ENGINEER YOUR SPEED
World-class dragon boat coaching built on systems, science, and experience.
Meet Darwin
I’m Darwin Li – World Champion Coach, Canadian National Champion paddler, and systems thinker. I help paddlers and teams to improve by applying different systems to engineer speed in both the paddler and the team. A certified leadership trainer with 30 years of dragon boat experience, I have coached many paddlers to to Team Canada in both dragon boat and outrigger. I help high performers become elite in paddling, career, and life.
Speed comes from systems, not guesswork
I don’t coach by feel. I coach by systems. With a background in engineering and 25 years in IT, I bring a technical lens to paddling. I break it down into core systems like biomechanics, fluid dynamics, and stroke mechanics. The catch. The pull. The push. Each one has a role. Each one can be optimized. My method helps paddlers and teams move from instinct to intention and from good to race-ready.
System
[sys·tem /ˈsistəm]
noun
A combination of interacting elements organized and maintained to achieve one or more stated purposes.
Training for coaches, paddlers & teams
Whether you're refining your stroke, leading a crew, or rallying a team toward the podium, I offer tailored coaching that turns effort into execution. With a systems-based approach rooted in biomechanics, strategy, and clear feedback, I help paddlers and teams get faster – on purpose.
Hear from paddlers
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I've heard time and again from the coaches that it's my technique they like above all, and I have you to thank for that.”
- Jordan H.
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Darwin completely exceeded my expectations. He was extremely knowledgeable, he broke down the technique in a way that was easy to understand and apply, and I noticed real improvements in my stroke.
- Corina C.
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Just by seeing Darwin lead these sessions, I learned how to communicate what my team needs to do to bring their paddling to the next level. My confidence in the knowledge I have gained and the method that Darwin uses when teaching attendees of his clinics, has brought my coaching abilities to the next level.
- Annette M.
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You were our leader and guide, and you remain the first and best dragon boat coach I've ever had.”
- Jordan H.
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Balancing knowledge and humour, Darwin clearly and shamelessly demonstrated whole-body mechanics. Step by step he got us thinking about how connectivity, posture, tension, and torque can build up the energy needed to maximize our stroke from the catch through the release.
- Julie S.
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I am not new to the sport of Dragon Boat. I have had many wonderful opportunities during my 20 plus years. Coach Darwin is very knowledgeable, experienced and committed. He wants to see us succeed.
- Sharon L.
