About Hell Gate Sea Dragons

Hell Gate Sea Dragons is the first and only dragon boat team located in Martin County, Florida . We are based out of Stuart/Palm City. The team is a foundation for women who are breast cancer survivors, but supporters are also welcome to join the team. Hell Gate is a narrow water marker in Martin County. We chose the name because it represents the journey Breast Cancer Survivors travel through. When one is diagnosed with breast cancer their world becomes narrow with only a focus on the disease and treatment. But as one becomes healthier then the world opens to a new outlook on life and new opportunities for the future. The team is all inclusive and is composed of men and women who like to paddle and get out on the water, have fun, motivate and support each other. No experience necessary. Contact us to give this amazing and fastest growing team sport in the world a try and to make new friends! 


Analogy of why we chose Hell Gate for our team name. When you are just living life, your world is wide open to all types of opportunities, Once a person is diagnosed with cancer the world becomes very narrow with the focus on treatment - seeing doctors, operations, medications, chemo, radiation then rehabilitation to gain strength. After months of focusing on oneself to recover the world will begin to open up again. What better way to live than to be on the water with a great emotional and physical support system than Dragon Boating? Nothing is better than leaving your troubles on shore while on the water practicing.

Regular team practices are held in Palm City on Saturdays at 7:30am and Wednesdays at 6:30pm and in Jupiter on Mondays at 6:30pm. All are asked to arrive approximately 30 minutes’ prior for check-in and warm-up exercises. 


If practice is cancelled due to bad weather (i.e. high winds, lightening, thunderstorms). If it is unsafe to go on the water, we sometimes have a get-together at a nearby restaurant.



Safety is first and foremost.


Leighton Park

2701 SW Cornell Ave, Palm City

Burt Reynolds Park West

2701 SW Cornell Ave, Palm City

  • Do I have to be a Breast Cancer Survivor?

    No, the club is all inclusive meaning women or men who are breast cancer or any cancer survivors plus our men and women supports.

  • What are Dragon Boats?

    A dragon boat is a human-powered watercraft originating from the Pearl River Delta region of China's southern Guangdong Province. These were made of teak, but in other parts of China, different kinds of wood are used

  • What is “Hell Gate”?

    It refers to the narrow and treacherous strait of water.   Hell Gate is a channel located just 1.6 miles from Sewall's Point, in Martin County, in the state of Florida, United States, near Palm City, FL.  Hell Gate is located at 26°58'36"N 80°5'11"W (26.9767200, -80.0864300).

  • What equipment do I need to paddle?

    We have all the equipment you need for 3 free introductory paddles plus to continue on the team once you decide to join. Equipment includes: paddles, and life vests. We ask that you bring a plastic water bottle and wear water shoes or sneakers to practice. For safety reasons, we do not allow sandals, flip flops or open toed shoes on the boat.

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