- 17
- Episodes
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About Paddles Ready
Paddles Ready is your go-to podcast for everything happening in the world of paddle racing. Hosted by Dougie and Hando, the show brings you inside the sport with race reviews, real-time commentary, and conversations with paddlers from across the globe. Whether it’s breaking down major competitions, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, or hearing directly from the athletes shaping the sport, this podcast keeps you connected to the pulse of paddle racing. From elite races to grassroots scenes, Paddles Ready covers it all, giving you insight, perspective, and the stories you won’t hear anywhere else. What you’ll hear: Honest race reviews and analysis Conversations with paddlers and industry voices worldwide Commentary on trends, performances, and competition results Stories from the front lines of paddle racing If you follow paddle racing or want to understand it better, this is where you stay informed. 👉 Visit paddlesready.com for more episodes and updates.
- Publisher
- Dougie and Hando
- Category
- sports · sports
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 16 Apr 2026
- Latest episode
- 25 Sept 2026
Latest episodes
17 episodes in the feed.
25 Sept 2026
EP17: Paddle QLD’s Scott Sharples sets sights on World Paddle Games
World Paddle Games… Queensland… 2030. We can almost feel it! And this bloke thinks it's going to happen. Paddle QLD's Executive Officer Scott Sharples joins us on Episode 17 of Paddles Ready, talking record membership growth, a cracking new initiative to get more youngsters paddling, and why the biggest chapter for paddle sports is just around the corner. ⏱️ 60 SECONDS WITH DOUGIE This week Dougie catches up with Jude from Manila, Philippines for another rapid-fire round of paddling questions. 🔥 HANDO’S HOT TAKE – Are we relying too much on volunteers? 🌏 Visit paddlesready.com 👍 Like the episode 💬 Join the conversation 🔔 Subscribe for more from the global paddling community 📲 Share this episode with your club and paddling mates Paddles Ready — The Global Voice of Paddle Sports https://paddlesready.com/ (https://paddlesready.com/)
11 Sept 2026
EP16: The Future of Dragon Boating Starts Here with Meri Gibson
What does the future of dragon boating really depend on? More racing? More countries? More exposure? Or does it actually start much closer to home, with grassroots development, stronger communities and giving younger paddlers a reason to stay in the sport? In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando sit down with Meri Gibson in her new role as Senior Vice President of the International Dragon Boat Federation. Meri talks openly about the challenges facing the sport, including the gap that can appear between school, university and adult participation, and why dragon boating needs to do more to keep younger people connected for the long term. The conversation also explores one of dragon boating’s greatest strengths: its sense of family. From parents and children paddling together to clubs becoming wider support networks, Meri explains why creating belonging is just as important as developing performance. In this episode: Meri Gibson’s new role as Senior Vice President of the IDBF Why dragon boating needs stronger grassroots development ·The challenge of keeping younger paddlers in the sport How schools and universities can play a bigger role Why family and community are central to dragon boating Creating clubs where new paddlers feel welcome and valued How international federations, clubs and paddlers can help grow the sport together Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Fonzie from the Melbourne Flames 👉 Hando’s Hot Take: How do you actually build a dragon boat club or team from scratch? This episode is about more than the future of competition. It’s about the future of the people who make the sport what it is. 🌏 Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/) 🎧 Subscribe and follow Paddles Ready for race coverage, interviews, commentary and stories from across the global paddle community.
28 Aug 2026
EP15: The World Is Heading to Taipei: Are You Ready?
The countdown is on. The IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Taipei are getting closer, and the global dragon boat community is gearing up for one of the biggest events on the international paddling calendar. In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando turn their attention to what's happening across the paddling world—from recent European competition and racing in Hong Kong to endurance events in Singapore, the Gorge in the USA, and the huge few months of international competition still to come. But all roads are beginning to lead to Taipei. The boys discuss how teams prepare for a major multi-day Club Crew World Championships, the differences between national and club competition, tapering and training, and what paddlers can expect when thousands of competitors descend on Taiwan. And Paddles Ready will be right there amongst it. Dougie and Hando reveal more about their plans to head to Taipei, provide coverage from the Championships and launch something new for the growing Paddles Ready community, with the first 1,000 members set to be part of what's coming next. In this episode: The international dragon boat events heating up around the world The road to the IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Taipei How teams prepare for seven days of world-class racing Nations racing versus Club Crew competition What Dougie and Hando have planned for Taipei The first hints about the new Paddles Ready membership Why the next eight weeks could deliver some incredible international paddling Plus, 60 Seconds with Dougie features Chris from the German Dragons, before Hando fires up another Hot Take: 🔥 Why are dragon boat clubs so bad at marketing themselves? Hando believes clubs are sitting on an enormous untapped resource, the talented people already inside their own paddling communities. Taipei is coming. The world's best clubs are preparing. And Paddles Ready is coming with them. 🌏 Visit https://paddlesready.com/ (https://paddlesready.com/) 🎧 Subscribe and follow Paddles Ready for race coverage, commentary, interviews and stories from across the global paddle community.
31 Jul 2026
EP13: Rugby Took It Away. Paddling Gave It Back. - Mitch Zanstra
What happens when the sport you've dedicated your life to is suddenly taken away? For New Zealand paddler Mitch Zanstra, rugby was everything until a series of serious injuries and concussions forced him to walk away from the game he loved. Looking for a new purpose, one simple moment changed everything when a cousin handed him a paddle. That paddle led to a journey Mitch could never have imagined. In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando sit down with one of the world's most respected outrigger athletes to talk about resilience, international competition, and the lessons paddling has taught him along the way. Mitch shares how paddling helped him recover physically and mentally, why he immersed himself in Tahitian and Hawaiian paddling culture, and how that path eventually led to representing New Zealand on the world stage. The conversation also explores the growing relationship between outrigger canoeing and dragon boating, why many of the world's best paddlers compete in both disciplines, and Mitch's incredible experiences racing traditional dragon boats in China. In this episode: Mitch's journey from rugby to international paddling Recovering from concussion and rediscovering purpose Training in Tahiti and Hawaii Representing New Zealand in outrigger canoeing Racing traditional dragon boats in China Why outrigger can make you a better dragon boat paddler Coaching the next generation and giving back to the sport Life lessons from elite competition Plus, Hando's Hot Take asks an important question for every club: Should the fastest paddler automatically become the coach? The boys debate whether leadership, communication and the ability to develop people are more important than simply being the quickest athlete in the boat. Whether you paddle dragon boats, outriggers, surf skis or simply love hearing inspiring sporting stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🌏 Visit https://paddlesready.com/ (https://paddlesready.com/) 🎧 Subscribe to Paddles Ready for athlete stories, race coverage, expert analysis and conversations from across the global paddle sports community.
17 Jul 2026
EP12: Does Dragon Boating Even Need the Olympics? | Ben Livingstone
Does dragon boating really need the Olympics to succeed? It's a question that's sparked debate for years and in this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie, Hando and Australian representative Ben Livingstone tackle it head-on. Ben's journey into dragon boating is one many paddlers can relate to. After discovering the sport through a corporate regatta, he quickly fell in love with the competition, camaraderie and culture, eventually earning the honour of representing Australia on the world stage. The conversation explores what it truly takes to reach the elite level, from the sacrifices athletes and their families make to the realities of balancing training, work and life. Ben also shares his passion for growing the sport through schools, youth pathways and community participation. The episode finishes with a lively debate on one of dragon boating's biggest talking points: should the sport continue chasing Olympic inclusion, or is its future stronger outside the Olympic movement? In this episode: Ben Livingstone's journey from corporate paddler to Australian representative The sacrifices required to compete at the highest level Why corporate regattas are one of the sport's greatest recruitment tools Growing dragon boating through schools and youth programs How clubs can attract and retain the next generation of paddlers Does dragon boating really need the Olympics? Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Nina from AustCham Singapore 🔥 Hando's Hot Take: Has the Olympic conversation become a distraction for dragon boating? Whether you're chasing a national jersey, coaching your local club or simply love being on the water, this episode is packed with honest insights about where the sport is today and where it's heading. 🌏 Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/) 🎧 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community.
3 Jul 2026
EP12: East Meets West: Paddles Ready Goes to China with Mr Luo
East Meets West: Paddles Ready Goes to China with Mr. Luo What happens when you sit down with one of the most influential figures in modern dragon boating? In this special episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando sit down for a fascinating conversation with Mr. Luo, founder of Champion Boats and a passionate advocate for the growth and evolution of dragon boating worldwide live in the studio. From the origins of Champion Boats to the rise of Ice Dragon Boats and Land Dragon Boats, Mr. Luo shares his vision for expanding the sport beyond traditional racing and introducing dragon boating to entirely new audiences. The conversation explores the unique relationship between China's dragon boating culture and the rapidly growing international community, highlighting opportunities to connect paddlers from East and West through shared passion, innovation, and respect for the sport's rich heritage. 🔥 In this episode: The story behind Champion Boats and their global impact How Ice Dragon Boats are creating new opportunities for winter competition The rise of Land Dragon Boats and school-based participation programs Why China remains at the heart of dragon boating's development How dragon boating can continue growing globally through collaboration and innovation Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Wendy 👉 Hot Take of the Week: Is dragon boating doing enough to attract the next generation of paddlers? This episode is a unique look at where dragon boating has come from, where it is today, and where it could be heading in the future. 🌏 Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/) 🎧 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community.
3 Jul 2026
EP11: Is Dragon Boating Too Obsessed With Tradition?
Is Dragon Boating Too Obsessed With Tradition? Dragon boating is built on thousands of years of history, culture, and tradition but is tradition helping the sport grow, or is it holding it back? In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando dive into one of the biggest debates facing the sport today. From modern coaching methods and athlete testing to purpose-built dragon boat gyms and the rise of paddle-specific training, the conversation explores how coaching and athlete development have evolved over the past three decades. Hando shares insights from his coaching journey, discussing everything from boat balance and crew selection to video analysis, biomechanics, and the growing influence of outrigger paddling on dragon boat performance. Hando and Dougie also discuss what elite athletes and coaches around the world are doing differently, how national teams are preparing for international competition, and whether the sport is adapting quickly enough to keep pace with modern expectations. In this episode: How dragon boat coaching has evolved over the past 30 years The role of video analysis, biomechanics and athlete testing Why OC1 and outrigger paddlers are influencing the sport Boat balance, trim and crew selection strategies The rise of paddle-specific training and performance gyms How elite teams prepare for world-level competition Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Eileen from AustCham Singapore 👉 Hando's Hot Take: Is dragon boating too focused on tradition and not focused enough on entertainment? Whether you're a paddler, coach, sweep or team manager, this episode is packed with ideas, opinions and plenty of discussion about where the sport is heading next. Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/) Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community.
19 Jun 2026
EP10: The Man Who Built Modern Dragon Boating with Mike Haslam
What if one conversation could explain how dragon boating became the global sport we know today? In this special episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando sit down with Mike Haslam, founding President of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), to explore the incredible journey that took dragon boating from a handful of traditional boats in Hong Kong to a worldwide sport involving hundreds of thousands of paddlers. Mike shares firsthand stories from the early days of the sport, the creation of the IDBF, the development of the standard racing boat, and the challenges of growing dragon boating across Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond. The conversation also dives into the Olympic dream, the ongoing relationship between the IDBF and ICF, and what the future may hold for dragon boating on the world stage. 🔥 In this episode: How dragon boating expanded from Hong Kong to the rest of the world The creation of the International Dragon Boat Federation Why the standard dragon boat and paddle specifications were so important The story behind the small boat and Olympic ambitions The politics, challenges, and opportunities facing dragon boating today Mike's vision for the future of the sport Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Andreas from AustCham 👉 Hando's Hot Take: Who's stronger, a dragon boater or an outrigger paddler? Whether you're new to the sport or have been paddling for decades, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people, decisions, and moments that helped shape modern dragon boating. 🌏 Visit http://paddlesready.com/ (http://paddlesready.com/) 🎧 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community.
12 Jun 2026
EP09: Could Australia Host the Biggest Paddle Event in the World?
Could Australia Host the Biggest Paddle Event in the World? What would happen if every major paddle sport came together for one massive international event? In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando dive into one of the most exciting developments in paddle sports, the proposed World Paddle Games and Australia's bid to host what could become one of the largest paddle events on the planet. From dragon boating and sprint canoeing to surf skis, outriggers, stand-up paddling, and more, the World Paddle Games could bring thousands of athletes together in a celebration of paddling unlike anything we've seen before. The boys discuss the opportunities this event could create for dragon boating, the impact it could have on youth participation, and why collaboration across paddle sports may be one of the biggest opportunities for growth in the years ahead. 🔥 In this episode: What the proposed World Paddle Games could look like Why Australia is in the running to host the event How dragon boating fits into the future of paddle sports The importance of youth development and school programs Why collaboration between paddle disciplines could benefit everyone 👉 Dougie's Quick Dip covering Barcelona, Venice, Ireland, Hong Kong and major dragon boat events happening around the world 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Lilly from the German Dragon Boat Team 👉 Hando's Hot Take: Is technology helping dragon boating evolve or are we losing touch with the sport's traditions? This episode explores where paddle sports are heading and why the next decade could be transformational for the global paddling community. 🌏 Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/) 🎧 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community.
5 Jun 2026
EP08: The Perfect Dragon Boat Start? Hando Breaks Down 30 Years of Race Starts
What makes the perfect dragon boat start? Is it power? Technique? Timing? Or is it something else entirely? In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie sits down with Hando to unpack one of the most important and most debated aspects of dragon boat racing: the start. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience as a paddler, sweep, coach, and race strategist, Hando breaks down how starts have evolved over the years, the differences between Asian and Western approaches, and why a great start can set the tone for an entire race. From 200m sprints to 2000m turns, this is a masterclass in race starts from one of the sport's most experienced voices. 🔥 In this episode: How dragon boat starts have evolved over the past 30 years The difference between 200m, 500m, 1000m, and 2000m race starts Why Chinese and Asian starts are influencing crews around the world The importance of boat trim, timing, and synchronization Technique versus power: which matters most? Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Leonard from Singapore's Dragon Boat Nursery 👉 Hando's Hot Take: Can Australia's dragon boating federations work together if the World Paddle Games come to Australia? Whether you're a novice paddler or a seasoned veteran, this episode will make you think differently about the first few seconds of every race. Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/) Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community
29 May 2026
EP07: The Race to Catch China: Inside USA Dragon Boating’s Rise with Tommy Leonardi
Can the USA catch China in dragon boating? That’s the question at the centre of this episode of Paddles Ready, as Dougie and Hando sit down with Tommy Leonardi for a deep dive into the rapid rise of USA dragon boating on the world stage. With over 30 years in the sport, 52 world championship medals as both a paddler and coach, and leadership roles across some of America’s most respected dragon boat programs, Tommy shares what’s driving the USA’s growth and why the next era of the sport could be its most competitive yet. From OC1 crossover athletes and evolving race strategies to youth development and club culture, this episode explores how dragon boating is becoming faster, more professional, and more globally competitive than ever before. 🔥 In this episode: Why USA dragon boating is improving so rapidly The rise of OC1, outrigger, and crossover athletes entering the sport How the USA structures club crews and national team pathways Why Club Crew World Championships may be the best event in dragon boating The evolving battle between China, Canada, USA, Australia, and emerging nations Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Mark Slater from Brisbane River Dragons 👉 Hot Take of the Week: Are there too many dragon boat world titles? This episode is a fascinating look into the evolution of modern dragon boating and the nations trying to push the sport to the next level. 👉 Visit https://paddlesready.com/ (https://paddlesready.com/) 👉 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community
22 May 2026
EP06: How Canada Became a Dragon Boat Powerhouse with Julie Robitaille
How did Canada become one of the strongest dragon boat nations in the world? In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando sit down with Julie Robitaille, President of Dragon Boat Canada, for a deep dive into the rise of Canadian dragon boating on the world stage. From youth development and elite coaching systems to Olympic ambitions and international success, Julie shares what has helped Canada become one of the sport’s true powerhouses, all while balancing participation, inclusivity, and high performance. 🔥 In this episode: How paddling became part of Canada’s sporting DNA The systems and coaching structures behind Canada’s international success Why youth development is critical for the next generation of paddlers Canada’s vision for the future of dragon boating and Olympic inclusion The balance between elite racing and participation across 100,000+ paddlers nationwide Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Aiden from Brisbane Typhoon 👉 Hot Take of the Week: Are dragon boating teams starting to attract elite athletes from other paddle sports? This episode is a fascinating look at how one nation built a world-class dragon boating program and where the sport could be heading next. 👉 Visit https://paddlesready.com/ (https://paddlesready.com/) 👉 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community
15 May 2026
EP05: Is Dragon Boating a Sport or Just a Festival?
Is dragon boating a sport… or just a festival? It’s a question that comes up more often than you’d think and in this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando dive straight into it. From local regattas to global events, dragon boating is built on more than just racing. It’s culture, tradition, community and above all, club pride. In this episode, the boys break down what makes club identity so powerful across the world, from team songs and uniforms to international festivals and long-standing traditions that bring paddlers together. 🔥 In this episode: What “club pride” really means across different countries and cultures The traditions that define dragon boating from local festivals to global events How teams build identity through uniforms, rituals, and shared history The balance between competition, culture, and community in the sport Why dragon boating continues to grow as one of the most inclusive global sports Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Tracey from Gold Coast Dragons 👉 Hot Take of the Week: Is dragon boating truly a sport or just a festival? This episode explores the heart of the sport on and off the water. 👉 Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/) 👉 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community
8 May 2026
EP04: “We Are a Sport” - The Fight to Define Dragon Boating’s Future with Claudio Schermi
“We are a sport.” It’s a simple statement but it sits at the centre of one of the biggest conversations in dragon boating today. In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando are joined by Claudio Schermi, President of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the sport. Broadcast live from Macau, Claudio shares exclusive insight into the global growth of dragon boating, the recent milestone of establishing the IDBF headquarters in Hong Kong, and what it will take for the sport to reach the next level. In this episode: The global expansion of dragon boating across 80+ member federations Why dragon boating must be recognised as its own sport, not a discipline The role of club crews and why they are the foundation of the sport The pathway toward Olympic recognition and global legitimacy The economic and cultural impact of major dragon boat events Plus: 👉 Hando’s Phantom Call returns with a fast-paced 100m race simulation 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring rapid-fire insights from the paddling community 👉 Hot Take of the Week: Technique vs power; what actually wins races? This episode goes beyond racing; it’s about identity, growth, and where dragon boating is heading on the global stage. Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/). Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community
1 May 2026
EP03: “This Could Be Their Last Adventure” - The Power of Dragon Boating with Meri Gibson
“This could be their last adventure.” For thousands of paddlers around the world, dragon boating is more than a sport, it’s community, recovery, purpose and in some cases, a final chapter lived to the fullest. In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando are joined by Meri Gibson, President of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission Global, to share the story behind one of the most powerful movements in paddle sport. From her personal journey into dragon boating to leading a global community across 40+ countries, Meri reveals how the sport has created opportunities, connection and meaning for tens of thousands of breast cancer paddlers worldwide. 🔥 In this episode: How dragon boating became a global movement for breast cancer paddlers The growth from 19 countries to over 40 worldwide Why participation and elite competition both matter The emotional reality behind global festivals and events The story behind “this could be their last adventure” Plus: 👉 Meri’s Hot Take on age divisions, inclusivity, and the future of the sport 👉 Why dragon boating might be one of the most powerful community sports in the world This episode goes beyond racing, it’s about people, resilience, and the impact of paddle sport on lives across the globe. 👉 Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/) 👉 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community
23 Apr 2026
EP02: Why Isn’t Dragon Boating in the Olympics?
Why isn’t dragon boating in the Olympics? It’s one of the fastest-growing paddle sports in the world, with thousands of athletes, global competitions, and a history spanning over 2,000 years — so why hasn’t it made it to the Olympic stage? In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando break it all down, straight off the back of the Australian National Championships at Kawana. From race highlights and standout performances to what’s next for the sport globally, this episode connects the local scene to the international stage. 🔥 In this episode: Aussie Nationals recap from the Sunshine Coast The pathway to Club Crew World Championships in Taiwan The scale and global growth of dragon boating Why the sport is pushing for Olympic recognition The reality behind federations, formats, and Olympic inclusion Plus: 👉 The introduction of Hando’s Phantom Call — a new interactive segment where clubs can get involved and win. This is more than just a recap, it’s a conversation about where paddle racing is heading next. 👉 Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/) 👉 Subscribe and join the global paddle community
16 Apr 2026
EP01: It's Here! Welcome to the Paddles Ready Podcast
It’s here. Paddles Ready has officially launched. 🌍 In this first episode, Dougie and Hando kick things off by sharing how Paddles Ready went from a simple idea in Berlin to a global platform for paddle sports and dragon boating. They break down their journey through the sport, what listeners can expect from the show, and why paddle racing needs a stronger international voice. From race commentary to athlete stories, this podcast is built for paddlers, fans, and anyone connected to the sport. Plus, the first-ever Hot Take of the Week: 👉 Who actually owns dragon boating and does the sport have a problem? In this episode: The origin story of Paddles Ready and its global vision Why dragon boating is one of the most inclusive sports in the world Insights from international events like Berlin’s Nations Cup The growth of paddle racing across generations and continents The debate around governance in dragon boating (IDBF vs ICF) If you’re part of the paddle racing world or want to be, this is where the conversation starts. 👉 Visit paddlesready.com (https://paddlesready.com/)to sign up to our newletter 👉 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community
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