Keeping the Community Afloat and Moving Fast

• The Crown Jewel: The Marina is a proud sponsor of the Gig Harbor Canoe & Kayak Racing Team. This is the powerhouse crew behind the annual Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup - a massive community festival featuring everything from sleek kayaks and paddleboards to outriggers and massive dragon boats.

• The Spark That Started It All: Back in 2014, a group of novice paddlers wanted to try dragon boat racing, and the Marina's Ron Roark jumped in with both feet - buying them a massive 20-person dragon boat and giving it a home at the marina. Thanks to a partnership with PenMet Parks, that small group blossomed over the next seven years into the Gig Harbor Dragons, a thriving club with multiple boats and dozens of members practicing four times a week year-round!

• A Win-Win for the Community: The Paddlers Cup isn't just about bragging rights; it’s organized alongside the City of Gig Harbor and the Tacoma South Sound Sports Commission, with all race proceeds going right back to support the youth and racing teams.

• Unleashing the Dragons: The Marina also famously backed the JBLM 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade dragon boat team, who went on to dominate the Paddlers Cup championship for three out of four years.

 The Bottom Line: Whether you are racing a high-tech canoe or paddling a dragon boat with twenty of your closest friends, Gig Harbor Marina’s love for the sport effectively lifts all boats. They are proud to keep Gig Harbor’s paddling traditions making a splash year after year!