Embroidered Dragons to assist in the control of your extended free-motion speed discovered on the Teflon; Order one of these embroidered dragon traction patches for only $10, installed on the top fabric of your new SS-10 here in the production shop or at the races. Doug

The following Dragon Saddles ON THIS PAGE are IDBF approved

2019 SS-L

dbl sided VelCro, Light, neoprene grip and Teflon top created for the 2019 World Championships in ThaiIand.

DS-W

Dragon Saddles at the 2022 Club Crew World Championships in Sarasota, The European Nations Championships at Banyoles, Spain and EDBF Euro Cup Championships in Dubai.

DS-W $68

Next to the Teflon, choose from this polycanvas selection or nylon

in solid colors.

Scroll down to see the handle choices.

Top is half Teflon

SS-10

Doug with Valerii Morgun, President of the Ukrainian

Dragon Boat Federation

Navigate at the top of the page.

All products are created by Douglas Bedgood between 1982 and 2023. Patents and patents pending. DRAGONSADDLE is a trademark owned by Dragon Saddle LLC

DragonSaddle.com

Ukraine National Team,

SS-11

Doug

DS-S $50

2021 SS-6

Damian Tapper, Great Britain National Team Senior 'A' at ENC Spain, purchasing model SS-9's for his team mates.

8"x16" 20cm x 40cm

DS-S

2018 DS-W

With removable insert and bench clips that are padded to protect the boat.

Reverse Teflon to the inside for the 200m sprints and sustained maximum intensity..

With or without Teflon magic if preferred.

An improved slip resistant base and Teflon technology with no mechanical bench fasteners. Stays in place with minimal body weight on top of the bench, wet or dry, if kept clean. The base works best if dipped in the water before placement to eliminate dirt, silt dust on a windy day with dirt in the air that could contaminate the material. Clean the dirt off the bench too. Warning: This will move on the bench if you thrust your body weight off the front. Use SS-11 for those techniques.

31-2"

32-2"

33-2"

34-2"

35-2"

36-2"

38-1.5"

39-1.5"

40-1.5"

42-44

3-D Diamonds

added to one side of any design /color

46-2"

47-2"

48-2"

49-2"

50-2"

51-1.5"

52-1.5"

DS-AG "Harley" 6oz and 10oz

Not only for beginners but for any paddler that wants all-grip on top for a continual connection with the bench. The DS-AG is used by the first winning CCWC Paradragons Division IDBF World Champions from the Philipines in 2022.

Using the rare qualities of Teflon magic, a thrilling opportunity to discover how much more you can do. SS-10 $62. Team and volume discounts.

Custom embroidered national team DragonSaddles were displayed and marketed at the 2015 IDBF World Championships in Welland, Ontario by Dragon Saddle LLC, Walton Sports and Hornet Watersports.

Dragon Saddles are used in world championship dragon boat racing. This site shows the science, materials, art and cost.

We are a benefactor to dragonboat clubs in Ukraine ordering 16 boats to start for existing and new clubs to practice when allowed back on the water. The UDBF will temporarily store the boats at the Polish border. Purchase Dragon Saddles to help our fellow paddlers in Ukraine. Send your additional support to dragonboats.udbfclubs@gmail.com at Paypal or to the QR code below.

Thank you!

The SS-6 has Bench Clips for insurance against seat movement, Teflon and assorted colors, fabrics, texture qualities with more or less traction, and handles to choose from.

Escribe aquí tu párrafo.

DS-S, The Original Dragon Saddle since 2009, is still very popular. It is " The Classic " dragon boat seat cushion known for adjustable comfort with 2 removable 100% chloroprene inserts. It was made for Kristen Stickels of Puff DBC at Oleta River in Florida, the first paddler to use one. Canada has been a large market for Dragon Saddles since the start.

Dragon Saddle Model SS-6, for serious sprint racing.

Models DS-S, DS-L, DS-T, DS-AG, DS-W, SS-L, SS-GG, SS-6, SS-9 and

SS-10 are in production. All other models are discontinued.

The best saddles for competition racing are the SS-6 and SS-9 because they are engineered as specialized sprint saddles that allow you the freedom to do more for boat speed. The best Dragon Saddle for beginners and also for all long practices is the original classic Dragon Saddle DS-S and model DS-W because the ride feels so good. SS-GG is not IDBF compliant.

The quick side release bench fasteners of the SS-9 will fit around the benches of BUK, Champion and most dragon boats. For Kahlua dragon boats, seats 3 and 8 will need to have the SS-6 with polymer bench clips. The clips fit on any seat. These saddles are intended for race-day short 200m-500m sprinting where BUK and Champion boats are commonly used.

The SS sprint saddles and DS-W contain an optional improved top half grip material for longevity and just enough to do the job, not over aggressive, iridescent and colorful or black.

There are Direct Sales for Sprint Saddles and Super Saddles, both direct and Retail Distributors for classic Dragon Saddles.

See the price list and contact Doug at dragonsaddle@gmail.com to place an order or for any questions.

Model DS-AG "ALL GRIP" 10mm is only $25 and 15mm thick is $30, an all-Purpose Dragon Saddle introduced in the 2017 product line, still requested and relevant for Paradragons or any paddler that prefers to stay put. The DS-AG is for some techniques that get traction from bench gravity and do not move much on the bench such as hip movement on Teflon. There is no Teflon on these. This is soft enough cushioning to sit on because the neoprene is pure premium polychloroprene isomer for practice and light for racing.

If you just sit on these SS sprint saddles they will only be a placebo. Move, find it, discover !!

2011

All products on this website are created

and hand-crafted in

Central Florida, USA

SS-9

$60

Pure PTFE Teflon

>>>>

TOP

DS-W $68 super soft thick chloroprene, 15mm + 6.5mm insert + bench clips. Remove the insert at races for compliance. Or choose the 15mm bonded layers with no insert pocket.

SS-11

The top of the DS-W or grip side of the SS-6, SS-9, SS-10 and SS-11 can be either a soft and aggressive raw polychloroprene shark grip for ultimate control and contrast or the following options: a color or black laminated nylon grip or one of ten varieties of semi-grippy polyester canvas patterns for more freedom of movement or degrees of grip across the top.

The top of the SS-9 has the Teflon magic next to your choice of material on the grip side described above for 2023.

The bottom is all soft grip, good on a wet or dry bench. The strong, single, quick-release bench fastener on SS-9 is rarely used but good to have for long distances, 2k turns and extreme edge of seat techniques. As light as 5 lbs of weight will grip this 10oz super saddle to the bench.

Some Dragon Saddle Product History

Are you wondering what happens in the body during that fractional second of "recovery" in the paddling stroke when the volume and quality of nerve impulses prepares for competitive action? Physiological recovery by the paddling athlete: The liver supplies glucose originating from glycogenolysis, glycogenesis, lactate generating lactic acid from pyruvate and anaerobic energy production in cell cytoplasm, pyruvic acid supply to the energy producing mitochondria that seek stored fatty acids and amino acids to cycle through the energy production demanded during paddling, anaerobic and aerobic energy production that work together, crossing paths in their adaptations to the demands of competitive paddling sport athletes.

DS-T"Kia"

pull tab

Anchor, lift, slide deep, move freely, Maintain Maximum Leverage ONthe paddle longer and farther, do more to Win.

Teflon with Alligators, Snakes and Dragons to sit on.

For 2024 is SS-11 arriving after fourteen years. This is the #1 Dragon Saddle for racing. It works! Here is simply why: The wider Teflon bends perfectly, just enough to get a deeper leg drive and much more power while preventing over-reach. Optimal Paddle Angle Is Maintained longer and farther on the wide Teflon platform side. Rotation or pivot are faster and farther too. Try Teflon inside for 200m and outside for 500m and 2K races. The extra wide double sided VelCro is for rapid attachment with a pull tab for fast removal.

10mm 6oz $28

15mm 10oz $33

2021 Sprint Saddles in production.

IDBF World Championships at Tampa, FL 2011

With Teflon

and bench clips

SS-11

NEW for 2024

Dragon Saddle

Teflon model SS-11 with unique width dynamics

SS-11

6.5 mm of our softest neoprene, smooth top, grippy bottom. A hole stretches over the paddle shaft for carrying.

The Teflon is an open door allowing the athlete to pass through on the way to a higher, much higher, unrestricted performace level.

DS-W "Cadillac" 1lb

theThe all-chloroprene model DS-W has your choice of a 6.5mm removable insert to adjust your comfort level at practice from 15-22mm or a continuous bond at 15mm thickness. The fastening choices are bench clips, QR buckle with webbing, double hook &loop, new grip base or 4" wide VelCro

DS-T $28

SS-9 with Teflon and two types of grip, this has no bench clips. It is light in weight, an elite racing seat at 15mm thick, has a single quick release fastener off-set under the Teflon. The flat nylon strap is very strong military grade in brilliant solid colors, is secure on the bench wet or dry. The fastener is only used for insurance in long distances or for sprints if you are on the very front edge of the bench.

The SS-9 is a performance tool worth much more than the price. Every serious paddler needs this in their arsenal.

SS-9 with aggressive grip or with a durable mild grip for the most freedom of movement while still maintaining control.

SS-6 with Teflon and Bench Clips

The Ukraine Club
Lakhidnyi Viter on the podium

2009 DS-S

The first Dragon Saddle

If you have ever been on a National team in the World Dragonboat Championships or hope to be, the Super Saddles are made for you.

This is race day equipment engineered for your team to celebrate winning. During your first use, you can maintain a vertical paddle blade through a much longer distance under full power and high velocity. Here are the details:

You can do more! You will contribute more to the team effort. Feels magical but be physically ready. Stay in control. It is all you. This is the newest equipment engineering in dragon boat racing for paddlers to discover the balance and timing between the sliding freedom of movement and using a grip effectively. Anchor the paddle blade in the water and push the boat forward with controlled power through a longer and faster vertical stroke. The contrast of Super Saddle quality "Smart" Teflon PTFE with the lowest coefficient of friction of any known solid material feels like a slippery liquid on the gunnel side next to a soft but aggressive grip or a medium grip surface neoprene material with just enough to maximize dynamic paddling efficiency. Reach with the entire body, reducing shoulder syndromes and injuries. Rapidly scoot far forward over the Teflon on the water side with a straight horizontal outside arm, driving down with the inside arm and entire upper body for deep entry into the water. Look forward to see the pacing group seats 1-3 with perfect timing. Use your quads for a major push from a solid footing.

The hull, the water, you, the team as one machine, the paddles, the motivation, the breathing, the thrust, the front boat wake are all one rhythm. Partial levitation forward you feel an escape for a moment from gravity. Reach out for deep blade dive, FULL-BODY DRIVE, and pivot using the extremes of glide and grip surfaces. The grip side is the pivot point, not the vertebral column. The glide side is for the stroke length. There is a timely initiation of a high velocity return-reflex using your core muscle complex. The outside hip slides to the position of optimal reach, then exploding with abs, double leg drive and your ENTIRE MUSCLE MASS.

Using your newfound ability to maintain maximum isokinetic leverage against the non-compressible water with intense focus against the vertical paddle blade through a longer stroke length, experience whole synchronism with the team. The inside grip is a solid point for stability during the contracting stroke and a lift-off point during the out-stretched, open reach. Keep air passages open by not looking down. The energy pathways of glycolysis transitioning to the mitochondria are hard at work. In a sprint race the pathway will begin 95% anaerobic in the first 10-15 seconds. By only 2 minutes it will become 50% aerobic and climbing from there. Cardio!!!

Taking advantage of DuPont Teflon, polytetrafluoroethylene, the glide side lets you know if you are using too much gravity on the reaching side of the bench by increasing surface temperature. The sprint saddles are made for serious paddlers to experience their ultimate racing ability, not the ultra-cush comfort of the original Dragon Saddle DS-S when you were learning the sport. Custom team or personal color combinations are available and so is "Property of" labeling. Polymer clips on SS-6 and DS-W are super convenient. If you choose the QR bench fastening on SS-9, it is a fast snap and snug pull around the bench. Buckle up at launch, pass the finish line, an effortless quick side release off the bench and you are back on shore. There are extensive bench fastening webbing color choices and carrying loop colors.

Take special care during transportation and handling to protect the Teflon on these valuable saddles from impact, abrasion, dirt, folding, bending, sun duration and solar heat on the grip portion on the top side. No washing machines. No throwing. Keep your saddles off the ground. Your sliding glutes and sit bones are going to leave your butt print on the Teflon to enhance the glide.

neoprene grip base

The Dubai Diggers, one of the top teams in the world, use SS-6

2018 SS-GG

with QR bench fasteners

Teflon on gunnel side for 500m+ races to fly over the water..

Dragon Saddle Model DS-W is all about ultimate comfort for long practices.

"Multi-Hybrid" 8-12oz Extreme Performance, Elegant in Simplicity, Profound in Results

Dragon Saddle LLC, since 2010, has a product line of high performance dragon boat racing seat cushions, training and coaching products.

Team discounts and occasional clearance pricing are available. To order the DragonSaddle or any product on this site, contact Doug at dragonsaddle@gmail.com with your proposed order, quantity for discount consideration, questions, and your shipping address for a shipping quote. The ordering page has a list of worldwide distributors as well. Doug invented all of the DragonSaddle products and makes them himself. To order, email Doug, dragonsaddle@gmail.com.

The new SS-11

$60 without Teflon, $72 with Teflon

Before Team Discounts

An example of a moderate contrast alternative for 2023, embossed alligator grip and a slippery irridescent snake or dragon scales SS-6 $76

Nathan Benderson Park had two artists create this sand sculpture..

SS-9 "Ferrari" under 1lb

NEW ECONOMY MODEL

FOR EXTREME PERFORMANCE

Making IDBF approved bench clips at the Dragon Saddle Factory 2023

SAMPLES

SS-9 is a low profile, light weight race machine at 15mm thick for record setting sprint times

with a single off-set QR fastener offset under the Teflon or centrally located for easier placement to buckle up for long distance insurance or extreme techniques and sharp turns around a buoy. Less bulk and weight than the SS-6. There is no mystery here. This is a race winner for the longer and faster reach.

SS-9 $60

4" 10cm wide VelCro

Low profile hook

2016

SS-GG

SS-6

Doug at ENC in Spain with Mike Haslam, founder of the IDBF, meeting about the dragon boats for clubs in Ukraine.

DS-AG

(all soft grip)

your choice of handles

Discover the experience of Teflon Super Saddle magic in a dragon boat race!

2023 SS-6

This is a new, aggressive contrast using embossed black alligator grip next to the Teflon; with bench clips, a durable upgrade. Go to the top navigation bar fror more Sample Fabric Combinations, SS-6 and SS-9.

BOTTOM

Dragon Saddles are not big, bulky, clunky, inferior foam seat pads just to sit on that deteriorate and wear out quickly. They are not sloppy velcro that doesn't last either. Dragon Saddles are about the science of specific paddling technique purposes engineered into each design. Dragon Saddles are the pioneers in dragonboat seat cushions. Be your best. Choose the DragonSaddle brand made in Florida.

See the $10 embroidered dragons below to have installed on your Dragon Saddle

DS-M $17

HANDLES and WEBBING

Over 40 choices 1" to 2" wide. #3 and #4 are two sides of the same handle. New arrivals are not shown yet. The seamstress is working on the sewing.

Many of these artistic designs were created in Tennessee and Alabama, USA.

with bench clips

DS-S "Classic" 1 lb

Examples

SS-L3 and SS-4 with team logo

Remove one or two inserts for IDBF race compliance.

DS-AG

and more

Teflon, pure and thick PTFE, is a polymer of carbon and fluorene(C2F4)n. Super Saddles, the SS models with Teflon glide on the gunnel side and grip - aggressive or moderate- on the pivot side, are for highly competitive racing, hand crafted and engineered for your reach, power and secure speed. Teflon PTFE has the lowest coefficient of friction of any known solid synthetic material. Try one on our test bench at the races.

"Ocean" is back for all models.

The SS-11 feels more complete than any other seat pad in the world.. It is for all paddling techniques, 20cm 8" wide x 40cm 16" long with a SEMI-FLEXIBLE overhang for front edge efficiency, extremely secure to the bench with 10cm 4" wide VelCro hook /loop, low profile hook and a pull tab for instant use. High durability, light high-end materials. Choose 10mm or 15mm thickness, with the magical Teflon or without, with or without a 5mm additional cushioning-adjustable insert when you choose without Teflon, various materials and colors next to the Teflon. Dragon patches are included. Choose one below. This is the top of the performance line. Expensive materials and Doug's labor. SS-11 $60-$72 before team discounts.

Marc, Team USA Coach,

at the Dragon Saddle Factory

" Newbie Heaven" 3oz

DragonSaddle

super saddle

Race Day Sprint Saddles, practice Saddles

for Dragon Boats

Available with the most racing contrast between white Teflon and black neoprene grip, more durable flat black or these options below for custom combinations with less frictional contrast on SS-6 or SS-9: Your choice of material!

< Slippery snake dragon scales in gold, red, blue, turquoise and silver or navigate at the top to Color Samples to see snake in gold or copper. Pretty but not even close to the Teflon glide. These are for a more moderate glide.

< Lightly gripped, very durable and embossed alligator in blue, black, red, black and red together, and white. Also in a the durable flat black that has the most grip in these fabric options. S

Navigate at the top to Sample Colors to see the embossed black Python.

TEFLON initiates a faster extension, longer reach, pivot, increased rotation AND a full leg drive with both legs, a DEEPER KICK! You can reach maximum isokinetic, core and FULL-BODY contractile power, duration and stroke length within the pace.

SS-6 $76

TOP with half Teflon Bottom with wide Velcro

All products on this website are proprietary to Dragon Saddle LLC and made in Florida. Ordering or questions, email Doug at dragonsaddle@gmail.com.

Cortar profundamente en el agua. Llegar lejos para un golpe de remo vertical largo.

A perfect gift !

SS-6 in Dubai

SS-10 2023

Direct Contact Ordering: email Doug, dragonsaddle@gmail.com

See prices on this home page with the descriptions. Send the model ID, carrying handle choice number, neoprene color to check availability, quantity, address, questions and send via email for the shipping quote, tax, payment methods and team discounts.

DragonSaddle@gmail.com

DS-W

Customize the feel if the extremes are too far apart for you: Iridescent snake in turquoise, red, or dragon scales in gold, turquoise or silver can replace Teflon and embossed black alligator can replace the raw neoprene grip for moderation of the coefficients of friction. Comparing with the extremes, Teflon is referenced as level #0, snake #2, nylon #3, alligator #4, carbon fiber pattern #5, raw neoprene grip #6 being the most aggressive comfortable grip.

Dragonboats for Ukraine

On Teflon, use the advantage of extended free-motion speed with power.

SS-10

The Dragon Saddle model is a professional, Maria Malva Torterolo from Argentina and Mt Dora, Florida

These are specialty dragon boat racing and practice seat pads with team discounts and volume pricing.

DS-M

SS-11

SS-6"Corvette" more than 1lb

returns to a platform

South Breeze

Some of the Windy City paddlers from Chicago at camp in Tampa 2018 with their Teflon and grip saddles plus polymer bench clips, the SS Dragon Saddles. They became one of the first top level racing teams where most of the paddlers used Doug's Teflon/grip contrasted Dragon Saddles with the new bench clips.

This is the Classic, the first and Original Dragon Saddle, all neoprene with two removable inserts and a grippy base against the bench. The top has laminated nylon fabric.15-25mm adjustable thickness. It has been popular since 2010. US$50

Navigate above to COLOR CHOICES to see the colors available for 2024.

DS-T 13mm 6oz, nylon laminated neoprene, red, black, royal, navy, ocean $28.

Add Teflon and Double Hook&Loop with pull tabs SS-L (2019) $42

The Dragon Saddle SS-6 simply and modestly offers a solid-feeling part-Teflon seat in highly competitive championships and for athletically intense and aggressive racing or sprinting drills. A premier paddler and even a new paddler can use this saddle with no comfort issues and still excel at their paddling stroke more than they ever did in their lifetime. Having both SS-6 and the DS-W among your dragonboating equipment is intelligent.

The SS-6 Dragon Saddle uses the IDBF maximum thickness,15mm of ultra cushion 100% pure chloroprene isomer, the premier neoprene foam product. The thickness includes handmade, padded bench clips to protect the boat, quickly and easily fastening the saddle to or unclip from the bench. The magic is in the Teflon side on top, contrasting with the grip side or fabric on the top. Teflon has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material. The bench clips are 1 1/2" 15cm wide placed within the thickness dimensions at the outer ends of the saddle, out of the anatomical compression zone. The overall length of the SS-6 is 13 1/2" 33cm, 1" 2.54cm longer than the Classic Dragon Saddle DS-S. The overall width is 6" 15cm wide. There is a carrying loop to easily fit over the paddle palm or T-top grips. The neoprene grip material wraps around the sides of the saddle with soft, round edges for even more paddling comfort and stability. More than half the length of the top is the PTFE magical pure Teflon that provides the water-side glide. Find out how to use it below. This is about winning.Your team logo or personal imaging, IDBF logo, model number and the paddlers name are located on the outside of the bench clips. SS-6max is identical but with less aggressive grip and more overall mobility.

Scroll down, down, down to see a large close-up of SS-6 and navigate to the Sample Fabric Color Combinations on the top navigation bar.

As a general rule, the more contractile tissue that is ignited at one time, the more powerful the paddling stroke will be physiologically and mechanically.

SS-6

Mike Thomas,

IDBF President

ENC

SS-9

Chris Moreau,

Montreal,

H2O

Bateau Dragon

DS-AG 2017

You can do more of a full body drive with less effort or do a lot more with more effort. Model SS-6 uses the extreme contrast of sprinting Teflon for increased swing to the front for up to 22% more length and power to the boat next to a soft and stabilizing aggressive neoprene grip or a mild grip using nylon laminated neoprene or fabrics in the photos below. The secure bench clips are outside of the anatomical compression zone and padded to protect the boat bench.

LET IT RIDE !

Doug

CUSTOM RACE-DAY SPRINT RACING DRAGON BOAT SADDLES , CLASSIC DRAGON SADDLES, SPRINT SADDLES, SUPER SADDLES, SUPER COMFORTABLE DRAGON SADDLES FOR PRACTICE,THE SCIENCE OF USING EXTREME CONTRAST WITH THE LOWEST COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION AND SOFT NEOPRENE AGGRESSIVE GRIP, PROPRIETARY BENCH CLIPS FOR SECURE SEAT POSITIONING, STRATEGICALLY PLACED QUICK RELEASE FASTENERS, PURE CLOROPRENE ISOMER NEOPRENE CLOSED-CELL FOAM FOR 15mm OF THICK COMFORT plus added removable inserts. WHY NOT USE THE VERY BEST.

The following Dragon Saddles ON THIS PAGE are IDBF approved

and more​

and more