The race venue for the 16th IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships (WDBRC2023) will now revert to the original location, the Royal Thai Navy Rowing and Canoeing Training Centre in Rayong, Pattaya. 

The IDBF has received updated information from the Organising Committee, the Rowing & Canoeing Association of Thailand (RCAT), that with the recent rainfall in Pattaya, the water levels at the Training Centre have increased and now meets the water depth requirements as per IDBF’s Competition Regulations – CR6.10.

As the original preferred site for WDBRC2023, the purpose-built facilities will have better and more accessible areas for athletes and supporters. With the possibility of inclement weather during the Championships, the safety and wellbeing of athletes and supporters also played a part in the decision-making process.

The IDBF and RCAT understands that the change in venue will impact team logistics. RCAT will be working with hotels to ensure breakfast will be served earlier to accommodate for any extra travel time required to get to the race venue. There will be no additional transportation costs from the hotels as well.

The IDBF is absolutely confident that the advantages of changing venue outweigh any disadvantages. Rest assured, the decision was not taken lightly but was taken in the best interests of the sport.

Times and locations for following scheduled meetings and events remains the same. 

Further details regarding the race venue will be covered in the Technical Bulletin and will be published over the next few days.

The IDBF would like to thank RCAT for their commitment and dedication in delivering a world-class Championship and all teams for their patience and understanding.