The 2026 Design Your Own Dragon Boat Paddle Contest Is Open!

Posted by Hornet Watersports on October 02, 2026

Concept illustration of a dragon boat paddle changing from a blank sketch into colorful dragon and wave artwork

Entries open October 1 to 31, 2026

Your paddle. Your canvas. Your chance to take an idea onto the water.

Have you ever imagined a dragon boat paddle featuring your own artwork? A bold pattern, a meaningful symbol, or a design that captures why you love paddling?

The Hornet Watersports 2026 Design Your Own Paddle Contest is officially open. Create a design you would love to paddle with and enter for a chance to see it become a real Hornet paddle.

The prizeOne free paddle with your designOne winning design. Shipping included.

The deadlineOctober 31, 202611:59 p.m. Eastern Time (New York).

Get the outline and contest details

What would your paddle look like?

Maybe your inspiration comes from your crew, your home waters, your culture, or a story that matters to you. It could be a dragon, a landscape, a striking color combination, or something entirely unexpected.

You do not need to be a professional artist. Hand drawn, digital and AI artwork are welcome, as long as your design is original. Start with the official blade outline and make it your own.

Past winning designs: Dixon Liu's golden Sakura Koi, Nicx's intricate dragon, and Martin Tibang's sunny beach artwork — Different stories, the same starting point. From left: Dixon Liu, 2017 winner; Nicx, 2019 winner; Martin Tibang, 2020 winner.

How to enter

Official blank dragon boat paddle blade template for the 2026 contest

Start with a blank blade.

Print the free PDF to draw by hand, or open it in your favorite design app. Keep your artwork inside the blade shape.

Download the free template

Download the official outline.

Use the contest template so you can see how your artwork fits the paddle blade.
Create your design.

Choose an idea, explore your colors, and build something that feels like yours. A simple, recognizable design can be just as expressive as an intricate one.
Email your finished entry.

Send your design to contest@hornetwatersports.com using the subject 2026 Design Your Own Paddle Contest Entry.

Include your name, country, email address, design name, and a short description of your inspiration. A clear image or PDF makes your entry easy to review. Keep your original artwork file in case your design is selected.

All entries must arrive by October 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Posting on Instagram or Facebook does not count as an entry. Make sure you email your artwork to complete your submission.

From a design idea to a paddle on the water

Previous contest winner Daven Martin Tupas took his custom paddle to the 2026 IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Taiwan. An idea he created became a paddle he could hold and take onto the water.

Previous Hornet contest winner Daven Martin Tupas holding his custom paddle at the 2026 Club Crew World Championships in Taiwan — Daven Martin Tupas with his custom Hornet paddle. Previous contest winner.

This year, one winner will receive a free Hornet dragon boat paddle featuring their winning artwork, with shipping included. The Hornet team will choose the winner after entries close, announce the result on our Instagram and Facebook pages, and contact the winner by email.