge the gap between club-based participation and national or world-class competition. We prepare athletes and coaches to compete at the highest levels of international dragon boat racing through structured training environments, elite coaching leadership, and performance-driven programming.

Mission

USHPDB exists to raise the competitive standard of dragon boat racing by developing athletes and coaches capable of performing at the highest levels of international competition.

Objectives

USHPDB advances this mission by:

• Developing race-ready paddlers, drummers and steerers aligned with national performance benchmarks.

• Strengthening high-performance coaching education and leadership capacity through accountability and technical clarity.

• Implementing performance-driven training systems that create transparent pathways to national team selection and international competition

• Advancing long-term athlete development grounded in measurable progress, discipline, and competitive excellence. 

Program Design

USHPDB programming is designed and delivered by athletes and coaches with decades of international competitive experience. All initiatives are informed by real-world racing demands, evidence-based training principles, and a comprehensive understanding of elite performance environments.

Program offerings include:

• High-performance training camps and technical clinics

• Paddler, drummer and steerer development pathways

• Coaching education, mentorship, and leadership development

• Regional performance pods and targeted initiatives

• Support structures for athletes pursuing national team opportunities

Our Coaching staff

USHPDB is led by a nationally recognized coaching team with extensive experience in international competition, athlete development, and high-performance program delivery. Coaches have supported TEAM USA High Performance and National Team Development Camps continuously since 2018, with expanded leadership participation beginning in 2021. The program emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of program implementation while fostering sustainable, long-term growth in the sport.

• Beth Gitlin

• Danielle Raines

• Ellen Law

• Lily Ting

• Marc Applewhite

• Wayne Henriquez

Whether you are an athlete aiming to represent Team USA, a coach pursuing high-performance development, or a club dedicated to its raising competitive standards, USHPDB provides the structure, expertise, and leadership to help you reach the next level.