The steady rhythm of paddles cutting through Salt Run has become a familiar sound near the St. Augustine Yacht Club, where the Salt Run Flyers continue to grow one of the area’s most unique and fast-rising sports programs.
Founded in 2015, the dragon boat racing team started after yacht club member John Meehan donated a dragon boat to the club. What began as a small recreational group quickly evolved into a competitive and community-driven organization with more than 40 active paddlers. Co-founders Jamie and Geri Rohrbaugh helped establish the program alongside early members Steve and Linda Bond, who now lead much of the team’s training and coaching efforts. Steve Bond currently serves as head coach and certified coach, while Linda Bond remains deeply involved in team development.
“Being part of this growing sport is deeply fulfilling,” Steve Bond said. “Whether paddling or steering, the sense of accomplishment keeps me motivated.” Certified steerer and coach Vickie Woltner also plays a key leadership role as the Flyers continue expanding participation and competition opportunities.
Dragon boat racing combines endurance, synchronization, and teamwork in a way few sports can replicate. Teams typically feature either 10 or 20 paddlers who move in unison while a steerer guides the boat and a drummer maintains the crew’s pace and rhythm. “We bring together a wide range of ages and abilities,” Jamie Rohrbaugh said. “Everyone contributes to a positive, competitive environment.”
That inclusive approach has helped the Flyers attract paddlers from a variety of athletic backgrounds and experience levels. Some members join for competition, while others participate for fitness, teamwork, and social connection. The team practices regularly on Salt Run, where the calm waters near the St. Augustine Lighthouse provide an ideal training environment. The Flyers also continue welcoming newcomers interested in learning the sport, regardless of previous paddling experience.
Since forming nearly a decade ago, the Salt Run Flyers have competed in races throughout Florida and earned 15 medals across multiple competitions. The team typically participates in two to four races annually, with the competitive season stretching from February through November. Dragon boat racing itself traces back more than 2,000 years to ancient China, where the sport began as part of cultural and ceremonial traditions. Over time, dragon boat racing evolved into an internationally recognized competitive sport with teams and festivals now held around the world.
The Flyers hope to continue building both their competitive profile and community presence in Northeast Florida. Several team members are already preparing for future international events, including a Breast Cancer Survivors dragon boat race scheduled to take place in France in 2026.
For many participants, however, the strongest draw remains the camaraderie created on the water. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see people grow stronger and learn new skills together,” Jamie Rohrbaugh said.
As the Salt Run Flyers continue practicing, racing, and recruiting, the team remains focused on the same principles that launched the club in 2015: teamwork, community, and the simple joy of paddling together.
For more information on the Salt Run Flyers and dragon boat racing, consider checking out their website.
