About Tellico Heat
Our Story
About Tellico Heat Dragon Boat Club
Early Years
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 Decade of Growth
- A core group of leadership built their expertise as paddlers and coaches by attending coaching classes, 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 the 2023 and 2024 seasons, THDBC participated in four competitions, or festivals, sponsored by non-profit 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. Race fees paid were donated to aid in the relief effort.
- 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.
Our Story
Tellico Heat, A Story of Joy Through Passionate People
Tellico Heat Dragon Boat Club
Founded in 2015 as Tennessee Heat, our dragon boat club began with a shared passion for paddling and community. Under the leadership of Mike and Alice Michelli, we embraced a spirit of camaraderie and adventure, participating in local races and building a tight-knit group. Despite financial challenges, our founders’ vision kept us afloat, and by 2018, we had grown enough to make a mark at the KARM festival. The turning point came in 2020 when we rebranded as Tellico Heat, reflecting our evolving identity and commitment to excellence. Today, we continue to honor our founder’s legacy of all ages and skill levels, while striving for competitive success.
Our journey has been about more than just dragon boating; it has been a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the spirit of togetherness. Every paddle drawn through the water serves as a testament to our collective effort, echoing our motto, Paddle More, Age Less, and inviting everyone in Tellico Village and nearby communities to join our vibrant club.
Tellico Heat Dragon Boat Club is a multi-faceted club where we embrace all skill levels from novice to seasoned. Club members participate in fitness, endurance, and race prep paddles.
We would be delighted to reserve a seat for you as we embark on a shared journey of physical activity and appreciation for the serene natural beauty of the lake. This experience promises to foster a profound sense of connection and well-being.
As we look ahead, the Tellico Dragon Boat Club remains committed to enriching lives and nurturing connections through the exhilarating sport of dragon boating. We invite you to be a part of our story – to embrace the camaraderie, the laughter, and the powerful sensation of paddling in sync with your teammates. Together, we continue to honor our past while eagerly anticipating the adventures that lie ahead.
Join us, and let’s paddle together into the future, where every moment on the water celebrates our shared passion and shared goals.
Paddles Up!
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 2025. Together with our 20-Paddler boat Tellico Heat owns, the 20-Paddler Boat we lease, this new 10-Paddler Boat is an exciting addition to our fleet.
Club members showed up to Tugaloo Beach to help launch our boats for the 2025 Season.