History

Paddle for Life works with local communities to establish and train dragon boat teams to compete in a dragon boat race to that raises money for local charities and causes.
The first Paddle for Life started in Foster City, California in 2007.

The concept began as a way to attract more paddlers to dragon boating in the California San Francisco Bay Area and support local cancer groups. The Bay Area Dragons (BAD), a local team, ran the first race which was a great success. They were able to donate $6,000 to two local cancer charities that provide support to the Asian community.

In 2008, additional dragon boat clubs from the Bay Area join the Bay Area Dragons and the event moved a venue on the East Bay, Jack London Square in Oakland. In 2008 over $12,000 was raised for charity. Many of the athletes from the first PFL returned and several are now with local clubs where they can paddle year round.

By 2008, Paddle for Life had outgrown the capacity of the volunteers managing the event. An agreement was reached that would form a new corporation whose sole function was to manage and grow the Paddle for Life concept. The Paddle For Life Corporation formed and now operates independently which allows it to make decisions in the best interest of each event.