Munich, May 20, 2026 – The city of Munich is preparing to host a major sporting event as the 12th Open German Dragon Boat Championships (GDDM) are set to commence on July 31, 2026. The prestigious competition will run until August 2, 2026, at the renowned Olympic Regatta Course in Munich-Oberschleißheim, a venue known for its excellent facilities and rich sporting history.
Joint Organization by Leading Associations
The 2026 GDDM is a collaborative effort between two prominent German sports organizations: the German Canoe Association (DKV) and the German Dragon Boat Association (DDV). This partnership ensures a high standard of organization and a comprehensive program for participants and spectators alike. In addition to the main German Championships, the event will also include the BCP Germany Cup 2026 and the Recreational Sports Cup 2026, catering to a wider range of dragon boat enthusiasts.
Competition Categories and Distances
The GDDM 2026 will exclusively feature performance classes in both standard and small boats. Teams will compete across various age categories, including Juniors (U18), Premium, and Masters (40+, 50+, and 60+). Each age group will have divisions for Open, Mixed, and Women’s teams, promoting inclusivity and diverse participation.
Competitors will race over two primary distances: 200 meters and 500 meters, both conducted as parallel races. A challenging 2000-meter pursuit race on a circular course with four turns is also part of the program, testing teams’ endurance and strategic prowess.
Recreational and BCP Cups
For recreational teams, the Recreational Sports Cup will be offered exclusively in the Mixed class, utilizing standard boats. The BCP Cup will cater to Open class teams, allowing them to compete in both standard and small boats. This tiered approach ensures that both seasoned athletes and enthusiastic amateurs have a platform to showcase their skills.
Team Composition and Registration
Each club is permitted to register multiple teams per class, provided that each team consists of a separate crew of paddlers, drummers, and steerspersons. The organizers reserve the right to combine different competition classes if there are insufficient registrations in certain categories, ensuring fair and competitive races.
Registration for the GDDM 2026 is open until May 31, 2026. Interested teams can register through the athlete database under the
