A free, family-friendly festival of dragon boats, local vendors, and community connection

RIDGEFIELD – Feel the rumble of drums and the splash of synchronized paddles as the annual Paddle for Life Dragon Boat Festival powers into the Port of Ridgefield waterfront on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Combining high-speed paddling showdowns with community wellness, this free, full-day celebration supports breast cancer survivors in Clark County.

More than 50 regional teams will compete in exhilarating 250-meter sprints across Lake River, with each boat driven by 10 synchronized paddlers, a steersperson, and a drummer. Action ignites at 8 a.m. with an emotional, ceremonial heat featuring teams composed entirely of cancer survivors, a powerful tribute to the strength, resilience, and camaraderie gained through the healing power of dragon boating.

Cheer from the shoreline and explore a vibrant vendor village packed with food trucks, artisan goods, wellness services, vital cancer screening resources, and the chance to win exciting prizes.

Festival proceeds benefit the Catch-22 Ospreys, Southwest Washington’s only all-survivor dragon boat team, providing local paddling opportunities, rehabilitation, and education. This year’s event is especially meaningful as the Ospreys prepare to travel to France for the 2026 IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival in late August. This global event gathers over 4,500 breast cancer survivors from more than 35 countries.

“I have experienced firsthand how dragon boating empowers people, and I am proud that Paddle for Life encourages that growth, particularly within the breast cancer paddling community,” said Heidi Steigmann, Paddle for Life Board President.

Event details: Paddle for Life 2026

• When: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Where: Port of Ridgefield Kayak Launch, 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
• Admission: Open to the public at no cost, family-friendly, free on-site parking
• Sponsors: The event is made possible by generous community partners, including Compass Oncology.

How to support & donate

Community members who are not available to attend on race day or want to amplify their support early can make a secure online donation.