Our Mission
Paddle Vegas is a 501(c)(3) dragon boat club located at fabulous Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada. We are a public charity formed for the purpose of teaching, fostering and promoting dragon boat racing for youth and supporting and developing amateur athletes for competitions. We seek to include all paddlers of any athletic ability to participate in dragon boating. In addition to fostering competitive teams, we teach and encourage community dragon boat teams composed of youth ages 8-18, ParaDragons, and cancer fighters/survivors to discover the health benefits of the sport and build a supportive community on the water.
We’re deeply grateful for the generous support of Lake Las Vegas. They make it possible for us to pursue our mission and keep our community growing strong!
With their support, Paddle Vegas can promote teamwork, fitness, and friendship through dragon boating — inspiring people of all ages to get out on the water and be part of something special.
If you would like to support our mission by paddling, volunteering or donating, we would love to hear from you.
What is dragon boating?
Dragon boating is an exciting team sport that brings people together on the water for fitness, fun, and friendship! Paddlers sit side by side in a long, narrow boat decorated with a dragon head and tail during races, moving in perfect rhythm to the beat of a drummer.
Each boat is powered by 20 paddlers, guided by a steerperson, and driven by teamwork. It’s all about timing, energy, and working as one — no experience required! We have all the equipment you need!
Dragon boating started over 2,000 years ago in China and has grown into a worldwide sport that welcomes people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for a new challenge, a great workout, or a fun way to meet new people, dragon boating has something for everyone.
Come join us on the water — paddle hard, laugh loud, and be part of the crew!
What you need:
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Sign the Waiver (QR Code for Waiver)
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Athletic Attire, Water to Drink, and Be Ready for an Adventure!
Paddle Vegas is currently welcoming new paddlers on the first Sunday of each month. Experienced paddlers are welcome to join at any practice.
What you need
Athletic attire
Water to Drink
Be Ready for an Adventure!
Paddle Vegas is currently welcoming new paddlers on the first Sunday of each month.
Experienced paddlers are welcome to join at any practice.
Contact us if you're interested: paddlevegasdbc@gmail.com
Meet our board
Paddle Vegas is powered by passionate volunteers who love dragon boating and our community. Our board members dedicate their time and energy to organizing practices, events, and races, keeping our club running smoothly both on and off the water.
Each person on our board brings unique skills, teamwork, and heart to the role — helping create an inclusive, fun, and supportive paddling community for everyone.
We’re proud to be a 100% volunteer-run organization, and we’re always grateful for the time, effort, and enthusiasm our board and members contribute.
Together, we keep the boats moving forward — one paddle stroke at a time!
Michelle Briggs
President, Co-Founder, Coach
With the support of Lake Las Vegas, Michelle and Stacy founded Paddle Vegas to strengthen and grow the dragon boating community at Lake Las Vegas, where the sport has thrived since 2008.
A Las Vegas native and graduate of Bishop Gorman High School, Michelle began dragon boat racing in 2008 when St. Rose Hospital launched the Rose Regatta. What began as a local introduction quickly turned into a passion—within a few years, she was competing in dragon boat festivals across the country. Michelle is also a certified coach through the United States Dragon Boat Federation.
Michelle loves dragon boating for its inclusivity—welcoming participants of all ages, sizes, and athletic abilities—and for the strong sense of camaraderie that comes from being part of a unified crew.
She serves as Special Counsel to the Colorado River Commission at the Nevada Attorney General’s Office.
Marlys Van Dyke
Assistant Treasurer
Marlys started dragon boating in her late 50’s and has over 10 years of experience. She was happy to find a sport she could participate in and have fun! She’s raced all over including Vancouver BC, Arizona and everywhere in between. She is a certified coach by the United States Dragon Boat Federation.
She is most happy about all the different and wonderful people she’s paddled with - her paddling family! She encourages every one of any athletic ability to try dragon boating. Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with it! Marlys and her husband, Ray Lancaster, are 16 year residents of Lake Las Vegas and members of South Shore.
Stacy Miller
Secretary, Co-Founder, Assistant Coach
A proud graduate of Western High School and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Stacy Miller has called the Vegas Valley home since 1988. Her introduction to Dragon Boat came in 2021, sparked by a casual kayaking conversation at a friend’s birthday party that led to an invitation to try the sport. She immediately connected with the energy, teamwork, and healing power of paddling.
Stacy is deeply passionate about Dragon Boating and is dedicated to sharing its physical and mental benefits with others—especially cancer survivors, para athletes, and youth paddlers. As a co-founder, assistant coach, and board secretary, she works tirelessly to build a supportive, empowering, and inclusive community within the team.
A 26-year veteran of the Clark County School District, Stacy serves as the College and Career Coordinator at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, where she guides students toward their futures with the same enthusiasm she brings to the boat.
She resides in Henderson with her two children and two beloved furry companions.
Danielle Murillo
Assistant Secretary
Danielle has been a resident of Lake Las Vegas for 2 years since relocating from Northern California with her husband. She is an active volunteer in the community and serves on the Ladies Gather, Give, Grow committee working with numerous local charities throughout Henderson and the Las Vegas valley.
After moving to Lake Las Vegas, her husband was invited to attend a dragon boat practice. As a breast cancer survivor, Danielle joined a few months later to participate on the cancer survivor boat during the race at Lake Las Vegas. She is looking forward to paddling and building a team with other survivors.
Jodi Johnson
Treasurer
Jodi discovered dragon boat racing in 2011 when a co-worker invited her to join a team for the Rose Regatta that year. The causal sport quickly became a passion. She later teamed up with Marlys and Michelle to attend races outside Las Vegas. She loves the challenge, the sense of inclusivity, and the strong friendships that come from paddling together on the water.
Jodi is practically a native, moving to Las Vegas in 1994 from Northern California. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and has over 20 years of experience in the banking industry.
