The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), a proud member of the AIMS family, has officially released the Race Program for the upcoming 17th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, set to take place from 14th to 20th July 2025 in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany.
This major international event will gather over 4,000 athletes from more than 30 nations, uniting the global dragon boat community for a week of high-level competition, cultural exchange, and shared celebration of the sport’s traditions and values.
The championships will be held at the iconic Beetzsee regatta course, one of Europe’s premier venues for flatwater racing. Supported by ongoing investment from both the city and the state government, the natural course is equipped with top-level technical and logistical infrastructure – designed to host major events in rowing, canoe, and dragon boat sports.
“Together with our experienced organizing team and the German Dragon Boat Association, we will ensure these championships are unforgettable,” said Steffen Scheller, Lord Mayor of Brandenburg an der Havel. “Welcome to Brandenburg.”
Twenty years after Germany first hosted the IDBF World Championships, the event returns—stronger than ever. Dr. Dietmar Woidke, Prime Minister of the Federal State of Brandenburg, highlighted the significance of the occasion:
“The state of Brandenburg stands for excellence in water sports, and we are proud to once again welcome athletes from around the world. The regatta course and the enthusiasm of the organizing team will ensure an outstanding championship.”
The official Race Program features all standard IDBF distances:
- 200m
- 500m
- 1,000m
- 2,000m (turn race)
Divisions and categories include:
- Open, Women, and Mixed divisions
- Junior U16, U18, U24
- Premier (open age)
- Senior A (40+), B (50+), and C (60+)
- Para Dragons and BCP (Breast Cancer Paddlers)
This inclusive structure reflects the IDBF’s commitment to participation at every level: from elite national teams to adaptive paddlers and community champions.
The IDBF WDBRC is more than just competition—it’s a celebration of culture, heritage, and unity. IDBF President Claudio Schermi noted, “This is more than just a sporting event. It’s a global celebration of community and the unifying power of sport.”
AIMS proudly salutes the IDBF, the German Dragon Boat Association (DDV), and the entire organizing committee for their efforts in making the 2025 Championships a world-class event. We look forward to seeing AIMS members and partners represented at Beetzsee, as the world comes together—on the water and in spirit.
