The Polymer Bench Clips are Padded to protect the boat bench.

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.

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.

Making IDBF approved bench clips at the Dragon Saddle Factory 2023

SS-9

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.

DS-W

The all-chloroprene model DS-W has your choice of a 6mm removable insert to adjust your comfort level at practice or a continuous bond at 15mm thickness. Both have bench clips.

and more

SS-6

alive, wild and winning

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

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

DS-S

2018 DS-W

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

An example of a moderate contrast alternative for 2023, embossed alligator grip and a slippery irridescent snake or dragon scales SS-6 $70

2023 SS-6

This is a new, aggressive contrast using embossed black alligator grip next to the Teflon; with bench clips, a durable upgrade.

Mike Thomas,

IDBF President

ENC

Remove one of the two inserts for IDBF race compliance.

DS-W $60 super soft thick chloroprene, 15mm + 6mm insert + bench clips. Remove the insert at races for compliance. Or choose the 15mm bonded layers.

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. Kristen Stickels was the first paddler to use one.

DragonSaddle.com

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.

SS-9 is a lean and light race machine at 14mm thick

with a single off-set QR fastener under the Teflon for easier placement to buckle up for long distance insurance or extreme techniques. 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 $52 See the new material choices for SS-9 at the SS-6 description below.

Dragon Saddles are used in world championship dragon boat racing.

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.

SS-6 in Dubai

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.

South Breeze

This is the Classic and Original Dragon Saddle, all neoprene with two removable inserts and a grippy base against the bench, the oldest and most popular model. The top is nylon laminated with light grip. $50

Navigate above to COLOR CHOICES to see the colors available for 2023.

IDBF World Championships at Tampa, FL 2011

With Teflon and a neoprene grip

QR quick release buckle and webbing bench fastener, light with a thinner overall profile for traveling.

Bench Clips

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"

Doug with Valerii Morgun, President of the Ukrainian

Dragon Boat Federation

2021 SS-6

Models DS-S, DS-AG, DS-W, SS-GG, SS-6, SS-9 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.

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.

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

Ukraine National Team,

Model DS-AG "ALL GRIP" 15mm thick is only $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

DragonSaddle@gmail.com

SS-6 $70

New 2023 iridescent color choices for the top neoprene on Dragon Saddle models SS-6 and SS-9.

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

2016

SS-GG

2009 DS-S

DS-S 

$50

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

SS-6

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

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.

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.

SS-9 with Teflon and two types of grip, this has no bench clips. It is light in weight, an elite racing minimalist at 14mm 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.

DS-W

The Ukraine Club
Lakhidnyi Viter on the podium

All products on this website are made in Central Florida, USA

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

Discover how you can reach maximum isokinetic, core and full-body contractile power, duration and stroke length within the pace.

Our testing bench at the races

Marc, Team USA Coach,

at the Dragon Saddle Factory

DS-AG

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

A perfect gift !

Available with the most racing contrast between white Teflon and black neoprene grip or these options 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

< grippy embossed alligator in blue, black, red and white. Also in a low profile black "carbon fiber" pattern.

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.

SS-L3 and SS-4 with team logo

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, Teflon and assorted colors, fabrics, texture qualities with and without friction and handles to choose from.

Dragonboats for Ukraine

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.

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-W $60

2019 SS-GG

with QR bench fasteners

DS-AG 2017

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 short sprint 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.

SS-6

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

SS-9

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.

LET IT RIDE !

Doug

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

DS-AG

ECONOMICAL

Not only for beginners but for any paddler that wants all-grip 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.

2021 Sprint Saddles in production.

DragonSaddle

super saddle

Race Day Sprint Saddles, practice Saddles

for Dragon Boats

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

SS-9

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

Only $30

DS-S

Chris Moreau,

Montreal,

H2O

Bateau Dragon

DS-AG

(all soft grip)

15mm

your choice of handles

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

If you prefer Polymer Bench Clips, look at SS-6 sprint saddles. All are fabricated here at the Florida Dragon Saddle shop. Know that the clips add some weight and cost. Doug created the clips at a time when the IDBF rules did not allow surrounding the bench all the way around with anything. They are still the most convenient bench fastening system today.

The top of the DS-W or grip side of the SS-6 and SS-9 can be either a soft and aggressive raw polychloroprene grip for ultimate control or the following options: a black laminated nylon grip or one of ten varieties of outstanding iridescent colors and interesting designs for more freedom of movement or degrees of grip across the top, durable for many more years.

The top 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 8oz super saddle to the bench.

and more​

The following Dragon Saddles ON THIS PAGE are IDBF approved

and more