Drakenboot
Race
3 boats, 1 day, the canals of Leiden. During the Lakenfeesten we take to the water with the whole community.
Paddling is done
twenty at a time.
Once a year we trade the barbell for a paddle. In 2025 a team that had never paddled before qualified for the Dutch Dragon Boat Championships.
No paddling experience needed. Rhythm, grit and counting together: you can already do that. The rest you learn on the water.
The 2025 harvest: gold in the Leiden Mixed class, silver for the Ladies. And the Men went all in for the beer. This year we defend that title.
Payment directly via iDEAL or credit card.
How it works
No experience? For €10 extra you train technique, cadence and rhythm in an on-the-water clinic (max 18 spots).
Wet, tired and satisfied into town. The stories make the rounds for the rest of the year.
The program
One day, three boats, as many heats as possible
CFL Base
Our own spot along the water, drinks, support
3 classes on the water
Mixed · Ladies · Men
Keep the whole day free.
The further your team gets, the later you finish. Count on 09:00 – 18:00.
Choose your boat
Three teams, one clubhouse
Mixed · The Nationals Crew
The boat that went to the Dutch Championships last year. We fill this boat with people who really want to go for it. Joining the clinic is strongly recommended here.
Ladies · Hunting for gold
Silver in 2025. The step below was taken. This year we're taking the top one.
Men · For the glory
The guys go for good vibes, team spirit and a solid terrace session afterwards. Competing seriously is allowed, but not required.
You state a preference when registering. We do our best to place everyone in their preferred boat, but can't guarantee it (see practical info).
What you get for €45
Included
- A spot in your chosen boat (Mixed / Ladies / Men)
- Official CFL Dragon Boat T-shirt
- All-day CFL Base. With its own toilet this year (probably)
- Drinks at the Base
- An unforgettable day on the Leiden water
Not included
- Extra drinks on the festival grounds
- Lakenfeesten evening program (recommended though)
- Sore lats (those come free anyway)
Extra: Dragon Boat Clinic
No experience? Or just want to be well prepared at the start line? For €10 extra you can register interest in a pre-race clinic. We train technique, cadence and how to really pull the boat through the water in sync.
- Maximum 18 spots. First to register interest gets priority
- +€10 per person
- Date to be announced. For now you only register interest
- Once the date is set, you'll receive an email with a separate payment link. Only when you pay is your clinic spot final.
- So right now you only pay the €45 registration.
Looking back
Images from 2025
Practical info
Saturday June 27, 2026 · 09:00 – max. 18:00
Boommarkt / Apothekersdijk, Leiden (city center)
3 boats × 18 = 54 total · Clinic max 18 (separate)
Includes T-shirt, Base access, drinks at the Base.
Optional: Clinic +€10 (date to follow).
When registering you state your preference (Mixed, Ladies, Men or no preference). We place based on order of registration and balance across the boats.
Note: the Mixed boat needs at least 6 women. We take this into account when placing.
Full payment of €45 directly upon registration (iDEAL or credit card).
Cancellation results in no refund.
Can't make it? Your spot is transferable to a replacement. To arrange this, contact welcome@crossfitleiden.com.
Race: Dutch Dragons on behalf of the Lakenfeesten