The Washington DC Taiwanese School boasts two remarkable dragon boat teams known for their exceptional performance and spirited camaraderie: the Humpbacks and the Belugas. These teams take pride in their unique whale-themed approach, drawing inspiration from Taiwan’s distinctive shape, which resembles that of a majestic whale.
The Humpbacks, composed of dedicated adults, embody strength, resilience, and experience, representing the powerful nature of the humpback whale. Their synchronized paddling and unwavering determination make them a force to be reckoned with in every competition.
On the other hand, the Belugas, comprising talented and enthusiastic youth, emulate the playful and spirited characteristics of the beluga whale. Despite their young age, they exhibit remarkable teamwork and an unwavering spirit, showcasing the potential of future dragon boat champions.
Together, these teams exemplify the Washington DC Taiwanese School’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of community, instilling a deep appreciation for Taiwanese heritage, and making waves in the thrilling world of dragon boat racing competing annually in the DC Dragon Boat Festival.
| Team | Result | Placement | Time |
| 2007 | (No official Record) | ||
| Washington DC Taiwanese School | 2007 Race Video 1 2007 Race Video 2 |
||
| 2008 | http://dcdragonboatfestival.com/files/WashDC2008_Results.pdf | ||
| Washington DC Taiwanese School | Festival Mixed 250m C Major Festival Mixed 500m C Major |
🥇 Gold 🥇 Gold |
1:25.710 3:21.610 |
| 2009-2015: Hiatus / No Team | |||
| 2016 | http://dcdragonboatfestival.com/files/WashDC2016_Results.pdf | ||
| Washington DC Taiwanese School | Education Cup 250m Festival Mixed 250m B Minor Festival Mixed 500m B Minor |
2nd 2nd 🥇 Gold |
1:19.941 1:18.859 3:17.360 |
| 2017 | http://dcdragonboatfestival.com/files/WashDC2017_Results.pdf | ||
| Washington DC Taiwanese School | Education Cup 250m Festival Mixed 250m B Minor Festival Mixed 500m A Minor DC Championship Race 250m |
2nd 🥇 Gold 3rd 4th |
1:21.402 1:10.578 2:44.884 1:13.670 |
| 2018 | http://dcdragonboatfestival.com/files/WashDC2018_Results.pdf | ||
| Washington DC Taiwanese School | Education Cup 250m Festival Mixed 250m A Major Festival Mixed 500m A Minor DC Championship Race 250m |
2nd 🥈 Silver 🥇 Gold 🥉 Bronze |
1:19.031 1:22.983 2:42.615 1:16.803 |
| 2019 | http://dcdragonboatfestival.com/files/WashDC2019_Results.pdf | ||
| Taiwanese School Humpbacks (Adult) | Education Cup 250m Festival Mixed 250m A Minor Festival Mixed 500m A Minor DC Championship Race 250m |
🏆 Cup Winner 2nd 3rd 🥉 Bronze |
1:18.799 1:18.247 2:51.493 1:09.877 |
| Taiwanese School Belugas (Youth) | Youth Cup 250m Festival Mixed 250m B Major Festival Mixed 500m B Minor |
2nd 🥉 Bronze 🥇 Gold |
1:20.727 1:23.616 2:43.303 |
| 2020, 2021: COVID Pandemic – Events Cancelled | |||
| 2022 | http://dcdragonboatfestival.com/files/WashDC2022_Results.pdf | ||
| Taiwanese School Humpbacks (Adult) | Education Cup 200m Festival Mixed 200m A Major Festival Mixed 500m B Major DC Championship Race 200m* *Festival ran out of time and used Cup race as time. |
🏆 Cup Winner 🥉 Bronze 🥇 Gold 🥉 Bronze |
0:51.196 0:53.381 2:39.020 0:51.196 |
| Taiwanese School Belugas (Youth) | Youth Cup 200m Festival Mixed 200m B Minor Festival Mixed 500m B Minor |
2nd 🥇 Gold 🥇 Gold |
0:59.764 0:58.640 2:45.303 |
| 2023 | http://dcdragonboatfestival.com/files/WashDC2023_Results.pdf | ||
| Taiwanese School Humpbacks (Adult) | Education Cup 200m Festival Mixed 200m A Major Festival Mixed 500m A Minor DC Championship Race 200m |
🏆 Cup Winner 🥈 Silver 2nd 4th |
0:58.180 0:58.900 2:33.370 0:54.564 |
| Taiwanese School Belugas (Youth) | Youth Cup 200m Festival Mixed 200m B Major Festival Mixed 500m B Major |
2nd 🥈 Silver 🥇 Gold |
1:00.830 1:01.870 2:37.900 |
| 2024 | http://dcdragonboatfestival.com/files/WashDC2024_Results.pdf | ||
| Taiwanese School Humpbacks (Adult) | Education Cup 200m Festival Mixed 200m A Minor Festival Mixed 500m A Minor DC Championship Race 200m |
🏆 Cup Winner 3rd 4th 4th |
0:54.387 0:55.289 2:35.677 0:54.922 |
| Taiwanese School Belugas (Youth) | Youth Cup 200m Festival Mixed 200m A Major Festival Mixed 500m A Minor |
🥈 Silver 🥇 Gold 3rd |
0:54.149 0:49.433 2:32.740 |
| Adult Team | Youth Team | |||
| Year | Captain(s) | Vice Captain(s) | Captain(s) | Vice Captain(s) |
| 2007 | Brad Yu | — | — | — |
| 2008 | Brad Yu | Charles Tsai | — | — |
| 2016 | Charles Tsai | — | — | — |
| 2017 | Charles Tsai | — | — | — |
| 2018 | Charles Tsai | TehLin Lee, Jimmy Suteerachai |
— | — |
| 2019 | Charles Tsai | TehLin Lee, Jimmy Suteerachai, David Tang |
Elina Lee | Vincent Tsai |
| 2022 | Charles Tsai | TehLin Lee, Jimmy Suteerachai, David Tang |
Elina Lee, Vincent Tsai |
— |
| 2023 | Charles Tsai | TehLin Lee, Jimmy Suteerachai, David Tang |
Elina Lee, Vincent Tsai |
Elizabeth Tang, Mitchell Suteerachai |
| 2024 | Charles Tsai | TehLin Lee, Jimmy Suteerachai, David Tang |
Elizabeth Tang, Mitchell Suteerachai |
Andrew Li, Matthew Tang, Ryan Tsai |
Ode to the Beluga
by Elina Lee / Vincent Tsai (2022)
Of the Beluga’s alluring form we write
Majestic figures who steal our sight
Imbue us with grace
O Sentinel of the deep, united, we shall race
Water flows, for arms tow together
Each blade part of a rhythmic propeller
As a pod we train
Despite rough rivers and stormy skies, we reign
Yet competition, as you will see,
Drives us to crush your hopes with glee
Try to stay alive
Whether we race two hundred meters or five
Violent and vicious, our jaws will snap
Steadfast and strong, we widen the gap
Left in our wake,
Your spirit will waver, twist, and break
“Twist” and “lean” and “dig” and “reach”
The things we scream and love to preach
Loathsome ire we whale draw
Stand up; stand by; stand back—in awe
Belugas Ballad
by Andrew Li (2024)
In waters fierce, the Belugas take the oar
Each stroke a testament to strength and might
With sinew’s song, we conquer waves that roar
As belugas, we emerge, a fearsome flight
In unity, we glide, a steadfast sight
Beneath the sun, we strive for something more
Our spirits soar, ignited by the light
In every beat, our passion we implore
Through trials faced, our bond grows ever strong
Each member, vital to our shared crusade
So let our tale be sung in realms afar
Of beluga hearts ablaze beneath each star
Together, we surge, a force unyielding
In the dance of waves, our destiny’s revealing