About Tellico Heat
Our Story
Tellico Heat Dragon Boat Club [“THDBC”] was founded in 2015. In 2016 a small but dedicated group embraced the sport and with patience and commitment sustained the Club.
Like minded people were attracted to dragon boat as an additional fitness opportunity that added a competition component.
A core group of leadership built their expertise as paddlers and coaches by attending coaching class(s), training camps and using the wealth of information available on all facets of the sport.
As a result of their passion, THDBC attracted 35 new members in 2023 and a similar number in 2024.
For each of the last two years THDBC has participated in four competitions, or Festivals, sponsored by non-profits organizations. THDBC donated a combined $8,000 and $6,050 for 2023 and 2024 respectively for causes such as Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter, Breast Cancer Awareness, Cumberland River Pact and Knox Area Rescue Mission. The 2024 total was impacted by the cancellation of Lake James Festival after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
The men and women of THDBC welcome the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful lake and to work toward personal fitness and team competition goals while continually developing their skills unique to the sport of dragon boat.
Whether a member chooses to compete or not, wonderful camaraderie is built by participating in all levels of learning and fitness sessions, filling in on competition practices or working on a spot for festival competitions. Group social events and communications keep everyone connected and grow friendships.
THDBC Paddling Chant:
Each line is provided by the coach and repeated by the paddlers.
I don't know but I've been told
Dragon Boat's for young and old
We work hard and in the heat
We don't know the word defeat
Paddles up we know our fate
Drive those legs and hips rotate
Stronger, deeper coaches say
Tellico Heat we're on our way!!
Our Mission
Tellico Heat Dragon Boat’s Mission is to promote the growth and development of the sport of dragon boat in our community at all levels of activity, which include fitness, team-building, competitive racing and social recreation.
Tellico Heat Dragon Boat is committed to fostering an environment characterized by these key principles: Honesty, Integrity, Respect, and Sportsmanship. All parties shall uphold the highest standards of behavior, which applies to Coaches, Athletes, Volunteers, Officers, and Administrators.
We are excited that in 2025, our fleet at Tellico Heat DBC has expanded with the addition of a “new to us” 10-paddler boat, further enhancing opportunities to paddle.
Tellico Heat Adds 10-Paddler Boat to Its Fleet
Tellico Heat Dragon Boat Club Adds to its Fleet
It is with great pleasure that the Board announced that due to a VERY GENEROUS AND ANONYMOUS DONOR, the Club purchased a 10-person boat! The trend for 10-person boat racing has grown, and we want to be a part of that trend. However, it won’t be used just practicing for races. Remember when we didn’t have enough people to go out on paddles and had to cancel; well, now, if we have that situation, we can use the 10-person boat. Overall, we believe that this is a great addition to our fleet and our club! ~ Coach Dee Many thanks to Dee and Denise for working with the Donor and the boat seller to coordinate the acquisition. The boat was picked up from Tampa and delivered to Tellico’s Tugaloo Dock for its “new to us” debut in April. Together with our 20-Paddler boat Tellico Heat owns, the 20-Paddler Boat we lease, this new 10-Paddler Boat is an exciting addtion to our fleet.
Club members showed up to Tugaloo Beach to welcome our boats for the 2025 Season.
First Paddle of the Season
April may bring May showers, but for Tellico Heat Club members, it brings Dragon Boats!
Last Paddle of the Season
The nights are cooler. The leaves are changing. Tellico Heat Dragon Boat Club enjoys its last paddle of the 2024 season. Tears were shed. Please don’t shed tears, Coach Kevin; 2025 Season is just around the corner. (Click Kevin’s photo to wipe away his tears and see photo of the last Paddle Team Photo!
