Paddles up: Meet RC’s dragon boat team
The Rotman Commerce Liquid Assets Dragon Boat Team (RCLADBT) at the University of Toronto channels spirit, camaraderie, and fierce drive into every stroke. Intense practices and training become moments of pride, proving that when heart meets hustle, a powerful community is built both on and off the water.
Founded in 2007, the team is a powerhouse on the water, welcoming students from various faculties and experience levels to train, race, and forge lifelong friendships together. Beyond that, RCLADBT provides a space where students can challenge themselves, celebrate cultural traditions, and experience the electrifying energy of racing as a team.
A sport rooted in culture
More than just paddling, dragon boating comes from deep cultural roots. Dating back more than 2,000 years, the sport originated in China as part of the Dragon Boat Festival to commemorate a poet named Qu Yuan. It has now grown into an international sport celebrated for its culmination of teamwork, technique, and endurance. However, what makes dragon boating truly unique is its demand for perfect synchronization—20 paddlers plus a drummer and steersperson on a boat moving as one, relying on rhythm, timing, and trust.
The heart of RCLADBT
What makes RCLADBT special is the tight-knit community and shared purpose that its members experience. “When I look back five or ten years from now, I know I will remember the practices on Lake Ontario, the races in Montreal, Florida, and Italy, and the friendships I built on and off the water far more than the hours I spent in the library or lecture halls,” said Yeji Ma (BCom ‘25), Co-Captain, RCLADBT.
Brodin Driedger (BCom ‘26), Director of Athletics, RCLADBT adds, “I started out as one of the weakest members on the team, but through consistent effort and encouragement, I became one of our strongest pacers. Liquid showed me that with perseverance and a positive environment, I could achieve more than I thought possible.”
At its core, RCLADBT is a place where students discover what it means to push themselves outside of their comfort zones, as a team. Whether it is the gruelling practices, gold-medal finishes, or simple moments together, RCLADBT shapes student life and personal growth beyond university.
Ben Ma (BCom ‘25)“Grinding, suffering and succeeding as a team really creates a special bond that is hard to break.”
Paddling toward victory
Over the years, RCLADBT has claimed numerous regatta victories, most notably earning the title of fastest university team at the Club Crews World Championship (CCWC) in Florida, US (2022) and Szeged, Hungary (2018).
This season, they are competing at local regattas like the Pickering Dragon Boat Festival, the Toronto Islands Dragon Boat Festival, and GWN Sport—all leading up to the Canadian Dragon Boat Championships in Montreal, where they will be fighting to qualify for the 2026 CCWC in Taiwan.
Besides chasing medals, the team is focused on developing the next generation of paddlers, building both technical skills and a strong, values-driven team culture that will carry forward into future seasons.
Joining the RCLADBT community
RCLADBT connects students to an incredible alumni network, where former members, now at top firms such as McKinsey, Deloitte, RBC, and Microsoft, continue to support the team through mentorship and guidance.
Jason Zhang (BCom ‘26)“Most of my growth happened through training with alum… these are the same people who are now on the national team, yet they are still willing to devote their time to teach beginners.”
For those interested in joining, recruitment for the 2025–26 season begins in September. Whether you’re new to fitness or are looking for your next athletic challenge, there’s a spot for you on the team. Keep an eye out for RCLADBT at club fairs, in the gym, or on Instagram to stay updated on try-outs, info sessions, and upcoming events.
By Cammyn Lim (BCom ’26) | May 28, 2025
