After a year off the water, members of the local dragon boating team are ready to return to the waves, paddles in hand, and are looking for new members.

In fact, team member Becky Rosencran said there has been renewed interest.

“It’s always good to see new people get excited about it,” Rosencran said.

Dragon boat racing began 2,000 years ago in China, but the North Puget Sound Dragon Boat Club is slightly newer — it’s been around for about 15 years. The club has one boat that measures 40 feet long, complete with the dragon head and tail used for special events, as well as some smaller boats.

The club has two teams that are geared towards different interests. Team Staying Alive is comprised of cancer survivors looking for a community of paddlers. Most are from Skagit Valley. Team Tsunami is a little more competitive, Rosencran said, and has more people from Oak Harbor.

The teams practice at least three times a week. If someone wanted to try it out first before committing to the team, the paddlers also host guests. Team members should be at least 16 years old and there is no upper age limit.

“It’s a great opportunity to get people together, and it’s really empowering,” Rosencran said.

• Anyone interested in joining the dragon boating crew should contact Rosencran at 55rrrosey@wavecable.com or by reaching out through the club’s website npsdragonboat.wixsite.com/dragonboat.